Top 10 Running Backs for Michigan's Class of 2021

Every year, the state of Michigan churns out big-time, talented running backs. For the Great Lakes State's class of 2021, the skill and ability of this upcoming season's backfield group is impressive indeed. The 2021 class of running backs in Michigan includes a player who squats 500 pounds, a back who's been timed at 4.21 in the 40-yard dash, another player who scored seven touchdowns in one game and a ball carrier ranked as the nation's No. 2 prospect at the position with offers from LSU, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Notre Dame and Alabama.

From Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Jerome Bettis (Detroit Mackenzie, Notre Dame), to schoolboy legend Tyrone Wheatley (Dearborn Heights Robichaud, Michigan, NFL), to Heisman Trophy winners Pete Dawkins (Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood (Army) and Mark Ingram Jr. (Flint Southwestern, Alabama, NFL), the state of Michigan has a rich history at the running back position. The class of 2021 backfield standouts look to continue that tradition this upcoming season.

Here are the state of Michigan's top 10 running backs for the class of 2021 --

Top 10 Running Backs for Michigan's Class of 2021 -- 

1. Donovan Edwards-6-1, 190-West Bloomfield -- Ranked the No. 2 running back recruit in the nation, Edwards is wanted by every major D-I college football program -- and for good reason. Edwards has it all, with size, speed, vision, footwork and toughness. Last season, Edwards rushed for 1,326 yards and 16 TDs, while catching 33 passes for 419 yards and five TDs. A four-year varsity performer at a suburban Detroit powerhouse and football factory (currently the Lakers have players at multiple Big Ten and high-level D-I schools including Michigan State, Michigan, Purdue, Missouri, Wisconsin and Syracuse, plus Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl LB Matt Judon is a former West Bloomfield standout), Edwards is the next great one to wear the forest green and white. Georgia, Michigan State, Michigan, Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Florida, Miami (Fla.), LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Texas, USC, Notre Dame offers.
2. Anthony Tyus-6-1, 210-Portage Northern -- Might be the state of Michigan's most complete running back, at least when it comes to speed, power and agility. Father played college football at CMU. Last season, Tyus rushed for 1,861 yards and 19 touchdowns for Northern, a school just outside of Kalamazoo. Also a high-level linebacker prospect. Named to the AP Division 1-2 (big school) All-State first team as a junior. Verbal to Northwestern
3. Cam Terry-5-9, 195-Grandville -- Has a quick burst through the line of scrimmage before using his 4.4 speed to outrun most any opposing defensive player. Highly under-recruited in my opinion, Terry has strength and power unique for a high school player. Already as a junior, Terry can bench press 320 pounds, while squatting 450 pounds. Big Ten? MAC? Check this player out...
4. Tyshaan Williams-6-0, 220-Battle Creek Central -- Raw, but pure physical talent, Williams looks like a Big Ten running back already as a junior standout for the Bearcats. Thick-legged and fast, Williams punishes opposing defenders unlucky enough to get in his way. Robbie Crockett (Iowa) and Larry Caper (Michigan State) are former Central running backs to go on to play big-time college football. Williams is the next running back stud for the Bearcats. Three-year varsity player, Williams runs a reported 4.5 40, benches 315 pounds and squats 485 pounds. Army, CMU offers. C'mon, Big Ten? Where are you on this kid?
5. Davion Primm-5-11, 195-Oak Park -- Primm comes from one of the state of Michigan's top programs in Oak Park. Last season's No. 1-ranked player overall, Justin Rogers (6-3, 300 OL-DL, Kentucky commit) is a former Knight. Future NFL running backs Edwin Baker (MSU, Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, New Orleans Saints ) and John Kelly (Tennessee, Los Angeles Rams, Super Bowl LIII) are also former Oak Park stars. Primm is the latest standout in the Knights' backfield rushing for 1,125 yards on 95 carries with 10 TDs last season. Verbal to Michigan State
6. David Holloman-5-11, 200-Auburn Hills Avondale -- Quite possibly the fastest player not only in the state of Michigan, but the Midwest. Holloman has been timed at 4.21 in the 40-yard dash. Last season, Holloman rushed for 1,236 yards on 106 carries with 16 TDs. He had 1,548 all-purpose yards last year. Holloman is not only a "one cut and go"-type of player, he's an all-around talent with excellent vision and the skill to set up blocks for extra yardage and to open up holes. Also a top defensive back prospect. Verbal to Indiana
7. Rae'Quin Lee-5-10, 175-Southfield A & T -- With quick feet and an explosive burst, Lee stood out last season on a Southfield A & T squad that sent two players to Purdue and one to Louisville. Seemingly faster than his reported 4.6 40, Lee, once he was in the open field, was rarely, if ever, caught from behind last year. Just scratching the surface of his talent, the ceiling is definitely high for this emerging star. Verbal to Ball State
8. Carson Vanderhoff-6-0, 205-Caledonia -- Powerful runner for Caledonia, a school near Grand Rapids, Vanderhoff squats 500 pounds. With brute strength, Vanderhoff also possesses good speed and footwork. Last season, Vanderhoff rushed for 1,729 yards and 19 TDs, earning AP Division 1-2 (big school) All-State first team. Rushed for a season-high 384 yards versus Holland West Ottawa and 331 yards against Grand Rapids Northview this past year.
9. Caden Woodall-6-1, 220-Livonia Stevenson -- This is a kid I believe is going to have a break out year next season. Woodall missed most of his freshman and sophomore seasons with nagging injuries. Healthy for the first time last year, Woodall was an absolute load for any defender to handle. With speed uncanny for a player his size, Woodall is tough to bring down in the open field or between the tackles. And once he gets to the second level, he has the breakaway speed to score from anywhere on the field. Rushed for 1,101 yards on 159 carries with 16 TDs last season. Also LB prospect. Woodall is a definite "sleeper/diamond-in-the-rough"-type prospect. But a surefire D-I college football player. CMU offer.
10. (TIE) Dorion Riley-5-9, 185-Jackson -- Explosive, shifty and fast back for Jackson. Riley was named to the Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team as junior rushing for a school record 1,743 yards and 20 TDs. In a 59-27 win over Ypsilanti Lincoln last season, Riley ran for 250 yards and scored a school record seven touchdowns. Brandon Miller-6-1, 180-Fenton -- Speed, speed, speed. Miller is one of the fastest players in the state of Michigan and one of the fastest in the nation. Miller finished third in the 200 meters in 21.1 at the AAU National Junior Olympics last summer and fourth in the 100 meters in 10.6. Miller is truly a game-breaker once he's in the open field. Also has the potential to be a lockdown-type corner at the next level. Very intriguing prospect. 

Other top running backs for Michigan's class of 2021 -- Brock Woodard-5-10, 185-Hillsdale (rushed for 1,201 yards on 126 carries with 13 TDs, while catching 14 passes for 254 yards and two TDs, named to Jackson Citizen Patriot Dream Team last season), Kolby Hindenach-5-10, 190-Paw Paw (rushed for 1,588 yards on 201 carries with 25 TDs last year, named to the Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team and Detroit News Division 3-4 All-State first team), Justin Whitehorn-5-8, 185-North Farmington (rushed for 816 yards and eight TDs, 1,020 all-purpose yards as junior, 255 bench press, 515 squat), Gage Chapin-5-11, 200-Midland Bullock Creek (rushed for 810 yards and seven TDs, caught 10 passes for 221 yards and three TDs last season, named to the Midland Daily News Dream Team), Will Alexander-6-0, 175-Sand Creek (rushed for 1,500 yards on 150 carries with 23 TDs last season).

PHOTO -- The No. 1 running back prospect in the state of Michigan (No. 2-ranked overall nationally), West Bloomfield's Donovan Edwards (6-1, 190) rushed for 1,326 yards and 16 touchdowns last season. Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma, Georgia, Michigan State, Ohio State and Michigan are a few of Edwards' offers.

PHOTO -- Battle Creek Central's Tyshaan Williams (6-0, 220) has an ideal combination of size and speed at the running back position. The state of Michigan's No. 4-ranked back, Williams is a physical, downhill-type, punishing ball carrier, who can run between the tackles or break outside for long touchdown gallops.

PHOTO -- Auburn Hills Avondale's David Holloman (5-11, 200) is one of the most explosive players in the state of Michigan, if not the Midwest. Timed at 4.21 in the 40-yard dash, Holloman, ranked the No. 6 running back in the Great Lakes State, can take it to the house from any point on the football field. Last season, Holloman rushed for 1,236 yards and 16 touchdowns. Holloman has verbally committed to Indiana.

Top 10 Wide Receivers for Michigan's Class of 2021

Besides the offensive line, I think the state of Michigan is strongest, year in and year out, at the wide receiver position. Take last season, for instance, the Great Lakes State had 14 wide receivers that I can remember sign Division I college football scholarships including Maliq Carr (Oak Park, Purdue), Rashawn Williams (Detroit King, Indiana), Earnest Sanders (Flint Beecher, Kentucky), Christian Fitzpatrick (Southfield A & T, Louisville), Abdur-Raheem Yaseen (Walled Lake Western, Purdue), Latrell Fordham (Davison, Ball State-now at St. Thomas More Prep School in Conn.), Anthony Enechukwu (Orchard Lake St. Mary's, WMU), Xavier Smith (River Rouge, EMU), Ian Stewart (Gibraltar Carlson, Michigan State), Devell Washington (Bay City Central, West Virginia), Marcus Sheppard (Detroit Country Day, Bowling Green State), Alec Ward (Bloomfield Hills, CMU), Anthony Romphf (Southfield A & T, Purdue) and Cam Martinez (Muskegon, Ohio State).

In NFL history, three wide receivers from the state of Michigan are listed in the Top 50 for all-time receptions (two in the Top 25) including Derrick Mason (943 catches, 19th all-time, Baltimore Ravens all-time leader with 471 receptions, Detroit Mumford, Michigan State), Muhsin Muhammad (860 catches, 25th all-time, Lansing Waverly, Michigan State) and Andre Rison (743 receptions, 42nd all-time, Flint Northwestern, Michigan State). Currently, Allen Robinson (Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Penn State) finished seventh in the NFL last season with 98 catches for the Chicago Bears.

For Michigan's class of 2021, there are, once again, multiple Division I-level wide receivers scattered throughout the state.

Here are the Top 10 wide receiver prospects for the state of Michigan's class of 2021 -- 

1. Tyson Davis-5-11, 170-Goodrich -- Amazing, electric, explosive athlete, first and foremost. Selected All-State in both football and basketball last year, Davis is lightning in a bottle. A dangerous kickoff and punt returner, Davis is arguably the top open field threat in the state of Michigan. Unbelievably not as highly recruited as I would expect. Last year Davis caught 45 passes for 975 yards and 11 TDs, while rushing for 324 yards and four touchdowns and returning one kickoff for a TD. Named to the Flint Journal Dream Team and AP Division 3-4 first team All-State. Verbal to CMU
2. Jace Williams-6-5, 200-Grand Rapids Catholic Central -- A match-up nightmare on the outside for any defensive back. With Williams in the line-up, the Cougars have won two consecutive state championships and three titles in the past four years. Last season, Williams was unstoppable against a very talented Detroit Country Day secondary (which included CB/WR standout Marcus Sheppard-Bowling Green State commit and Saborn Campbell-No. 9-ranked defensive back for Michigan's class of 2021) tying a Michigan High School Athletic Association record with three touchdown catches in Catholic Central's 44-0 Division 4 state championship-clinching victory over the Yellowjackets. Last year, Williams had over 900 receiving yards and 12 TDs. With a long reach and excellent jumping ability, Williams, also a top-level basketball prospect, is outstanding at going up and grabbing passes at their highest point. Named to the Grand Rapids Press Dream Team, Detroit News Dream Team and Division 3-4 All-State first team. Michigan State, Nebraska, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Boston College offers.
3. Andrel Anthony-6-2, 175-East Lansing -- Like Tyson Davis and Jace Williams, East Lansing's Andrel Anthony is crazy athletic. Also a standout hoops player for the Trojans, Anthony has everything a college coach would want in a receiver -- hands, speed, size, leaping ability and strong route running. Last season, Anthony caught 54 passes for 954 yards and nine TDs. Named to the AP Division 3-4 All-State first team last season as a junior. Verbal to U-M
4. Deion Burks-5-10, 170-Belleville -- A big-play waiting to happen, Burks is blazing fast and possesses strong, reliable hands. Combines with Belleville quarterback Christian Dhue-Reid (No. 1-ranked QB for Michigan's class of 2021) to form one of the Midwest's top pass-catch duos. Last season, Burks caught 35 passes for 871 yards and 12 TDs leading the Tigers to the Division 1 (big school) state semifinals. Named to the Detroit Free Press football Dream Team last year as a junior. Verbal to Purdue
5. Blake Bosma-6-4, 195-Holland West Ottawa -- One of my "sleepers/diamonds in the rough"-type players for Michigan's class of 2021. I love this kid. Three-year varsity starter for Holland West Ottawa (a program that has sent players to Michigan State, Michigan and Ohio State over the years), Bosma can jump out of the proverbial gym. Last season, he caught a school-record 82 passes for 1,100 yards. Named to the Holland Sentinel All-Area first team and the Grand Rapids Press Dream Team last year as a junior. Amazingly, Bosma has zero offers as far as I can tell (sorry young man if I'm incorrect). I sincerely hope I'm wrong about that as this kid is a high-level D-I college football prospect. Do I need to say it? Big Ten, MAC, c'mon, check this guy out...
6. Elijah Rikard -- 6-2, 180-U-D Jesuit -- A top two-way prospect, Rikard is also a high-level defensive back for the Cubs. With size, long arms and good hands, Rikard is a tough match-up for any DB to handle. Plays some of the best competition in the Midwest each and every week in the venerable Detroit Catholic League. Temple, Bowling Green State, EMU, CMU, Buffalo, Akron, Miami (OH), Kent State, WMU, Morgan State offers.
7. Darnell Adams-5-10, 175-Detroit Renaissance -- Another underrated player, in my opinion, in the state of Michigan's class of 2021. Adams is one of the top all-around players in the talent-rich city of Detroit. A scoring machine, Adams has a knack for finding the end zone. Last season, he scored 14 TDs, including three kick-off return touchdowns and two interceptions returned for TDs. As a receiver, Adams had 38 receptions for 727 yards, while as a defensive back, he had six interceptions. Adams has excellent feet, balance and one of the most explosive bursts in the state. Named to the Detroit Free Press All-Detroit first team last year as a junior. Highly under-recruited. This player is a gem just waiting for a smart, hard-working college recruiter to find.
8. Ali Fisher-6-1, 185-Ann Arbor Pioneer -- Fisher is a talented receiver and teams with quarterback Conor Easthope (No. 8-ranked QB in Michigan's class of 2021) to form one of the best combos in the state. Named to the Ann Arbor News Dream Team last season, Fisher caught 45 passes for 597 yards and eight TDs as a junior. Verbal to Buffalo
9. Amari Crowley-6-1, 180-Muskegon -- Maybe the best pure football player on this uber-talented Top 10 list. Will be a three-year starter for Muskegon, a national powerhouse program. I have Crowley at wide receiver since I feel that could possibly be his position at the next level. More than likely, he'll play quarterback next season for the Big Reds. Every bit as skilled as outgoing Muskegon QB Cam Martinez (Ohio State commit), Crowley is a big-play threat every time he touches the football. Last year, Crowley had 240 yards rushing with six TDs, while he caught 13 passes for 316 yards and three touchdowns. Crowley's stats might not be eye-opening, but he was just one important cog on a nationally-ranked (No. 18 in the country by USA Today) Big Reds team a year ago. Muskegon finished as Division 3 state runner-up last season. Ball State, Buffalo, CMU, Cincinnati, Army, Kent State, Miami (OH), WMU offers.
10. (3-WAY TIE) Finn Hogan-6-4, 190-Maple City Glen Lake -- Tall, lanky, athletic receiver for Glen Lake. One of northern Michigan's top D-I prospects, Hogan helped lead the Lakers to a Division 6 state runner-up finish last season. Also a talented basketball player, Hogan has a long reach and excellent leaping ability. Last year, Hogan had 602 receiving yards and 11 TDs en route to Associated Press Division 5-6 All-State first team honors and Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team accolades. Nick Steinacker-6-7, 220-Corunna -- An intriguing prospect, Steinacker has terrific size and reach. Also a defensive end prospect, Steinacker is one of the state's top pass rushers with his long reach and athleticism. Could also bulk up and play tight end at the next level. A strong, all-around player on both sides of the football, Steinacker's size and coordination make him a D-I prospect, in my opinion. Received U-M offer as freshman. Ezra McAllister-6-1, 185-Marshall -- Quick, elusive wide receiver who also doubles as a talented defensive back for Marshall. Runs a reported 4.4 40-yard dash, benches 230 pounds and squats 405 pounds. Verbal to Vanderbilt

Other top wide receiver prospects for Michigan's class of 2021 -- Lowyind Pullen-6-4, 190-Homer (it was difficult leaving him off this list, truly one of the best athletes at the WR position in Michigan, small town star, big-time sleeper prospect, was named to both the Jackson Citizen-Patriot football and basketball Dream Teams this past season, no other area athlete was so honored, 38 catches, 840 yards, nine TDs, double-double machine in hoops), Jalen Jackson-6-3, 175-Battle Creek Central (runs 4.5 40, CMU offer), Jeff Bowens-5-10, 160-Southfield A & T (Miami (OH), WMU offers), Clinton Roberson-6-2, 175-Macomb Dakota (Verbal to CMU), Darnell Johnson-5-9, 155-Belleville (CMU, Kent State, WMU offers), Troye Williams-5-11, 185-Roseville, Zach Poff-5-10, 180-Ithaca, Justyz Tuggle-5-10, 190-Detroit Central (named to Division 7-8 AP All-State first team as junior), Collin Wade-6-4, 190-Lake Fenton, Zach Horky-6-3, 200-Blissfield (Bowling Green State verbal for baseball), Jimmy Downs-6-0, 190-Schoolcraft (Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team pick, caught 40 passes for 871 yards and 11 TDs, returned two interceptions as DB for TDs), Chris Parker-6-2, 185-Saginaw Heritage (Verbal to CMU).

PHOTO -- East Lansing's Andrel Anthony (6-2, 175) is the state of Michigan's No. 3-ranked wide receiver prospect for the class of 2021. Anthony is verbally committed to U-M.

PHOTO -- Holland West Ottawa's Blake Bosma (6-4, 195) caught a school record 82 passes for 1,100 yards last season. Bosma, ranked the No. 5 wide receiver in the state of Michigan, earned Grand Rapids Press Dream Team and Holland Sentinel All-Area honors last year.

PHOTO -- Ann Arbor Pioneer's Ali Fisher (6-1, 185) was named to the Ann Arbor News Dream Team last season. The No. 8-ranked wide receiver in Michigan, Fisher has verbally committed to Buffalo.

Top 10 Defensive Back Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2021

The state of Michigan is arguably the No. 1 state in the Midwest when it comes to consistently producing big-time Division I college football talent in the defensive backfield. Every year, the Great Lakes State has at least 15-20 DBs capable of playing Big Ten-level college football. Michigan's class of 2021 is no exception when it comes to secondary talent -- the Great Lakes State is stacked at the position next season.

A multitude of state of Michigan kids played prominent roles on their respective D-I college football teams last fall from the secondary spot. Just off the top of my head, cornerbacks Lavert Hill (Detroit King), Ambry Thomas (Detroit King) and Vincent Gray (Rochester Adams) all started at one time or another for the University of Michigan this past fall in the defensive backfield. Hill is considered an NFL prospect in this year's draft. At Wisconsin, the state of Michigan duo of Scott Nelson (U-D Jesuit) and Reggie Pearson (River Rouge) were arguably the top safety combo in the Big Ten last year. At Purdue, another Great Lakes State safety combo of Navon Mosley (West Bloomfield) and Jalen Graham (Detroit Cass Tech) started most of the season last year together in the secondary, while over at Iowa, cornerback Michael Ojemudia (Farmington Hills Harrison) was a three-year starter and is an NFL prospect. Outside of the Big Ten, Evan Foster (West Bloomfield) was a three-year starter at safety for Syracuse and is an NFL prospect, while cornerback Allen Stritzinger (Warren DeLaSalle) was the nickel for the Orange this past season. At Mississippi State, Brian Cole (Saginaw Heritage) was a two-year starter at safety for the Bulldogs. Cole is an NFL prospect. Again, this is just off the top of my head. I'm sure with some additional research, I would find many more state of Michigan defensive backs starting or in the defensive backfield rotation for MAC teams and other D-I college football squads throughout the country.

In the NFL, again off the top of my head, current players from the state of Michigan patrolling the secondary this past season included safety Jeff Heath (Lake Orion, Saginaw Valley State), Desmond King (Detroit Crockett Tech, Iowa), Jourdan Lewis (Detroit Cass Tech, U-M), Delano Hill (Detroit Cass Tech, U-M), Khari Willis (Jackson Lumen Christi, MSU), Brandon Carr (Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Grand Valley State), Kavon Frazier (Grand Rapids Christian, CMU), Tavierre Thomas (Detroit Allen, Ferris State), Sean Murphy-Bunting (Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, CMU), Darius Phillips (Dearborn Heights Robichaud, WMU) and Avonte Maddox (Detroit King, Pittsburgh). I'm sure there are players I'm missing, but I simply wanted to give a brief representation of the amount and caliber of secondary talent the state of Michigan produces each and every year.

All that being said, here are the next crop of big-time talented defensive backfield performers for the state of Michigan's class of 2021.

Top 10 Defensive Backs for Michigan's class of 2021 -- 

1. Robert Army-6-1, 185-Southfield A & T -- The "Julian Barnett" of the state of Michigan's class of 2021. Barnett (class of 2019 in Michigan, now at MSU) was one of the top two-way cornerback-wide receivers in the nation his senior year at Belleville High School. Army is a similar talent at both wide out and corner for Southfield A & T. Army is just a good football player. He might not have blazing speed or big-time size, but his natural football instincts are, in my humble opinion, one of the best, if not the best, out of any position, in the state of Michigan. He's smooth, under control and precise in his movements and responsibilities on either side of the football. Verbal to Iowa State 
2. Jaylen Reed-6-0, 190-Detroit King -- Reed has been a standout in the King secondary for three years. Reed is basically neck-and-neck with Robert Army for Michigan's class of 2021 top defensive back prospect. A star for the nationally-renowned Crusader program, Reed has the speed to cover deep and the toughness to play near the line of scrimmage, take on blocks and make tackles. I love Reed's toughness and moxie when it comes to competing and playing the game of football. Verbal to Penn State
3. Armorion Smith-6-2, 190-River Rouge -- One of my favorites for the class of 2021. Smith is a linebacker playing safety for River Rouge, the defending Division 3 state champions. Smith has speed to burn, but is also extremely physical. Smith also has the skill to play in space as a cornerback. He could also possibly bulk up and play linebacker at the next level at 6-2, 225 or so and be outstanding. Following in the footsteps of recent Panther defensive backs Reggie Pearson (Wisconsin) and Daraun McKinney (Iowa) as a future high-level D-I secondary performer. Verbal to Cincinnati 
4. Quillen Howze-6-1, 180-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley -- Arguably the fastest player in the state of Michigan's class of 2021. Howze runs a 4.4 40-yard dash and a 10.8 100 meters -- and he's only a junior. Both of those times quite possibly could drop during his senior season. Outstanding prospect in the secondary or at wide receiver. He could play safety at the next level, but I like him developing as a lock down-type corner with his size and speed. Plays for Chippewa Valley, a suburban Detroit school and one of the state of Michigan's top big-school programs. Verbal to Buffalo, despite offers from Michigan State, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Pitt, Iowa State and Minnesota.
5. Kalen King-5-11, 170-Detroit Cass Tech -- The next great Cass Tech defensive back. Every year, the Technicians seem to have one or more defensive backs that are recruited nationally. King is such a great player. With excellent balance, feet and hips, King can blanket even the best receiver. A three-sport star for Cass Tech (he also plays basketball and runs track and field), King is intense, hard-working and dedicated. King's ceiling is as high, if not higher, than any player on this list. Verbal to Penn State. 
6. DeJavion Stepney-6-0, 185-Macomb Dakota -- I love a lot of these DBs in Michigan's talented class of 2021, but Stepney is right at the top of the list for me. Like Robert Army, Stepney seems like such a natural out on the football field. A "swiss-army-knife"-type of player for Dakota, one of suburban Detroit's best programs, Stepney plays defensive back, running back, wide receiver and returns kicks for the Cougars. Last season, he finished with 60 tackles, two TFL and two interceptions, while rushing for 1,226 yards and 12 TDs and catching 13 passes for 320 yards and one TD. A three-year varsity performer for Dakota, Stepney is athletic, fast and naturally talented. Verbal to CMU
7. Julius Sims-6-2, 185-Muskegon -- An absolute heat-seeking missile from his safety position for national powerhouse Muskegon. Opposing players better have their heads on a swivel with Sims prowling the secondary. Helped lead the Big Reds to the Division 3 state runner-up spot and a top 20 national ranking last season. Verbal to Bowling Green State
8. Tyreese Oakes-6-0, 180-Muskegon -- Teams with Julius Sims to form arguably the Midwest's top safety tandem. Like Sims, Oakes is constantly running downhill and striking hard from the safety position. With good speed and instincts, Oakes is a high-level prospect. A two-year starter for Muskegon, Michigan's all-time winningest program (and top 10 winningest in the nation), Oakes is a consummate football talent. CMU, Buffalo, WMU, Army, Toledo offers. Big Ten??
9. Saborn Campbell-5-11, 195-Detroit Country Day -- A ball-hawk of the highest order, Campbell is another lock down-type corner for the Yellowjackets. Campbell at No. 9 in my top 10 list of the best DB prospects in Michigan, is proof positive of how highly talented and skilled this position group is for the class of 2021. An elite athlete, Campbell picked off eight passes last season, leading Country Day to a Division 4 state runner-up finish. He was selected Division 3-4 first-team All-State. Has offers from Michigan State and Virginia for football, but is verbally committed to Stanford for baseball.
10. (tie) Maxwell Hairston-6-1, 175-West Bloomfield -- A tall, lanky cornerback prospect for West Bloomfield, a suburban Detroit program that has sent players to Michigan, Missouri, Wisconsin, Purdue, Syracuse and Penn State the past few seasons, Hairston is a quick, smothering-type DB that battles for every ball thrown his way. Verbal to Kentucky   Jaylin Mines-6-1, 190-Oak Park -- Hard-hitting safety for Oak Park. Mines has good speed and excellent size. I see him adding 10-15 pounds at the next level and bringing the pain from his secondary position. Verbal to Toledo, despite offers from Penn State, Pitt, Maryland, Rutgers, Kentucky.

Other top defensive back prospects for Michigan's class of 2021 (all are D-I recruits at some level) -- Leroy Watson-5-10, 165-River Rouge (Verbal to Army), Eric Reese-5-11, 170-Macomb Dakota (Verbal to CMU), Jacob Taylor-5-11, 170-Detroit Cass Tech (CMU, WMU, Bowling Green State offers), Anton Ricumstrict-6-0, 175-Mount Pleasant (Verbal to Buffalo), Jacob Bendtsen-6-2, 185-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (also top QB, threw for 1,800 yards and 26 TDs last season as junior), Daveon Turner-5-9, 165-Harper Woods (Verbal to Army), Joe Taylor-5-10, 170-Chelsea (named Division 3-4 All-State as junior, selected Ann Arbor News Defensive Player of Year as a sophomore, Verbal to U-M for baseball), Darryl Cooper-6-1, 180-Ecorse, Owen Franklin-6-1, 185-Oscoda (named to Bay City Times Dream Team last year, three-sport star for Oscoda, one of northern Michigan's best all-around athletes), Julian Ama-5-10, 170-Farmington, Rishad Hence-5-9, 165-Detroit King (Verbal to Akron), Jimari Moultrie-5-10, 175-Riverview (News-Herald Dream Team, News-Herald covers the southern Downriver Detroit suburbs) Rocco Milia-6-2, 175-Birmingham Brother Rice, Mason Breit-5-10, 180-Byron Center (Grand Rapids Press Dream Team as junior, three interceptions, 20 tackles), Logan Heath-6-0, 185-Merrill (Saginaw News Dream Team as junior, four interceptions, 62 tackles, 17 career interceptions). Jordan Wilson-5-11, 170-Ann Arbor Skyline, Eli Gordon-5-11, 170-Midland (selected to Midland Daily News Dream Team, had 37 tackles, six TFL), Trent Reed-6-3, 180-Beaverton (named Midland Daily News Player of Year as junior, led Beaverton to first-ever 9-0 record, 47 tackles, five interceptions as safety, with two picks returned for TDs, passed for 579 yards and seven TDs, while rushing for 1,080 yards and 16 TDs, one of northern Michigan's top prospects).

PHOTO -- Detroit King's Jaylen Reed (6-0, 190) is the No. 2-ranked defensive back prospect in the state of Michigan's class of 2021. One of the top recruits in the Midwest, Reed is verbally committed to Penn State.

PHOTO -- Muskegon's Julius Sims (6-2, 185) is a hard-hitting safety for national powerhouse Muskegon. Ranked the No. 7 overall defensive back prospect in Michigan's class of 2021, Sims helped lead the Big Reds to a Division 3 state runner-up finish last season. Sims is verbally committed to Bowling Green State. 

PHOTO -- Detroit Cass Tech's Kalen King (5-11, 170) is a lock down corner for the Technicians and the No. 5-ranked defensive back prospect in Michigan. An intense, hard-working competitor, King can shut down any receiver he's assigned to cover. King is verbally committed to Penn State.