I figured before beginning my position-by-position breakdown of the top players in the state for the class of 2016, I would unveil my updated list of Michigan's Top 175 football prospects for the class of 2017. The class of 2017 is loaded from top to bottom with every single player listed below a Division I college football recruit (at some level).
Michigan's Top 25 prospects for the class of 2017 --
1. Josh Ross-6-1, 220-LB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Big-time speed, instincts.
2. Emani Mason-6-4, 275-OT-Detroit East English Village-Elite technique, power.
3. Corey Malone-Hatcher-6-4, 245-DE-St. Joseph-Big Ten, SEC recruiting.
4. Nate Umlor-6-6, 255-TE-DE-Allendale-Could be state's best TE regardless of class.
5. Donovan Peoples-Jones-6-2, 195-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-Total package at WR.
6. Dez Lance-6-4, 245-DE-Sterling Hts. Stevenson-Big, fast, 4.6 40 reported.
7. Cameron Feguer-6-6, 285-OT-DeWitt-Massive OT from Lansing-area power.
8. Allen Stritzinger-6-0, 205-TB-SS-Warren DeLaSalle-2-way starter for D-2 champs.
9. Kahari Foy-Walton-6-3, 245-TE-DE-Lansing Sexton-Caught TD pass in D-4 final.
10. Ambry Thomas-6-1, 185-CB-Detroit King-Big corner with speed to burn.
11. Antjuan Simmons-6-1, 210-LB-WR-Ann Arbor Pioneer
12. Will Rodgers-6-4, 225-DE-TE-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Fluid athlete with speed, size.
13. Jaraymond Hall-6-5, 265-OT-Oak Park- U-M, Penn State offers.
14. Carter Dunaway-6-6, 225-DE-TE-Birmingham Brother Rice-Verbal to U-M.
15. Brennan Ward-6-4, 280-OT-St. Charles-Saginaw News Dream Teamer as soph.
16. Donovan Johnson-5-9, 160-CB-Detroit Cass Tech-Quick feet, hips.
17. Robi Stuart-6-4, 265-DT-OT-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic-Big Ten-level prospect, will be four-year starter, 4.8 40, also on school's hockey team and throws shot put (fifth in state as sophomore).
18. Marcus Sanders-5-7, 180-TB-Canton-2,000 yds. rushing, 22 TDs last season.
19. Rodney Hall-6-3, 210-QB-Detroit Cass Tech
20. K.J. Hamler-5-8, 155-WR-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-4.4 speed, holds MSU offer.
21. Johnathan Berghorst-6-3, 245-DE-Zeeland East
22. Bryce Wolman-6-3, 225-TE-Saline-Starter for D-1 state runner-up.
23. Andre Bailey-6-5, 310-OT-Detroit Mumford
24. Delvin Washington-6-3, 225-QB-Detroit East English Village-Div. 3-4 All-State first team.
25. Hunter Rison-5-11, 185-WR-DB-Ann Arbor Skyline- Verbal to MSU.
-- Look for players 26 through 50 tomorrow.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Friday, March 6, 2015
Michigan's class of 2016 top prospects No. 51 through 100
As usual, the state of Michigan is loaded with Division I-level high school football talent. The following list, though early and likely to change as the year progresses, is for Michigan's class of 2016 top prospects No. 51 through 100. Each player is a D-I prospect (high, mid or low) at some level, in my opinion.
51. Emanuel Jackson-6-0, 175-DB-RB-Novi-Verbal to WMU
52. Darrick Gibson-6-1, 320-DT-Clintondale
53. Gage Kreski-6-3, 190-DB-St. Ignace
54. Dontre Boyd-5-11, 175-DB-Detroit King-Verbal to WMU
55. Corey Pryor II-5-11, 185-DB-RB-Jackson
56. Mike VanHoeven-6-5, 305-OT-Paw Paw-Verbal to EMU
57. Gabe Bauman-6-3, 240-DE-Rockford
58. Chauncey Golston-6-6, 240-DE-Detroit East English Village-Verbal to Iowa
59. Marlon Dorsey-6-1, 170-DB-East Kentwood
60. Zach VanValkenburg-6-4, 235-DE-Zeeland West
61. Eyioma Uwozurike-6-5, 235-DE-Southfield Lathrup
62. Tommy Roush-6-4, 270-OG-Traverse City West
63. Michael Robb-6-6, 200-WR-Midland Dow
64. Colin Shock-6-2, 275-C-Macomb Dakota
65. Dan Perry-6-2, 265-DT-Lapeer
66. Lucas Thompson-6-0, 175-DB-Grand Rapids Christian
67. Jordan Asbury-6-4, 265-OT-Warren DeLaSalle-Verbal to WMU
68. Christian Boyd-6-2, 270-DT-Muskegon Mona Shores
69. Carmen Kolwich-6-4, 280-OT-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Verbal to Northwestern
70. Carl Myers-6-3, 245-DE-Grand Rapids West Catholic
71. Ian McInnis-6-2, 280-DT-Munising
72. Jake Smith-6-1, 175-QB-Ithaca
73. Dre'on Kemp-5-10, 185-RB-Battle Creek Lakeview
74. Justin Myrick-5-10, 185-DB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's
75. Cedric Boswell-5-11, 175-RB-DB-Birmingham Groves-Verbal to Iowa
76. Gabe Steed-6-1, 175-WR-Lowell
77. Corrin Jones-6-0, 175-DB-Detroit Mumford
78. Jelani Taylor-5-11, 185-DB-Flint Beecher
79. Simeon Kemp-6-0, 170-WR-Flint Hamady
80. Nolan Meekhof-6-1, 220-RB-LB-Grandville
81. Paul Hurley-6-2, 190-QB-Romeo
82. Hassan Hachem-5-10, 175-DB-Dearborn Fordson
83. John Camillari-6-0, 160-PK-Walled Lake Western
84. Tylen Redding-6-2, 170-DB-WR-Warren Mott-Verbal to Bowling Green State
85. Jesse Johnson-5-11, 180-DB-Detroit King
86. Lawrence Bryant-6-1, 225-LB-Detroit King
87. Nick Edney-6-2, 280-C-OG-Garden City
88. Alonzo McCoy-5-10, 175-DB-Redford Thurston-Verbal to Toledo
89. Josh Eldridge-6-4, 240-TE-DE-Clintondale-Verbal to CMU
90. Wade Buckman-6-6, 205-QB-Holland
91. Dante Razzano-6-2, 190-DB-Edwardsburg
92. Jonathan Brys-6-6, 245-DE-TE-Jackson Lumen Christi
93. Zach Kohn-6-3, 185-WR-Gibraltar Carlson
94. Austin Petrie-5-10, 210-RB-Livonia Stevenson
95. Sam Hartwig-6-5, 280-OT-Menominee
96. Anthony Fitzpatrick-5-11, 240-LB-Detroit Loyola
97. Lindrell Mitchell-5-11, 170-WR-Detroit East English Village
98. Brian Mack-6-3, 225-DE-Grosse Pointe South
99. Kobe Burse-6-2, 190-WR-DB-Muskegon Mona Shores-Verbal to Miami (OH)
100. (tie) Navon Mosley-6-0, 180-DB-West Bloomfield-Verbal to Purdue, Tony Palmer-6-0, 180-WR-RB-Lansing Catholic Central, Jeb Palka-5-10, 165-WR-Saline
(10 more, couldn't help it) --
101. Trent Stone-5-10, 185-RB-Holt
102. Zak Hill-6-4, 305-OT-DT-Roseville
103. Dylan Pasquali-6-4, 285-DT-Trenton
104. Jaylin Jones-6-4, 265-OT-Ypsilanti Lincoln
105. Kevin Koenig-6-4, 235-DE-TE-QB-Laingsburg
106. Mason Penix-6-6, 305-OT-Charlotte
107. Darren Johnson-6-4, 290-OT-Dearborn Heights Robichaud
108. Tim Walton-6-2, 225-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to Illinois
109. Isaiah Miller-5-10, 175-RB-Edwardsbug
110. (Tie) Hunter Buczkowski-6-0, 225-LB-Mount Pleasant (Verbal to CMU), Karson Murley-6-2, 265-OG-Lowell, Nate Jones-6-1, 220-LB-Muskegon Catholic Central, Alvin Clemons-6-1, 265-DT-Detroit Cass Tech, Joe Bob Walker-6-5, 225-QB-TE-Ann Arbor Skyline, Brevan Bender-6-1, 180-PK-P-Alma, Tamarion Johnson-6-4, 195-WR-Southfield Bradford Academy (Verbal to Miami (OH)), Brendon Bott-6-4, 255-DT-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills
-- Next, I'll breakdown the top prospects in Michigan's class of 2016 position-by-position, including Top 10, stats, measurables, postseason accomplishments, D-I offers/interests, etc.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Michigan's top football prospects for class of 2016 -- No. 11 through 50
Here are Michigan's top high school football prospects for the class of 2016 -- No. 11 through 50.
11. Demetric Vance-6-2, 200-DB-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to MSU
12. Stefan Claiborne-6-1, 175-DB-WR-Chippewa Valley-Verbal to WMU
13. Matt Falcon-6-1, 205-RB-Southfield-Verbal to U-M
14. Jalen Cochran-6-4, 230-LB-Canton
15. Martell Pettaway-5-9, 190-RB-Detroit King-Verbal to West Virginia
16. Hunter Broersma-6-1, 185-DB-WR-Muskegon Mona Shores-Verbal to WMU
17. Juanye Johnson-6-4, 285-OT-Muskegon
18. Dez Fitzpatrick-6-0, 185-WR-Farmington-Verbal to Louisville
19. Tom Kowalkoski-6-4, 280-OG-C-Detroit Catholic Central-Verbal to Boston College
20. Kumehnnu Gwilly-6-2, 205-DB-LB-RB-Utica-Verbal to CMU
21. Devin Taylor-6-0, 175-DB-Lansing Sexton
22. Deandre Oakes-Owens-6-1, 175-DB-WR-Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
23. Josh Jackson-6-2, 200-QB-Saline-Verbal to Virginia Tech
24. Bailey Edwards-6-2, 185-WR-Chelsea
25. Cedrick Lattimore-6-5, 255-DE-TE-Detroit East English Village-Verbal to Iowa,
(tie) Lavert Hill-5-9, 170-DB-Detroit King-Verbal to Penn State
26. Jalen Martin-6-2, 195-WR-Harper Woods Chandler Park
27. Armani Posey-6-2, 205-LB-WR-Detroit King
28. David Reese-6-1, 235-LB-Farmington-Verbal to U-M
29. Adetokunbo Ogundeji-6-5, 225-DE-Walled Lake Central-Verbal to Notre Dame
30. Pat Naughton-6-2, 210-QB-Comstock Park
31. Mark Wilson-6-1, 185-DB-WR-Detroit Renaissance
32. Kaleb Perry-6-2, 175-WR-Mount Pleasant-Verbal to WMU
33. Jake Cerny-6-5, 280-OT-Traverse City West-Verbal to Illinois
34. Alaric Jackson-6-7, 285-OT-Detroit Renaissance
35. Daryn Snow-6-3, 190-WR-Portage Northern
36. Trishton Jackson-6-3, 185-WR-West Bloomfield-Verbal to MSU
37. Eddie Rhodes-6-4, 240-LB-DE-Detroit Consortium
38. Tru Wilson-5-11, 180-DB-Warren DeLaSalle
39. Ba Blamo-6-0, 205-RB-LB-Grand Ledge
40. Ostell Martin-6-6, 300-OT-Detroit Cass Tech
41. Muad Motan-6-4, 315-OT-Ann Arbor Pioneer
42. Guy Brent-6-1, 175-WR-DB-Ann Arbor Skyline
43. Marquis Smith-5-11, 175-DB-WR-RB-Ypsilanti-Verbal to Kansas
44. Patrick Mayrand-6-4, 280-DT-Dexter
45. Trenton Fincher-6-7, 315-OT-East Kentwood
46. Quinn Nordin-6-0, 175-P-Rockford-Verbal to Penn State
47. Traivon Clayton-5-10, 165-DB-WR-KR-Dearborn Heights Robichaud
48. Brandon Randle-6-2, 215-LB-Battle Creek Central-Verbal to MSU
49. Montero Smith-5-10, 190-RB-Comstock Park
50. (tie) Tyler Bradfield-6-0, 185-DB-Rockford, Nolan Eriksen-5-10, 190-RB-Clarkston
Next, I'll list Michigan's top high school football prospects No. 51 through 100, followed by a complete statewide position-by-position Top 10 breakdown.
11. Demetric Vance-6-2, 200-DB-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to MSU
12. Stefan Claiborne-6-1, 175-DB-WR-Chippewa Valley-Verbal to WMU
13. Matt Falcon-6-1, 205-RB-Southfield-Verbal to U-M
14. Jalen Cochran-6-4, 230-LB-Canton
15. Martell Pettaway-5-9, 190-RB-Detroit King-Verbal to West Virginia
16. Hunter Broersma-6-1, 185-DB-WR-Muskegon Mona Shores-Verbal to WMU
17. Juanye Johnson-6-4, 285-OT-Muskegon
18. Dez Fitzpatrick-6-0, 185-WR-Farmington-Verbal to Louisville
19. Tom Kowalkoski-6-4, 280-OG-C-Detroit Catholic Central-Verbal to Boston College
20. Kumehnnu Gwilly-6-2, 205-DB-LB-RB-Utica-Verbal to CMU
21. Devin Taylor-6-0, 175-DB-Lansing Sexton
22. Deandre Oakes-Owens-6-1, 175-DB-WR-Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
23. Josh Jackson-6-2, 200-QB-Saline-Verbal to Virginia Tech
24. Bailey Edwards-6-2, 185-WR-Chelsea
25. Cedrick Lattimore-6-5, 255-DE-TE-Detroit East English Village-Verbal to Iowa,
(tie) Lavert Hill-5-9, 170-DB-Detroit King-Verbal to Penn State
26. Jalen Martin-6-2, 195-WR-Harper Woods Chandler Park
27. Armani Posey-6-2, 205-LB-WR-Detroit King
28. David Reese-6-1, 235-LB-Farmington-Verbal to U-M
29. Adetokunbo Ogundeji-6-5, 225-DE-Walled Lake Central-Verbal to Notre Dame
30. Pat Naughton-6-2, 210-QB-Comstock Park
31. Mark Wilson-6-1, 185-DB-WR-Detroit Renaissance
32. Kaleb Perry-6-2, 175-WR-Mount Pleasant-Verbal to WMU
33. Jake Cerny-6-5, 280-OT-Traverse City West-Verbal to Illinois
34. Alaric Jackson-6-7, 285-OT-Detroit Renaissance
35. Daryn Snow-6-3, 190-WR-Portage Northern
36. Trishton Jackson-6-3, 185-WR-West Bloomfield-Verbal to MSU
37. Eddie Rhodes-6-4, 240-LB-DE-Detroit Consortium
38. Tru Wilson-5-11, 180-DB-Warren DeLaSalle
39. Ba Blamo-6-0, 205-RB-LB-Grand Ledge
40. Ostell Martin-6-6, 300-OT-Detroit Cass Tech
41. Muad Motan-6-4, 315-OT-Ann Arbor Pioneer
42. Guy Brent-6-1, 175-WR-DB-Ann Arbor Skyline
43. Marquis Smith-5-11, 175-DB-WR-RB-Ypsilanti-Verbal to Kansas
44. Patrick Mayrand-6-4, 280-DT-Dexter
45. Trenton Fincher-6-7, 315-OT-East Kentwood
46. Quinn Nordin-6-0, 175-P-Rockford-Verbal to Penn State
47. Traivon Clayton-5-10, 165-DB-WR-KR-Dearborn Heights Robichaud
48. Brandon Randle-6-2, 215-LB-Battle Creek Central-Verbal to MSU
49. Montero Smith-5-10, 190-RB-Comstock Park
50. (tie) Tyler Bradfield-6-0, 185-DB-Rockford, Nolan Eriksen-5-10, 190-RB-Clarkston
Next, I'll list Michigan's top high school football prospects No. 51 through 100, followed by a complete statewide position-by-position Top 10 breakdown.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Michigan's Top 50 football prospects for class of 2016 -- Top 10
Sorry it's been so long since I've last posted, but as I've said before in this blog -- life happens. Though, "life," was happening, it doesn't mean I haven't still been scouring the state of Michigan to find and identify the state's top high school football talent.
As with 2015, the class of 2016 is absolutely loaded with big-time, top tier Division I college football talent. It seems as if every urban area in Michigan and multiple small towns and rural areas dotted throughout the state have Big Ten-level football talent this upcoming season.
Here are the Top 50 high school football prospects in Michigan for the class of 2016. As always, this list can and will change as the year continues, but at this moment, these are the players I've identified through my research. Michigan's five Division I college football programs would be well-advised to check out all of these players and, hopefully, stock and fill their future rosters with hard-working, talented kids from the Great Lakes State.
Top 10 prospects for Michigan's class of 2016 --
1. Tony Poljan-6-7, 230-QB-TE-DE-Lansing Catholic Central-I know it's ridiculously high praise for such a young man, but Poljan has such a high ceiling, potential-wise, than any Michigan prep football player in recent memory. Not only is he a D-I college basketball prospect, but he is Michigan's No. 1 high school football recruit, in my opinion. His athletic ability is off the charts for a player his size. Running a 4.7 40, I project Poljan as a 6-7, 270 Jason Witten-type TE at the next level, or a 6-7, 275 J.J. Watt-type DE or a 6-7, 245 Ben Roethlisberger-type QB. As I said, high praise, but his combo of size-speed-athleticism is exciting and his potential at the next level is crazy high. Verbal to Minnesota.
2. Daelin Hayes-6-3, 225-LB-Ann Arbor Skyline-Could bulk up to DE frame/size at 255-260 in college or could play LB at 245-250. Either way, with 4.5 speed, Hayes is an absolute train wreck of a hitter. Verbal to USC.
3. Lawrence Gordon-6-6, 255-DE-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Despite currently playing for a struggling program (though overall a legendary program in Michigan high school football history), Gordon is still one of the Midwest's top football prospects. Like Poljan, Gordon's ceiling is exceptionally high. He's raw, but unbelievably talented. He's the proverbial "diamond in the rough."
4. Michael Jordan-6-6, 280-OT-DT-Plymouth-What makes Jordan stand out is his quickness and footwork for a player his size. With long arms and solid, all-around coordination, I project Jordan to develop into a 6-6, 315 beast of a LT at the next level. Verbal to Ohio State.
5. Michael Onwenu-6-2, 305-DT-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-Onwenu is a star on either side of the football. I see him, though, as a Vince Wilfork-type immovable object in the middle at DT-NG at the collegiate level. Verbal to U-M.
6. Donnie Corley-6-2, 185-WR-DB-Detroit King-Quite possibly, besides Poljan, the state's best all-around football player on either side of the line of scrimmage. With great size and room to grow, weight wise, Corley is one of the Midwest's best, if not one of the nation's best, as a dual position player at the next level. With 4.5/4.4 speed range, Corley could be a devastating lockdown corner or a bruising, physical "over-the-middle" type receiver in college. Either way, he's a must get for our state's D-I football playing schools.
7. Eric Rogers-6-1, 235-LB-Warren DeLaSalle-The defensive leader of last year's D-2 state champions, Rogers is a tackling machine. Tough, physical and quick, Rogers will be a three-year starter for DeLaSalle, which plays in the rugged Detroit Catholic League, one of the nation's best. Verbal to WMU.
8. Thiyo Lukusa-6-5, 300-OT-Traverse City West-Oh man, I pity the defensive opponents who have to line up against this northern Michigan monster. With NFL size already, Lukusa projects out to a 6-5, 325 Big Ten-type pile-driver at the next level. Verbal to MSU.
9. Khalid Kareem-6-4, 260-DE-Farmington Hills Harrison-Playing for one of Michigan's perennial powerhouse programs, Kareem is a pass-rusher supreme, with the size and frame to bulk up in college (6-4, 275-285 range) and move inside/out to take advantage of his quickness (think Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks). Verbal to Alabama.
10. Mark Brooks-6-7, 250-DE-OT-Portland-My top sleeper pick that I'm putting in my Top 10. From a program that captured the D-5 state championship in 2012, Brooks is a small town kid with a huge Big Ten-level upside. Needs to improve overall speed, but could play DT-OT at the next level. Brooks is a player college coaches, not only from inside Michigan's borders, but also those throughout the Midwest, should be flocking to see and recruit. Verbal to WMU.
-- I'll post my 11 through 50 players in my next blog.
As with 2015, the class of 2016 is absolutely loaded with big-time, top tier Division I college football talent. It seems as if every urban area in Michigan and multiple small towns and rural areas dotted throughout the state have Big Ten-level football talent this upcoming season.
Here are the Top 50 high school football prospects in Michigan for the class of 2016. As always, this list can and will change as the year continues, but at this moment, these are the players I've identified through my research. Michigan's five Division I college football programs would be well-advised to check out all of these players and, hopefully, stock and fill their future rosters with hard-working, talented kids from the Great Lakes State.
Top 10 prospects for Michigan's class of 2016 --
1. Tony Poljan-6-7, 230-QB-TE-DE-Lansing Catholic Central-I know it's ridiculously high praise for such a young man, but Poljan has such a high ceiling, potential-wise, than any Michigan prep football player in recent memory. Not only is he a D-I college basketball prospect, but he is Michigan's No. 1 high school football recruit, in my opinion. His athletic ability is off the charts for a player his size. Running a 4.7 40, I project Poljan as a 6-7, 270 Jason Witten-type TE at the next level, or a 6-7, 275 J.J. Watt-type DE or a 6-7, 245 Ben Roethlisberger-type QB. As I said, high praise, but his combo of size-speed-athleticism is exciting and his potential at the next level is crazy high. Verbal to Minnesota.
2. Daelin Hayes-6-3, 225-LB-Ann Arbor Skyline-Could bulk up to DE frame/size at 255-260 in college or could play LB at 245-250. Either way, with 4.5 speed, Hayes is an absolute train wreck of a hitter. Verbal to USC.
3. Lawrence Gordon-6-6, 255-DE-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Despite currently playing for a struggling program (though overall a legendary program in Michigan high school football history), Gordon is still one of the Midwest's top football prospects. Like Poljan, Gordon's ceiling is exceptionally high. He's raw, but unbelievably talented. He's the proverbial "diamond in the rough."
4. Michael Jordan-6-6, 280-OT-DT-Plymouth-What makes Jordan stand out is his quickness and footwork for a player his size. With long arms and solid, all-around coordination, I project Jordan to develop into a 6-6, 315 beast of a LT at the next level. Verbal to Ohio State.
5. Michael Onwenu-6-2, 305-DT-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-Onwenu is a star on either side of the football. I see him, though, as a Vince Wilfork-type immovable object in the middle at DT-NG at the collegiate level. Verbal to U-M.
6. Donnie Corley-6-2, 185-WR-DB-Detroit King-Quite possibly, besides Poljan, the state's best all-around football player on either side of the line of scrimmage. With great size and room to grow, weight wise, Corley is one of the Midwest's best, if not one of the nation's best, as a dual position player at the next level. With 4.5/4.4 speed range, Corley could be a devastating lockdown corner or a bruising, physical "over-the-middle" type receiver in college. Either way, he's a must get for our state's D-I football playing schools.
7. Eric Rogers-6-1, 235-LB-Warren DeLaSalle-The defensive leader of last year's D-2 state champions, Rogers is a tackling machine. Tough, physical and quick, Rogers will be a three-year starter for DeLaSalle, which plays in the rugged Detroit Catholic League, one of the nation's best. Verbal to WMU.
8. Thiyo Lukusa-6-5, 300-OT-Traverse City West-Oh man, I pity the defensive opponents who have to line up against this northern Michigan monster. With NFL size already, Lukusa projects out to a 6-5, 325 Big Ten-type pile-driver at the next level. Verbal to MSU.
9. Khalid Kareem-6-4, 260-DE-Farmington Hills Harrison-Playing for one of Michigan's perennial powerhouse programs, Kareem is a pass-rusher supreme, with the size and frame to bulk up in college (6-4, 275-285 range) and move inside/out to take advantage of his quickness (think Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks). Verbal to Alabama.
10. Mark Brooks-6-7, 250-DE-OT-Portland-My top sleeper pick that I'm putting in my Top 10. From a program that captured the D-5 state championship in 2012, Brooks is a small town kid with a huge Big Ten-level upside. Needs to improve overall speed, but could play DT-OT at the next level. Brooks is a player college coaches, not only from inside Michigan's borders, but also those throughout the Midwest, should be flocking to see and recruit. Verbal to WMU.
-- I'll post my 11 through 50 players in my next blog.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Upper Peninsula/Northern Michigan All-Star football game -- let's do it!
It's about two months until the first ever Border Classic high school football game pitting some of the top players from Michigan against a squad from Ohio. The contest will be played June 14 at the University of Findlay in Ohio. Even though the rosters have already been set, I'll blog about the team I would have liked to have seen suit up for Michigan once the game draws nearer. Of course these types of all-star games never can have all the best players participate. There are always prior commitment problems and assorted other reasons why certain players cannot compete, but in a perfect world, I'll blog about the Michigan squad I would have loved to have seen take the field against Ohio.
All that being said, another game I would like to see happen someday and possibly become a showcase-type, highly anticipated and talked about event, would be a contest featuring the best players from the Upper Peninsula taking on a squad of the top gridders from northern Michigan. I haven't come up with a catchy name for the game yet, but officially it would be called "The Upper Peninsula-Northern Michigan High School Football All-Star Game." It would played right after the regular prep football season in early December at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Can you imagine the regional pride the game would bring about? I visualize the Superior Dome (aka Yooper Dome) absolutely packed with over 10,000 crazed fans screaming and cheering for their area football heroes. I don't think there is a better facility in the state of Michigan to host a big-time high school football game like the Superior Dome. It's large enough, yet cozy enough to provide and generate an electric, heart-pounding, ear-splitting, super-sized atmosphere. I think, if the games were competitive (which I think they would be), and all the stars would suit up and fans would pack the stadium, the U.P.-Northern Michigan "gridiron tussle" (I think I just might have come up with my catchy nickname for the game!) would become one of the best and most rabidly followed and talked about high school football all-star games in the country.
For fun, if the inaugural game was played this past season, here would be the line-ups for each squad. It's truly amazing the caliber of talent that would be on each team. Each squad would have multiple All-State and Division I college football talent sprinkled throughout its line-up.
I picture the U.P. team's colors being brown (or black) and yellow, with yellow helmets with a brown or black "U.P." logo on the side of the helmet. The northern Michigan squad's colors would be forest green and white, with forest green helmets with a white "N.M." type logo on the side of the helmets. I want it simple, Penn State or Alabama simple, when it comes to the helmets and uniforms.
Each team would have an honorary captain. This year's U.P. honorary captain would be somebody like Bessemer's Bob Jurasin, former Northern Michigan University standout, CFL All-Star, Grey Cup champion and Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer or Newberry's Rob Rubick, former Grand Valley State and Detroit Lion standout, while the northern Michigan honorary captain would be a former star like Traverse City's Mark Bramer, an All-Big Ten tight end at Michigan State and five-year NFL player with the Buffalo Bills or Cadillac's Jim Bowman, a former CMU star and NFL player with the New England Patriots.
The entire event would be a celebration of all things U.P./northern Michigan football. Maybe there would be a "George Gipp" (win one for the Gipper fame, a Calumet native) MVP trophy, a "Chuck Fairbanks" (Charlevoix native and former New England Patriots head coach and Oklahoma head coach at the collegiate level who is credited with helping install and make popular the 3-4 defense) Defensive Player of the Game trophy and a "Steve Mariucci" (Iron Mountain native and former NMU star who quarterbacked the Wildcats to the D-II national championship and later was a head coach in the NFL for the San Francisco 49er's and Detroit Lions, along with California at the collegiate level, noted for his offensive mindset and success on that side of the football) Offensive Player of the Game trophy and on and on...
Line-up for this year's game (if there would have been one!)-
--Players would be able to go both ways.
Upper Peninsula-
Head Coach-Jeff Olson-Ishpeming (two consecutive D-7 state titles)
Offense- (starters)
WR-Devin Harris-5-11, 175-Menominee
TE-Jeremy Bell-6-4, 220-Negaunee (All-U.P. at OT, but blocking TE on this team)
OT-Bryson Heimerl-6-3, 300-Iron River West Iron County
OG-Tyler Thomas-6-1, 280-Negaunee
C-Hayden Hardwick-6-1, 240-Rapid River
OG-Keith Denomie-6-2, 260-L'Anse
OT-Andy Ridolphi-6-2, 265-Iron River West Iron County
H-Back-Jake Pearson-6-3, 220-Rapid River (All-State QB, but needed at H-B)
WR-Kurt Burmeister-6-3, 200-Marquette
QB-Alex Briones-6-2, 215-Ishpeming (two-time state champ, CMU recruit)
RB-Ray'nell Anderson-6-1, 190-Sault Ste. Marie
Tyler LaJoie-5-10, 180-Negaunee
PK-Ryan LaBerge-5-11, 155-L'Anse
Defense- (starters)
DE-Bailey Lamb-6-1, 215-Escanaba
DT-Brad Gustafson-6-0, 250-Iron Mountain North Dickinson
DT-Sean Patchin-6-1, 265-Hancock
DE-Adam Mackey-6-3, 205-Ironwood
LB-Ryan Francour-5-9, 170-Menominee
LB-Eric Prestay-6-1, 220-Powers North Central
LB-Alex Briones-6-2, 215-Ishpeming/Jimmy Velker-6-3, 205-L'Anse
CB-Tyrus Millimaki-5-7, 150-Ishpeming
CB-Michael James-6-0, 160-Sault Ste. Marie
FS-Devon Harris-5-11, 175-Menominee
SS-Cole Tenghesdahl-6-2, 170-Kingsford
Nickel-Craig Qualley-5-9, 155-Iron Mountain
Dime-Brad Causley-6-3, 175-Cedarville
P-Eric Prestay-6-1, 220-Powers North Central
Northern Michigan-
Head Coach-Paul Walderzak-Standish-Sterling (32 years as head coach, retired this season)
Offense- (starters)
WR-Jalen Brooks-6-3, 185-Cadillac (All-State QB, but all-around athlete at WR)
TE-Jake Kaczynski-6-5, 240-Ludington
OT-Alex Stevens-6-5, 270-West Branch Ogemaw Heights
OG-Jake Wojtoviets-5-11, 255-Atlanta/Colton Hudak-6-2, 220-Cheboygan
C-Tristen Fleet-6-3, 275-Mancelona
OG-Connor Hayes-6-4, 290-Traverse City West
OT-Lucas Walesky-6-4, 270-Grayling
WR-Tyler McClanahan-5-11, 175-Grayling
H-Back-David Walker-6-3, 235-Harbor Springs
QB-Drew Marion-6-2, 185-Lake City
RB-Trevor Apsey-6-0, 205-Maple City Glen Lake
Nathan Fettes-5-7, 205-Lincoln Alcona
PK-Jake Gorter-5-11, 175-Traverse City Central
Defense- (starters)
DE-Clay Walderzak-6-3, 245-Standish Sterling
DT-Jake Khoury-6-3, 285-Traverse City St. Francis
DT-Lucas Weichel-6-4, 330-Lincoln Alcona
DE-Anthony Duran-6-2, 220-Petoskey/Seth Malcolm-6-3, 240-Standish Sterling
LB-Bryon Bullough-6-2, 220-Traverse City St. Francis
LB-Kaleb Hauser-6-2, 225-Kalkaska
LB-Brad Fall-6-0, 215-Marion
CB-Demetri Trice-5-10, 170-Gladwin
CB-Will Noble-6-2, 180-Kalkaska
FS-Seth Thomey-5-11, 160-Mio Au Sable
SS-Chris Lopez-6-2, 180-Rogers City
Nickel-Jens Gillings-5-10, 175-Whittemore-Prescott
Dime-Kevin Kunkel-5-10, 165-Lake City/Devin Griffus-6-1, 200-W. Branch Og. Hts.
P-Tyler Antar-5-10, 170-Alpena
-- The area of northern Michigan (for clarity's sake) for this all-star squad would be from Clare, north to Mackinaw City and all points in between.
All that being said, another game I would like to see happen someday and possibly become a showcase-type, highly anticipated and talked about event, would be a contest featuring the best players from the Upper Peninsula taking on a squad of the top gridders from northern Michigan. I haven't come up with a catchy name for the game yet, but officially it would be called "The Upper Peninsula-Northern Michigan High School Football All-Star Game." It would played right after the regular prep football season in early December at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Can you imagine the regional pride the game would bring about? I visualize the Superior Dome (aka Yooper Dome) absolutely packed with over 10,000 crazed fans screaming and cheering for their area football heroes. I don't think there is a better facility in the state of Michigan to host a big-time high school football game like the Superior Dome. It's large enough, yet cozy enough to provide and generate an electric, heart-pounding, ear-splitting, super-sized atmosphere. I think, if the games were competitive (which I think they would be), and all the stars would suit up and fans would pack the stadium, the U.P.-Northern Michigan "gridiron tussle" (I think I just might have come up with my catchy nickname for the game!) would become one of the best and most rabidly followed and talked about high school football all-star games in the country.
For fun, if the inaugural game was played this past season, here would be the line-ups for each squad. It's truly amazing the caliber of talent that would be on each team. Each squad would have multiple All-State and Division I college football talent sprinkled throughout its line-up.
I picture the U.P. team's colors being brown (or black) and yellow, with yellow helmets with a brown or black "U.P." logo on the side of the helmet. The northern Michigan squad's colors would be forest green and white, with forest green helmets with a white "N.M." type logo on the side of the helmets. I want it simple, Penn State or Alabama simple, when it comes to the helmets and uniforms.
Each team would have an honorary captain. This year's U.P. honorary captain would be somebody like Bessemer's Bob Jurasin, former Northern Michigan University standout, CFL All-Star, Grey Cup champion and Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer or Newberry's Rob Rubick, former Grand Valley State and Detroit Lion standout, while the northern Michigan honorary captain would be a former star like Traverse City's Mark Bramer, an All-Big Ten tight end at Michigan State and five-year NFL player with the Buffalo Bills or Cadillac's Jim Bowman, a former CMU star and NFL player with the New England Patriots.
The entire event would be a celebration of all things U.P./northern Michigan football. Maybe there would be a "George Gipp" (win one for the Gipper fame, a Calumet native) MVP trophy, a "Chuck Fairbanks" (Charlevoix native and former New England Patriots head coach and Oklahoma head coach at the collegiate level who is credited with helping install and make popular the 3-4 defense) Defensive Player of the Game trophy and a "Steve Mariucci" (Iron Mountain native and former NMU star who quarterbacked the Wildcats to the D-II national championship and later was a head coach in the NFL for the San Francisco 49er's and Detroit Lions, along with California at the collegiate level, noted for his offensive mindset and success on that side of the football) Offensive Player of the Game trophy and on and on...
Line-up for this year's game (if there would have been one!)-
--Players would be able to go both ways.
Upper Peninsula-
Head Coach-Jeff Olson-Ishpeming (two consecutive D-7 state titles)
Offense- (starters)
WR-Devin Harris-5-11, 175-Menominee
TE-Jeremy Bell-6-4, 220-Negaunee (All-U.P. at OT, but blocking TE on this team)
OT-Bryson Heimerl-6-3, 300-Iron River West Iron County
OG-Tyler Thomas-6-1, 280-Negaunee
C-Hayden Hardwick-6-1, 240-Rapid River
OG-Keith Denomie-6-2, 260-L'Anse
OT-Andy Ridolphi-6-2, 265-Iron River West Iron County
H-Back-Jake Pearson-6-3, 220-Rapid River (All-State QB, but needed at H-B)
WR-Kurt Burmeister-6-3, 200-Marquette
QB-Alex Briones-6-2, 215-Ishpeming (two-time state champ, CMU recruit)
RB-Ray'nell Anderson-6-1, 190-Sault Ste. Marie
Tyler LaJoie-5-10, 180-Negaunee
PK-Ryan LaBerge-5-11, 155-L'Anse
Defense- (starters)
DE-Bailey Lamb-6-1, 215-Escanaba
DT-Brad Gustafson-6-0, 250-Iron Mountain North Dickinson
DT-Sean Patchin-6-1, 265-Hancock
DE-Adam Mackey-6-3, 205-Ironwood
LB-Ryan Francour-5-9, 170-Menominee
LB-Eric Prestay-6-1, 220-Powers North Central
LB-Alex Briones-6-2, 215-Ishpeming/Jimmy Velker-6-3, 205-L'Anse
CB-Tyrus Millimaki-5-7, 150-Ishpeming
CB-Michael James-6-0, 160-Sault Ste. Marie
FS-Devon Harris-5-11, 175-Menominee
SS-Cole Tenghesdahl-6-2, 170-Kingsford
Nickel-Craig Qualley-5-9, 155-Iron Mountain
Dime-Brad Causley-6-3, 175-Cedarville
P-Eric Prestay-6-1, 220-Powers North Central
Northern Michigan-
Head Coach-Paul Walderzak-Standish-Sterling (32 years as head coach, retired this season)
Offense- (starters)
WR-Jalen Brooks-6-3, 185-Cadillac (All-State QB, but all-around athlete at WR)
TE-Jake Kaczynski-6-5, 240-Ludington
OT-Alex Stevens-6-5, 270-West Branch Ogemaw Heights
OG-Jake Wojtoviets-5-11, 255-Atlanta/Colton Hudak-6-2, 220-Cheboygan
C-Tristen Fleet-6-3, 275-Mancelona
OG-Connor Hayes-6-4, 290-Traverse City West
OT-Lucas Walesky-6-4, 270-Grayling
WR-Tyler McClanahan-5-11, 175-Grayling
H-Back-David Walker-6-3, 235-Harbor Springs
QB-Drew Marion-6-2, 185-Lake City
RB-Trevor Apsey-6-0, 205-Maple City Glen Lake
Nathan Fettes-5-7, 205-Lincoln Alcona
PK-Jake Gorter-5-11, 175-Traverse City Central
Defense- (starters)
DE-Clay Walderzak-6-3, 245-Standish Sterling
DT-Jake Khoury-6-3, 285-Traverse City St. Francis
DT-Lucas Weichel-6-4, 330-Lincoln Alcona
DE-Anthony Duran-6-2, 220-Petoskey/Seth Malcolm-6-3, 240-Standish Sterling
LB-Bryon Bullough-6-2, 220-Traverse City St. Francis
LB-Kaleb Hauser-6-2, 225-Kalkaska
LB-Brad Fall-6-0, 215-Marion
CB-Demetri Trice-5-10, 170-Gladwin
CB-Will Noble-6-2, 180-Kalkaska
FS-Seth Thomey-5-11, 160-Mio Au Sable
SS-Chris Lopez-6-2, 180-Rogers City
Nickel-Jens Gillings-5-10, 175-Whittemore-Prescott
Dime-Kevin Kunkel-5-10, 165-Lake City/Devin Griffus-6-1, 200-W. Branch Og. Hts.
P-Tyler Antar-5-10, 170-Alpena
-- The area of northern Michigan (for clarity's sake) for this all-star squad would be from Clare, north to Mackinaw City and all points in between.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Ferris State's 2014 recruiting class is off-the-charts good
Well, it's been a month or so since signing day and what a year it was for high school football in Michigan. With close to 80 players signing with Division I programs, the Great Lakes State continues to make its mark on the college football landscape.
While having players sign with D-I colleges is fine and dandy, no other state in the union has a stronger contingent of D-II football programs than Michigan. I don't have all the stats and figures, but I'd say it would be a pretty good bet that Michigan has more former D-II college football players competing in the NFL than any other state in the country. Our D-II schools are some of -- if not the -- strongest and most nationally prominent in the nation. That being said, I recently decided to take a look at our state's 2014 D-II recruiting classes and, boy, did our programs clean up. So many of the players committing to D-II schools in Michigan are definite D-I level gridders.
In looking over the classes, one group stood out the most. I think in the coming years, the GLIAC will start seeing a new power -- Ferris State. The Bulldogs' 2014 recruiting class is off-the-charts good. It's filled with high D-I level recruits. I'm excited to see how good Ferris State will be in three or four years when this season's class, combined with the 2013 class, will be juniors and seniors. It appears the GLIAC "block" just got a little tougher. Bulldog head coach Tony Annese is tearing it up on the recruiting trail in Michigan. Annese, wildly successful as a coach in Michigan, especially at state powerhouse Muskegon where he won three state championships in the 2000s, and at Grand Rapids Community College, where he won two national championships in 2009 and 2011, before hiring in as FSU head coach in 2012, could be one of the state's best college football coaches regardless of division. He's definitely one of the best instate recruiters. Grand Valley State has ruled the GLIAC for a while, but the Lakers might have consistent company at the top if Annese remains at FSU and continues to diligently recruit the state of Michigan.
Look at a few of the D-I level players Annese inked in this year's 2014 class-
Malik Taylor-6-2, 195-Montrose-WR-DB-LB-No. 13-ranked player in Michigan
Lorenzo Collins-6-0, 210-RB-LB-Farmington Hills Harrison-No. 25-ranked player in Michigan
Devonte McGregor-6-4, 205-LB-DE-Taylor Truman-No. 49-ranked player in Michigan
Kyle Baldwin-6-3, 245-DT-TE-Madison Hts. Madison-No. 56-ranked player in Michigan
Spencer Viening-6-1, 220-LB-Zeeland East-No. 65-ranked player in Michigan
Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 255-TE-OG-Portage Central-No. 71-ranked player in Michigan
Will Hunt-6-0, 220-LB-Muskegon-No. 79-ranked player in Michigan
Jalen Brooks-6-3, 190-QB-Cadillac-No. 99-ranked player in Michigan
Nashon Burns-6-3, 285-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-No. 102-ranked player in Michigan
Christopher Okoye-6-6, 320-DT-Detroit Catholic Central-No. 120-ranked player in Michigan
This class includes two players in Michigan's top 25, three in the top 50 and eight in the state's top 100. For a D-II school, that's pretty impressive, to say the least. In contrast, traditional and national powerhouse GVSU received commitments from two players in Michigan's top 100 and three total in the top 150 for the 2014 class. Grand Valley State is Grand Valley State and they'll continue to churn out GLIAC title contenders and NFL prospects every year, but the Bulldogs are definitely nipping at the Lakers' heels, especially with Annese at the helm.
Look at this possible line-up (with weights for players adjusted for time) for Ferris State in three or four years, when the classes of 2013 and 2014 are juniors and seniors. There is D-I talent at virtually every position.
(In a three wide receiver set)
WR-Brandon Moore-6-2, 200-Sr.-Montrose-My No. 1 wide receiver in the 2013 class
WR-Davon Haines-6-0, 180-Sr.-East Lansing
TE-Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 265-Jr.-Portage Central-Originally a CMU commit, could move to OG
OT-Tyler James-6-6, 305-Sr.-Stanton Central Montcalm
OG-Lamar Jenkins-6-2, 315-Sr.-Grand Blanc
C-Jake Daugherty-6-2, 290-Sr.-Big Rapids-Local boy, could play DT or OG, I like him at C
OG-Nashon Burns-6-3, 305-Jr.-Detroit Cass Tech-Three-year starter at state power
OT-Kevin Reidt-6-4, 310-Jr.-Chippewa Valley-Another three-year starter from power program
WR-Malik Taylor-6-2, 205-Jr.-Montrose-Could be next Jeff Janis (Tawas, SVSU, NFL draftee)
QB-Jalen Brooks-6-3, 200-Jr.-Cadillac-Dual threat run/pass QB
RB-Lorenzo Collins-6-0, 225-Jr.-Farmington Hills Harrison-My. No. 1 running back in 2014 class
(In a 4-3 defensive set)
DE-Dalvin Rubens-6-2, 255-Sr.-Taylor Truman
DT-Kyle Baldwin-6-3, 285-Jr.-MH Madison-Reminds me of Jason Jones (Lathrup, EMU, NFL)
DT-Torrey Appel-6-2, 305-Sr.-Grand Haven-Also OG, but I like him as run-stuffing DT
DE-Devonte McGregor-6-4, 245-Jr.-Taylor Truman-Needs to gain 35-40 pounds in three years
LB-Spencer Viening-6-1, 235-Jr.-Zeeland East-What a great get for Annese, star in the making
LB-Kaleb Ringer-5-11, 245-Sr.-Dayton, OH-Former U-M recruit.
LB-Anthony White-6-2, 225-Sr.-Lansing Everett-4.6 speed off the edge
CB-Ryheem Stokes-5-11, 185-Sr.-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Next D-II Brandon Carr
CB-Keyon Addison-6-1, 190-Jr.-Saginaw-Big time sleeper, 4.4 speed, D-I athlete
FS-Ato Condelee-6-0, 195-Sr.-Holland West Ottawa-D-I track recruit, speed to burn
SS-Jacob Allan-6-3, 210-Jr.-Portage Central
Sorry for the long blog on FSU, but I couldn't believe the class Annese brought in this season. Plus, when added with last year's class, the Bulldogs certainly look to be a power to be reckoned with in the coming seasons in the GLIAC. Should be interesting...
While having players sign with D-I colleges is fine and dandy, no other state in the union has a stronger contingent of D-II football programs than Michigan. I don't have all the stats and figures, but I'd say it would be a pretty good bet that Michigan has more former D-II college football players competing in the NFL than any other state in the country. Our D-II schools are some of -- if not the -- strongest and most nationally prominent in the nation. That being said, I recently decided to take a look at our state's 2014 D-II recruiting classes and, boy, did our programs clean up. So many of the players committing to D-II schools in Michigan are definite D-I level gridders.
In looking over the classes, one group stood out the most. I think in the coming years, the GLIAC will start seeing a new power -- Ferris State. The Bulldogs' 2014 recruiting class is off-the-charts good. It's filled with high D-I level recruits. I'm excited to see how good Ferris State will be in three or four years when this season's class, combined with the 2013 class, will be juniors and seniors. It appears the GLIAC "block" just got a little tougher. Bulldog head coach Tony Annese is tearing it up on the recruiting trail in Michigan. Annese, wildly successful as a coach in Michigan, especially at state powerhouse Muskegon where he won three state championships in the 2000s, and at Grand Rapids Community College, where he won two national championships in 2009 and 2011, before hiring in as FSU head coach in 2012, could be one of the state's best college football coaches regardless of division. He's definitely one of the best instate recruiters. Grand Valley State has ruled the GLIAC for a while, but the Lakers might have consistent company at the top if Annese remains at FSU and continues to diligently recruit the state of Michigan.
Look at a few of the D-I level players Annese inked in this year's 2014 class-
Malik Taylor-6-2, 195-Montrose-WR-DB-LB-No. 13-ranked player in Michigan
Lorenzo Collins-6-0, 210-RB-LB-Farmington Hills Harrison-No. 25-ranked player in Michigan
Devonte McGregor-6-4, 205-LB-DE-Taylor Truman-No. 49-ranked player in Michigan
Kyle Baldwin-6-3, 245-DT-TE-Madison Hts. Madison-No. 56-ranked player in Michigan
Spencer Viening-6-1, 220-LB-Zeeland East-No. 65-ranked player in Michigan
Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 255-TE-OG-Portage Central-No. 71-ranked player in Michigan
Will Hunt-6-0, 220-LB-Muskegon-No. 79-ranked player in Michigan
Jalen Brooks-6-3, 190-QB-Cadillac-No. 99-ranked player in Michigan
Nashon Burns-6-3, 285-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-No. 102-ranked player in Michigan
Christopher Okoye-6-6, 320-DT-Detroit Catholic Central-No. 120-ranked player in Michigan
This class includes two players in Michigan's top 25, three in the top 50 and eight in the state's top 100. For a D-II school, that's pretty impressive, to say the least. In contrast, traditional and national powerhouse GVSU received commitments from two players in Michigan's top 100 and three total in the top 150 for the 2014 class. Grand Valley State is Grand Valley State and they'll continue to churn out GLIAC title contenders and NFL prospects every year, but the Bulldogs are definitely nipping at the Lakers' heels, especially with Annese at the helm.
Look at this possible line-up (with weights for players adjusted for time) for Ferris State in three or four years, when the classes of 2013 and 2014 are juniors and seniors. There is D-I talent at virtually every position.
(In a three wide receiver set)
WR-Brandon Moore-6-2, 200-Sr.-Montrose-My No. 1 wide receiver in the 2013 class
WR-Davon Haines-6-0, 180-Sr.-East Lansing
TE-Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 265-Jr.-Portage Central-Originally a CMU commit, could move to OG
OT-Tyler James-6-6, 305-Sr.-Stanton Central Montcalm
OG-Lamar Jenkins-6-2, 315-Sr.-Grand Blanc
C-Jake Daugherty-6-2, 290-Sr.-Big Rapids-Local boy, could play DT or OG, I like him at C
OG-Nashon Burns-6-3, 305-Jr.-Detroit Cass Tech-Three-year starter at state power
OT-Kevin Reidt-6-4, 310-Jr.-Chippewa Valley-Another three-year starter from power program
WR-Malik Taylor-6-2, 205-Jr.-Montrose-Could be next Jeff Janis (Tawas, SVSU, NFL draftee)
QB-Jalen Brooks-6-3, 200-Jr.-Cadillac-Dual threat run/pass QB
RB-Lorenzo Collins-6-0, 225-Jr.-Farmington Hills Harrison-My. No. 1 running back in 2014 class
(In a 4-3 defensive set)
DE-Dalvin Rubens-6-2, 255-Sr.-Taylor Truman
DT-Kyle Baldwin-6-3, 285-Jr.-MH Madison-Reminds me of Jason Jones (Lathrup, EMU, NFL)
DT-Torrey Appel-6-2, 305-Sr.-Grand Haven-Also OG, but I like him as run-stuffing DT
DE-Devonte McGregor-6-4, 245-Jr.-Taylor Truman-Needs to gain 35-40 pounds in three years
LB-Spencer Viening-6-1, 235-Jr.-Zeeland East-What a great get for Annese, star in the making
LB-Kaleb Ringer-5-11, 245-Sr.-Dayton, OH-Former U-M recruit.
LB-Anthony White-6-2, 225-Sr.-Lansing Everett-4.6 speed off the edge
CB-Ryheem Stokes-5-11, 185-Sr.-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Next D-II Brandon Carr
CB-Keyon Addison-6-1, 190-Jr.-Saginaw-Big time sleeper, 4.4 speed, D-I athlete
FS-Ato Condelee-6-0, 195-Sr.-Holland West Ottawa-D-I track recruit, speed to burn
SS-Jacob Allan-6-3, 210-Jr.-Portage Central
Sorry for the long blog on FSU, but I couldn't believe the class Annese brought in this season. Plus, when added with last year's class, the Bulldogs certainly look to be a power to be reckoned with in the coming seasons in the GLIAC. Should be interesting...
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Grading the 2014 instate recruiting classes
Another national signing day has come and gone this season and as usual a significant number of Michigan kids put pen to paper making it official as to which school they will attend in the fall. This year, the Great Lakes State had 78 players (so far) from the class of 2014 sign national letters of intent with Division I programs. Last year, 63 players signed with Division I schools, while in 2012, Michigan had over 80 players sign with D-I programs.
Though having 78 players or so sign to compete at college football's highest level is impressive, I believe the state of Michigan should have no less than 100 gridders every season commit to Division I schools. Michigan has more than enough talent inside our borders to fill rosters of multiple Division I programs, especially at our five D-I in-state colleges.
With that in mind, here are my grades for Michigan's five Division I playing football schools and their overall recruitment and ability to sign our state's top players. Grades are only regarding each school's focus on and ability to scout, recruit and, in the end, attract and sign the best players in Michigan. The grade is not indicative of the overall class, including in-state and out-state players.
Michigan State-
B-
The Spartans did a solid job in Michigan this season, but not spectacular. Michigan State signed seven players from inside our borders out of a class of 22. Besides the seven from Michigan, the Spartans signed four players each from Illinois and Ohio, two from Florida and one apiece from Wisconsin, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia and New Jersey. Instate gridders I thought MSU missed on were WR-H-Back-P-K Cooper Mojsiejenko (6-4, 220) from Bridgman, DE Jonathon Williams (6-5, 235, 4.5 40) from Berrien Springs and LB William White (6-1, 220) from Detroit Cass Tech. Mojsiejenko, whose father Ralf played for Michigan State and later was a Pro Bowl punter in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, signed with CMU, while Williams, whose prep teammate OL Nick Padla committed to the Spartans, signed with Notre Dame and White, whose high school teammate LB Deon Drake signed with MSU, inked his signature with Buffalo.
Michigan-
C
The Wolverines did okay, I guess, in Michigan this year, but a part of me is a bit disappointed. The instate guys they did get are outstanding, but I simply would have liked to have seen more Michigan kids brought in by the Wolverines this season. I'm just sayin'... Out of a class of 16, U-M signed only four players from the Great Lakes State and two each from New Jersey, Maryland, Florida and Ohio. The Wolverines also signed one each from Illinois, Utah, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Instate guys I thought U-M missed on included DT-OG Jordan Van Dort (6-5, 285) from D-3 state champion Zeeland West, OG-C-DT Nick Matich (6-3, 300) from D-1 state title-winner Clarkston and OT Tommy Doles (6-5, 265) from Grand Rapids Christian. Van Dort and Matich signed with WMU, while Doles committed to Northwestern.
Eastern Michigan-
B
For the first time in more than a decade, the Eagles actually put the "Michigan" back in Eastern Michigan. Out of a class of 17, the Eagles inked nine players from the state -- imagine that. For first-year head coach Chris Creighton, being able to sign that many kids from inside the state's borders, in a very short amount of time after being a late hire, should please EMU fans everywhere. If Eastern and Coach Creighton can put together three or four more classes in a row like this one filled with talented Michigan players, the times, well, they will be a-changin' in Ypsilanti, that's for sure -- and for the better. EMU alumni and fans should be pleasantly encouraged by this class and Creighton's apparent focus on building his program with Michigan kids, as should be the case every year. Let's hope this trend continues. I guess only time will tell...
Western Michigan-
A
Wow, what can I say. What a class for the Broncos. No check that, what a MONSTER class for the Broncos. Coach P.J. Fleck, in his second season, has quickly turned WMU into a recruiting dynamo instate. Whereas previous head coaches at Western strangely and without explanation seemed to turn away, for the most part, from Michigan high school football players (despite the majority of the Broncos' future NFL players during those years hailing from Michigan -- go figure) and focus more outstate, Fleck has definitely made the inward move and opened up WMU's program to Michigan kids. Smart move, Mr. Fleck, smart move indeed. Look at the results. Out of a class of 27, the Broncos signed 12 players from the Great Lakes State, while four come from Illinois and two apiece from Indiana, Ohio and Florida. Rounding out the WMU class included one player each from New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Massachusetts.
Where to start, when discussing this class? How about up front, where we all know games are won. With signees like OT-OG Curtis Doyle (6-5, 305) from Alma, OT Chukwuma Okorafor (6-5, 275) from Southfield and OT Elliot Jordan (6-7, 265) from East Kentwood, Western has three Big Ten-level guys to build its future offensive line around. Throw in DT-OG Jordan Van Dort (6-5, 285) from Zeeland West, DT Kenny Finley (6-3, 280) from Muskegon and DT-C-OG Nick Matich (6-3, 300) from Clarkston and that's MAC championship and national top 25-like in the trenches on both sides for the Broncos. Then add for good measure two of Michigan's best at their respective positions in QB Chance Stewart (6-5, 220) from Sturgis and WR-S Asantay Brown (6-0, 190) from Muskegon Mona Shores and WMU has one of the best classes in recent MAC history. With this class, Western Michigan fans should be lining up right now for season tickets, because if Fleck and staff continue to recruit the state in this manner and continue to attract this type of instate talent on a yearly basis, not only will the Broncos compete for MAC championships, but they also will be bowl bound and nationally ranked every season. Row, row, row...
Central Michigan-
A
Just another great job by Coach Dan Enos and staff recruiting the state of Michigan this season. Enos, though WMU's Fleck is hot on his heels, rules this state when it comes to identifying, evaluating and signing instate football talent. Enos has been progressing with his program every season and the Chippewas appear poised to reach the upper echelon of the MAC and start cracking the national top 25 every year. Out of a class of 18, CMU signed 12 from Michigan. Combine this class with last season's signees and Chippewa fans young and old should be smiling. The future (and the present) is bright for CMU, indeed. Highlights for the CMU 2014 class include DE Nate Brisson-Fast (6-5, 245, 4.6 40) from Ferndale, DE-DT-OT Alex Neering (6-7, 250) from Essexville-Garber, CB-WR-KR Amari Coleman (5-11, 180, 4.4 40) from New Lothrop, WR-H-Back-P-K Cooper Mojsiejenko (6-4, 220) from Bridgman, TB Devon Spalding (5-11, 200) from Westland John Glenn and TE-DE Clay Walderzak (6-4, 245) from Standish-Sterling. I'm telling you Chips fans, the talent is building and growing for a long run at the top for CMU football -- hang in there.
Though having 78 players or so sign to compete at college football's highest level is impressive, I believe the state of Michigan should have no less than 100 gridders every season commit to Division I schools. Michigan has more than enough talent inside our borders to fill rosters of multiple Division I programs, especially at our five D-I in-state colleges.
With that in mind, here are my grades for Michigan's five Division I playing football schools and their overall recruitment and ability to sign our state's top players. Grades are only regarding each school's focus on and ability to scout, recruit and, in the end, attract and sign the best players in Michigan. The grade is not indicative of the overall class, including in-state and out-state players.
Michigan State-
B-
The Spartans did a solid job in Michigan this season, but not spectacular. Michigan State signed seven players from inside our borders out of a class of 22. Besides the seven from Michigan, the Spartans signed four players each from Illinois and Ohio, two from Florida and one apiece from Wisconsin, California, Pennsylvania, Georgia and New Jersey. Instate gridders I thought MSU missed on were WR-H-Back-P-K Cooper Mojsiejenko (6-4, 220) from Bridgman, DE Jonathon Williams (6-5, 235, 4.5 40) from Berrien Springs and LB William White (6-1, 220) from Detroit Cass Tech. Mojsiejenko, whose father Ralf played for Michigan State and later was a Pro Bowl punter in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, signed with CMU, while Williams, whose prep teammate OL Nick Padla committed to the Spartans, signed with Notre Dame and White, whose high school teammate LB Deon Drake signed with MSU, inked his signature with Buffalo.
Michigan-
C
The Wolverines did okay, I guess, in Michigan this year, but a part of me is a bit disappointed. The instate guys they did get are outstanding, but I simply would have liked to have seen more Michigan kids brought in by the Wolverines this season. I'm just sayin'... Out of a class of 16, U-M signed only four players from the Great Lakes State and two each from New Jersey, Maryland, Florida and Ohio. The Wolverines also signed one each from Illinois, Utah, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Instate guys I thought U-M missed on included DT-OG Jordan Van Dort (6-5, 285) from D-3 state champion Zeeland West, OG-C-DT Nick Matich (6-3, 300) from D-1 state title-winner Clarkston and OT Tommy Doles (6-5, 265) from Grand Rapids Christian. Van Dort and Matich signed with WMU, while Doles committed to Northwestern.
Eastern Michigan-
B
For the first time in more than a decade, the Eagles actually put the "Michigan" back in Eastern Michigan. Out of a class of 17, the Eagles inked nine players from the state -- imagine that. For first-year head coach Chris Creighton, being able to sign that many kids from inside the state's borders, in a very short amount of time after being a late hire, should please EMU fans everywhere. If Eastern and Coach Creighton can put together three or four more classes in a row like this one filled with talented Michigan players, the times, well, they will be a-changin' in Ypsilanti, that's for sure -- and for the better. EMU alumni and fans should be pleasantly encouraged by this class and Creighton's apparent focus on building his program with Michigan kids, as should be the case every year. Let's hope this trend continues. I guess only time will tell...
Western Michigan-
A
Wow, what can I say. What a class for the Broncos. No check that, what a MONSTER class for the Broncos. Coach P.J. Fleck, in his second season, has quickly turned WMU into a recruiting dynamo instate. Whereas previous head coaches at Western strangely and without explanation seemed to turn away, for the most part, from Michigan high school football players (despite the majority of the Broncos' future NFL players during those years hailing from Michigan -- go figure) and focus more outstate, Fleck has definitely made the inward move and opened up WMU's program to Michigan kids. Smart move, Mr. Fleck, smart move indeed. Look at the results. Out of a class of 27, the Broncos signed 12 players from the Great Lakes State, while four come from Illinois and two apiece from Indiana, Ohio and Florida. Rounding out the WMU class included one player each from New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Georgia and Massachusetts.
Where to start, when discussing this class? How about up front, where we all know games are won. With signees like OT-OG Curtis Doyle (6-5, 305) from Alma, OT Chukwuma Okorafor (6-5, 275) from Southfield and OT Elliot Jordan (6-7, 265) from East Kentwood, Western has three Big Ten-level guys to build its future offensive line around. Throw in DT-OG Jordan Van Dort (6-5, 285) from Zeeland West, DT Kenny Finley (6-3, 280) from Muskegon and DT-C-OG Nick Matich (6-3, 300) from Clarkston and that's MAC championship and national top 25-like in the trenches on both sides for the Broncos. Then add for good measure two of Michigan's best at their respective positions in QB Chance Stewart (6-5, 220) from Sturgis and WR-S Asantay Brown (6-0, 190) from Muskegon Mona Shores and WMU has one of the best classes in recent MAC history. With this class, Western Michigan fans should be lining up right now for season tickets, because if Fleck and staff continue to recruit the state in this manner and continue to attract this type of instate talent on a yearly basis, not only will the Broncos compete for MAC championships, but they also will be bowl bound and nationally ranked every season. Row, row, row...
Central Michigan-
A
Just another great job by Coach Dan Enos and staff recruiting the state of Michigan this season. Enos, though WMU's Fleck is hot on his heels, rules this state when it comes to identifying, evaluating and signing instate football talent. Enos has been progressing with his program every season and the Chippewas appear poised to reach the upper echelon of the MAC and start cracking the national top 25 every year. Out of a class of 18, CMU signed 12 from Michigan. Combine this class with last season's signees and Chippewa fans young and old should be smiling. The future (and the present) is bright for CMU, indeed. Highlights for the CMU 2014 class include DE Nate Brisson-Fast (6-5, 245, 4.6 40) from Ferndale, DE-DT-OT Alex Neering (6-7, 250) from Essexville-Garber, CB-WR-KR Amari Coleman (5-11, 180, 4.4 40) from New Lothrop, WR-H-Back-P-K Cooper Mojsiejenko (6-4, 220) from Bridgman, TB Devon Spalding (5-11, 200) from Westland John Glenn and TE-DE Clay Walderzak (6-4, 245) from Standish-Sterling. I'm telling you Chips fans, the talent is building and growing for a long run at the top for CMU football -- hang in there.
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