Top 25 overall prospects for Michigan's class of 2015

Here is Michigan's class of 2015 top 25 college football prospects. Like the class of 2014, the class of 2015 is absolutely loaded with talent -- there is elite skill at every position. From top to bottom, the class of 2015 is stacked with Division I high major recruits.

1. Josh Alabi-6-4, 245-DE-OT-Detroit Cass Tech-could be next Joseph Barksdale (LSU, NFL)
2. Brian Cole-6-3, 195-WR-Saginaw Heritage-best Hawk recruit since NFLer Stu Schwiegert
3. Mike Weber-5-10, 190-RB-Detroit Cass Tech-could be best RB in state regardless of class
4. Carter Masek-6-3, 215-LB-East Grand Rapids-next great one from perennial powerhouse
5. Kyonta Stallworth-6-4, 270-OT-St. Clair Shores South Lake-Pac 12, Big Ten interested
6. Romello Ross-5-11, 175-DB-RB-Detroit Western-1,302 yds, 8 TDs, 6 ints. as soph.
7. Anthony Herbert-6-5, 290-OT-DT-Lapeer East-some say Lapeer's next Jake Long
8. Jon Wassink-6-2, 180-QB-Grand Rapids South Christian-2,564 yds, 23 TDs for state champs
9. Jayru Campbell-6-3, 185-QB-Detroit Cass Tech-back-to-back state champ, big time talent
10. Qi'antae Ewing-6-3, 220-LB-Gr. Rapids Christian-absolute beast, soph starter on D-3 champ
11. Alex Malzone-6-3, 195-QB-Birmingham Brother Rice-led Warriors to D-2 state championship
12. Tyson Smith-5-11, 170-DB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-great cover guy for D-3 state runner-up
13. Alex Grace-6-0, 190-RB-Saginaw Swan Valley-2,091 yds., 27 TDs last year, 4.4 speed
14. Chase Van Hoef-6-4, 270-OT-Grand Haven-mauler up front for Buccaneers
15. Cole Chewins-6-7, 210-TE-Clarkston-outstanding target, big upside for Wolves
16. Matt Skibinski-6-5, 245-OT-Livonia Churchill-starter at LT for Chargers as soph
17. Travis Russell-6-1, 170-QB-Gr. Rapids West Catholic-2,143 yds., 20 TDs for D-5 runner-up
18. Dakota Scholten-6-4, 235-LB-DE-TE-White Cloud-all around talent from small school
19. Rudy Hayes-6-3, 225-QB-Warren Michigan Collegiate-could play multiple positions
20. Logan Slaughter-6-5, 240-OT-DT-Mendon-best ever D-I recruit at small school powerhouse
21. Malik Swain-6-2, 280-DT-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills-big time run-plugger in trenches
22. Marcus Bowers-6-0, 215-LB-Fraser-makes plays all over field, Det. News All-Metro East pick
23. John Kelly-5-10, 175-DB-WR-Oak Park-playmaker on both sides of line for Knights
24. Clyde Pryor-6-4, 265-OT-Kalamazoo Central-big frame, good feet, equal Div. I recruit
25. A'vonte Bell-6-1, 215-LB-Lansing Sexton-speed and size make for great D-I combo

Next best -

26. Tyriq Thompson-6-1, 210-S-LB-Detroit King-big time hitter, strong tackler
27. Nick Krumm-5-10, 170-DB-Walled Lake Central-outstanding instincts, ball skills
28. Mitchell Quakkelaar-6-4, 240-DE-Gr. Rapids South Christian-starter as soph for D-4 champs
29. Josh Dabney-6-2, 260-DT-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-force up front for D-3 runner-up
30. Patrick Harbin-6-1, 190-DB-Detroit Loyola-hard-hitting safety with good size, speed
31. Ray Buford-6-1, 175-WR-Southfield-smooth receiver, U-M interest
32. Tristin Wiegers-5-10, 170-WR-Detroit Country Day-good hands, precise route runner
33. Keith Jones-6-1, 240-DE-Detroit Cass Tech-big time motor, returning starter for D-1 champs
34. Nate Couturier-5-10, 155-WR-RB-DB-Allendale-Grand Rapids Press Dream Teamer as soph
35. Blake Bockheim-6-5, 220-TE-Gr. Rapids Northview-Big Ten frame, another top GR prospect
36. Tyrone Miller-6-3, 180-DB-Saline-tall, lanky cover guy, smothers receivers
37. Jake Johnson-6-2, 175-QB-DeWitt-pinpoint passer, another top Div. I QB recruit for 2015
38. Shahid Bellamy-6-3, 265-DT-Oak Park-has size and mobility Big Ten schools crave
39. David Moorman-6-5, 275-OT-Northville-Big, athletic technician in trenches for Mustangs
40. Keshawn Gilmore-6-2, 190-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-should have breakout year as junior
41. Nick Marosi-6-2, 195-WR-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Good size, hands
42. Raumello Cooper-5-9, 165-DB-Flint Beecher-strong, quick cover skills as corner
43. Brandon Herzberg-6-2, 255-DT-OG-Brooklyn Columbia Central-hard-nosed, intense player
44. Grant Perry-5-11, 175-WR-DB-Birmingham Brother Rice-all-around player, quick feet
45. Ryan Roberts-6-7, 230-TE-Northville-Another Big Ten-sized TE, also top hoops player
46. Dekurtis Murphy-6-5, 305-OT-DT-St. Joseph Lake Michigan Catholic-D-I schools interested
47. Darryl Clemons-6-1, 205-LB-Detroit Loyola-returning starter for D-7 state runner-up
48. Trevon Avery-5-9, 170-DB-Grand Blanc-Cat-quick, natural talent, also skilled QB

Top 25 overall prospects for Michigan's class of 2014 (Updated)

With all the position rankings completed, here is my updated overall top 25 list for Michigan's class of 2014.

1. Malik McDowell-6-7, 290-DE-Detroit Loyola
2. Drake Harris-6-4, 185-WR-Grand Rapids Christian-verbal to Michigan
3. Jalen Watts-Jackson-5-11, 175-DB-Orchard Lake St. Marys-verbal to Michigan State
4. Chance Stewart-6-5, 215-QB-Sturgis-verbal to WMU (de-committed from Wisconsin)
5. Damon Webb-5-11, 185-DB-Detroit Cass Tech-verbal to Ohio State
6. Jordan Van Dort-6-5, 295-DT-Zeeland West-verbal to WMU
7. William White-6-2, 220-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-verbal to Toledo (despite Big Ten offers/interest)
8. Alec Stevens-6-4, 275-OL-West Branch Ogemaw Heights
9. Lorenzo Collins-5-10, 200-RB-Farmington Hills Harrison
10. Austin Labus-6-6, 285-OL-Portage Northern-verbal to Bowling Green State
11. Lawrence Marshall-6-4, 225-DE-Southfield-verbal to Michigan
12. Mitch Vonzittwitz-6-4, 240-TE-Utica
13. Tommy Doles-6-5, 250-OT-Grand Rapids Christian-verbal to Northwestern
14. Travis Smith-6-2, 200-QB-Ithaca-verbal to Toledo
15. Michael Tweh-5-11, 205-RB-Mount Pleasant
16. Paris Bennett-6-2, 215-LB-U-D Jesuit-verbal to Syracuse
17. Alex Neering-6-7, 240-DE-Essexville-Garber-verbal to CMU
18. Nick Matich-6-4, 260-OL-Clarkston-verbal to WMU
19. Kenny Finley-6-3, 265-DT-Muskegon-verbal to WMU
20. Chris Hendricks-6-4, 275-DT-Fruitport
21. Doug Freeman-5-11, 200-DB-Buchanan
22. Moe Ways-6-3, 185-WR-Detroit Country Day-verbal to Michigan
23. Jake Kasenski-6-5, 240-TE-Ludington
24. Connor Hayes-6-4, 270-OL-Traverse City West-verbal to Pittsburgh
25. Carl Fuller-6-3, 215-LB-Detroit King

Michigan's Greatest Pro Football Players

Here is a short capsule of one of Michigan's 50 greatest pro football players. From time to time I'll highlight a former Michigander who grew up in this state and/or played high school football here before going on to star at the professional level. Players from high schools throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas have gone on to receive Hall of Fame enshrinement, earn All-Pro accolades and start in Super Bowls during their distinguished professional football careers.

Here is a small write up for Gary Ballman from my book "Michigan's All-Time Top 50 Pro Football Players." Ballman, one of the best players ever from the state of Michigan, could do it all on the gridiron.

GARY BALLMAN

Despite being an eighth round pick in the 1962 NFL draft, East Detroit High School graduate Gary Ballman would go on to become one of the best receivers and kick returners of his generation. Coming out of Michigan State University as the 104^th pick in the draft, Ballman would play 12 years in the NFL for four different teams.

Originally drafted by Pittsburgh, Ballman played five seasons for the Steelers from 1962 through 1966. He then suited up for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1967 through 1972, before splitting his final professional season with the New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings in 1973. In total, Ballman played in 131 NFL games.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection in 1964 and 1965, Ballman was named first team All-Pro by the Sporting News in 1964 after catching a career-best 47 passes for 935 yards and seven touchdowns. He posted a 19.9 yards per reception average which ranked second in the league. His 935 receiving yards was fourth in the NFL. In total, his 1,364 all-purpose yards was seventh in the league during the 1964 year. In 1965, he caught 40 passes for 859 yards and five touchdowns. His reception yardage was ninth in the league, while his 21.5 average yards per catch ranked third in the NFL and his 1,055 all-purpose yards ninth.

For his career, Ballman (6-foot-1, 215 pounds) finished with 323 catches for 5,366 yards and 37 touchdowns. A deep threat, Ballman had receptions of 87, 80 and 79 yards during his career. In 1970, while playing for the Eagles, he caught 47 passes for 601 yards and three TDs. His 47 receptions were 10^th best in the NFL. 

While a dangerous receiver, Ballman was just as talented as a return specialist. His 93-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in 1963 is tied for seventh longest in Steelers’ history. With 64 total returns for 1,711 yards, he is among Pittsburgh’s career leaders, while his 26.7 yards per kick return is second best in the Steelers’ record book. In 1963, he had a career-best 22 kicks returned for 698 yards, which ranked sixth in the league,  one touchdown and a long run of 93 yards. His 31.7 yards returned per kick average that season was second in the NFL and is 17^th best all-time in league history.

With 66 career kickoff returns for 1,754 yards and one TD, Ballman’s 26.6 yards per kickoff return average over the course of his playing days, is 15^th in NFL history.

Also a productive runner when called upon, Ballman rushed for 202 career yards on 41 attempts for an average of 4.9 yards per carry with four touchdowns. In total, Ballman scored 42 career touchdowns for 252 points. A triple threat kind of player, Ballman was able to hit pay dirt and score TDs via pass reception, rushing attempt and kickoff return throughout his career.

An all around athlete, Ballman turned down a contract to pitch in the Major Leagues before being drafted by the Steelers. At Michigan State, Ballman played alongside fellow Michigan All-Time Top 50 gridders offensive lineman Ed Budde, center Dave Manders and tight end Fred Arbanas. Also a Spartan teammate during Ballman’s years at MSU was Pennsylvania native and future Hall-of Fame cornerback Herb Adderley.

 

 

 

 

Top 10 kicker prospects for Michigan's class of 2014

Each and every season Michigan produces multiple Division I college football placekickers and punters. This year the Great Lakes State has numerous returning All-State kickers. Here are the top 10 placekickers and punters for Michigan's class of 2014.

1. Kyle Bambard-5-9, 175-Walled Lake Western-Big Ten, D-I high major talent, PK
2. Jacob Howe-6-2, 250-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern-state's top P, also No. 10 DT
3. Jackson Maxwell-5-10, 170-Swartz Creek-Flint Journal Dream Team, 48-yd. FG, 34-37 PAT
4. Gabe Swanson-6-1, 220-Kingsford-U.P. Dream Team placekicker as junior
5. Spencer Howell-5-9, 165-Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes-AP Div. 7-8 All-State PK
6. Tommy Sanchez-5-10, 165-Detroit Westside Christian-AP Div. 7-8 All-State punter last year
7. Ryan Maguire-5-11, 185-Grand Haven-Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team placekicker
8. Corey Robinett-6-0, 170-Grass Lake-Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team punter as Jr.
9. Connor Storms-5-11, 170-Flint Carman-Ainsworth-Flint Journal Dream Team punter
10. Mickey Losey-5-10, 180-Portage Central-Kalamazoo Gazette All-Area punter, 37 yd. ave.

Other top prospects-Jason Alessi-6-0, 170-Birmingham Brother Rice (also one of state's best DBs), Kyle Haan-6-2, 185-Grand Rapids South Christian (booming kicks helped lead Sailors to D-4 state title last year), Andrew Click-6-0, 205-Portland (averaged 37 yards per punt for defending D-5 state champs).

Top 10 defensive back prospects for class of 2014

From Hall of Fame safety Paul Krause (Burton-Bendle) to perennial All-Pro shutdown corner Terry McDaniel (4-time selection from Saginaw, longtime Oakland Raider, 1988-1997, and along with Krause, one of "Michigan's All-Time Top 50 Pro Football Players") to current NFL standout Brandon Carr (Flint Carman-Ainsworth), Michigan has traditionally produced top-flight talent in the defensive secondary. This year's class of defensive backs is no different as every player on the top 10 list below (and many in the "other top prospects" list) is a Division I college football recruit. Here are Michigan's class of 2014 top 10 defensive back prospects.

1. Jalen Watts-Jackson-5-11, 175-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-one of state's best, pure talent
2. Damon Webb-5-11, 185-Detroit Cass Tech-prototypical lockdown CB, verbal to Ohio State
3. Doug Freeman-5-11, 200-Buchanan-unbelievable talent from small school, big-time sleeper
4. Tim Cason-6-0, 180-Clarkston-multiple Big Ten teams interested in hard-hitting safety
5. Byron Bullough-6-1, 205-Traverse City St. Francis-outstanding athlete, verbal to Michigan St.
6. Jalen Embry-5-11, 175-Detroit King-best King DB since current Detroit Lion Chris Greenwood
7. Deshaun Thrower-6-1, 195-Muskegon-best all around player on defending D-2 state runner-up
8. Mustafa Abdur-Rahman-5-11, 175-Macomb Dakota-six ints. last year, one returned for TD
9. Isaak Newhouse-6-0, 190-Grand Haven-Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team pick last year
10. Darrell McEntire-6-0, 170-Detroit Douglass-six ints. last year, two returned for TDs

Other top prospects-Dwayne Barfield-6-2, 180-Grand Rapids Christian, Angelo Prouix-6-0, 175-Warren Mott, Malik Fisher-6-2, 170-Grand Blanc, Chauncey Bridges-5-10, 170-North Farmington, Ross Williams-5-10, 165-Birmingham Groves, Carteris Carter-5-11, 190-Southfield, David Basirico-6-1, 180-Macomb Dakota (verbal to CMU), Alex Lewandoski-5-10, 180-Muskegon Catholic Central, Devon Harris-5-11, 165-Menominee (U.P. Dream Team, AP Div. 7-8 All-State pick a year ago), Sam Badalamenti-5-10, 185-Warren DeLaSalle (Det. News first team All-Metro East), Robert Kanitz-6-1, 185-Milan, Cody Peyok-5-10, 180-Reese (Bay City Times Dream Team, AP Div. 5-6 All-State), Dillon Dixon-5-11, 165-U-D Jesuit, Phillip Parham-5-9, 165-Detroit Cass Tech, Jason Alessi-6-0, 175-Birmingham Brother Rice, Chris Carter-5-11, 185-Birmingham Brother Rice, Eli Kraft-5-11, 175-Harbor Beach, Curtis Brunson-5-11, 175-Farmington (verbal to Ohio), Jevonte Alexander-5-9, 170-Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Trent Grimes-6-1, 200-Flint Powers Catholic (verbal to CMU).

Top 10 linebacker prospects for class of 2014

Here are the top 10 linebacker prospects for Michigan's class of 2014. From NFL players like Bart Scott (Detroit Southeastern), David Harris (Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills) and LaMarr Woodley (Saginaw) to college standouts like Max Bullough (Traverse City St. Francis, MSU) and Kenny Demens (Detroit Country Day, U-M), Michigan has an impressive history of churning out big-time linebacker talent. Here are the latest Division I-level college football linebackers from Michigan.

1. William White-6-2, 220-Detroit Cass Tech-three-year starter for two-time D-1 state champs
2. Paris Bennett-6-2, 215-U-D Jesuit-multiple Big Ten teams courting this bone-crusher
3. Carl Fuller-6-3, 215-Detroit King-great length and size from perennial PSL power
4. Devonte McGregor-6-4, 205-Taylor Truman-sub 4.6 40 for Downriver sleeper, also top TB
5. Deon Drake-6-1, 215-Detroit Cass Tech-already verbally committed to Michigan State
6. Brent Showers-6-0, 215-Rockford-super physical tackler for West Michigan powerhouse
7. Will Hunt-6-1, 225-Muskegon-leader of Big Reds defense, led team to D-2 state runner-up
8. Donnie Ernsberger-6-3, 220-Battle Creek Lakeview-Cereal City's top recruit, 106 tackles
9. Jake McKiernan-6-3, 205-Richmond-Detroit News Div. 3-4 All-State last season
10. Drew Dowding-6-2, 205-Michigan Center-Jackson Citizen-Patriot Player of Year as junior

Other top prospects-Jared Wangler-6-1, 215-Warren DeLaSalle (Penn State verbal), Tyler Jacqman-6-1, 215-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic, Stone Manczak-6-0, 210-Bay City Central, Preston Simon-6-3, 205-Portage Northern, Seth Malcolm-6-3, 220-Standish-Sterling, Preston Pelham-6-3, 220-Tecumseh, Chris Hill-6-3, 225-Birmingham Seaholm, Shaquan McGriff-6-0, 225-Ferndale, Randy Garvin-6-0, 210-Rockford, Jordan Cry-6-1, 215-Southfield, Damon Singleton-6-2, 210-Wyandotte (Ball State verbal), Paul Brown-6-0, 210-Grand Rapids Union, Shaun Jones Jr.-6-0, 215-Birmingham Brother Rice, DaJohn Strange-6-1, 205-Detroit Cody (85 tackles, 19 sacks a year ago).

Top 10 defensive tackle prospects for class of 2014

Here is the class of 2014 top 10 defensive tackle prospects for the state of Michigan. This group is one of the deepest and most talented in recent years. If a college head coach is searching for D-line help, Michigan in 2014 is the place to begin looking.

1. Jordan Van Dort-6-5, 295-Zeeland West-outstanding talent, plays TE as well, great mobility
2. Kenny Finley-6-3, 265-Muskegon-latest Big Ten-level recruit from Big Red program
3. Chris Hendricks-6-4, 275-Fruitport-another high level, Big Ten-type lineman
4. Chris Greca-6-5, 305-Grass Lake-intense, agile, big ol' nasty farm boy, made for Big Ten
5. David Beedle-6-5, 275-Clarkston-dominates trenches for one of state's top teams
6. Jake Khoury-6-3, 275-Traverse City St. Francis-terrific run-plugger for small school power
7. Archie Naert-6-3, 265-Reese-Divison I prospect from Michigan's Thumb region
8. Alberto Sandoval-6-3, 265-Birmingham Brother Rice-starter for D-2 state champions
9. Christian Dorobantu-6-4, 255-Tecumseh-speed forces constant double teams
10. Jacob Howe-6-2, 250-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern-elite player, also All-State punter

Other top prospects-Evan Wilson-6-1, 310-Monroe, Demere Ramey-6-1, 305-Muskegon Orchard View, John Smutny-6-2, 255-Saline.