Michigan's Top 10 Kickers for the Class of 2021

Special teams are paramount to any football program's success. How many times does a game come down to an extra point kick or a last-second field goal or a clutch punt deep in one's own territory? If you are passionate about football, you know the importance of special teams, especially the kicking game. 

The state of Michigan has a long and storied history of producing top-notch kickers and punters. The Great Lakes State's class of 2021 kicking group is, as usual, one of the richest, deepest and most-talented in the country. 

Here are Michigan's top 10 placekickers/punters for the class of 2021. 

Top 10 kickers for Michigan's class of 2021 --  

1. Tommy Doman-6-3, 175-Orchard Lake St. Mary's -- Ranked the No. 3 kicker and the No. 4 punter in the nation, Doman is rated the No. 1 combo K/P in the country by Kohl's Kicking Camp. Last season, Doman had a 43-yard punting average and was 9-of-15 on FGs with a long of 43 yards. As a sophomore, Doman had a 50-yard FG. Verbal to U-M

2.Tyler McCoon-6-4, 205-Traverse City Central -- If Orchard Lake St. Mary's Tommy Doman is a top five kicking prospect, then McCoon is in the top 10 nationally. McCoon has been a kicking standout since his sophomore season. Last year, McCoon was named to the Traverse City Record-Eagle Dream Team, punting for a 43.7 average. 

3. Tommy Yanoski-6-2, 205-Pinconning -- Finished with a 39.5 average as a punter last season with longs of 55 and 65 yards. Also starting quarterback for Pinconning. Selected to the Bay City Times Dream Team. 

4. Luke Leto-6-3, 190-Portage Central -- Named to the Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team as a punter last season. Leto averaged a whopping 42.3 yards per punt for the Mustangs. Football, however, isn't even Leto's best sport. Leto, a shortstop and right-handed pitcher, is widely considered the class of 2021's No. 1 baseball recruit in the nation. Verbal to LSU for baseball

5. Jake Ward-5-9, 160-West Bloomfield -- Was named a Top Performer at the nationally renowned Top 40 Kicking Camp in Orlando, Florida this summer. Booming leg, excellent strength. Made nine FGs last season for the Lakers, including two kicks from 39 yards. 

6. Joey Pizzo-5-10, 165-Grosse Ile -- Selected to the Detroit News Division 3-4 All-State team and the Detroit News All-Metro West first squad last season as a junior. Powerful, accurate leg.  

7. Chase Paulus-5-10, 180-Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood -- Selected to the Detroit News Division 3-4 All-State first team as a punter.   

8. Nicholai Emde-5-10, 160-Plainwell -- Selected to the Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team last season. Emde was 17-of-17 on PATs and 4-of-4 on FGs, with a long of 37 yards. 

9. Luke Drzewiecki-6-1, 180-Utica Eisenhower -- Made 14-of-15 PATs and 4-of-6 FGs last season en route to All-Macomb Country first team. 

10. Kollin Kralapp-6-1, 175-Macomb Dakota -- Ranked nationally by Kohl's Kicking Camp. Last season, Kralapp was 17-of-18 on PATs, 2-of-3 on FGs, had a 38-yard punting average, with a long of 56 yards and blasted 14 of his 25 kickoffs into the end zone. 

Other top kickers for Michigan's class of 2021 (all are D-I college football prospects at some level) -- Will Ozdych-5-11, 180-Bay City John Glenn (four-year starter, kicked school-record 50-yard field goal for Bobcats), Jon Popp-6-2, 190-Maple City Glen Lake (was selected to the Division 5-6 All-State team as a punter last season), Rasmus Anderson-5-10, 170-Ionia (earned All-Ionia County accolades last year, finished 22-of-22 on PATs and 7-of-7 on FGs last season), Teagen Lenderink-6-1, 175-Rockford (named to the Detroit News Division 1-2 All-State team last year as a punter).

PHOTO -- Orchard Lake St. Mary's Tommy Doman (6-3, 175) is the No. 1-ranked kicker for Michigan's class of 2021. Doman is ranked the No. 1 combo kicker in the nation. Doman is verbally committed to U-M. 

PHOTO -- Pinconning's Tommy Yanoski (6-2, 205) is ranked as the No. 3 kicker in Michigan. Last season, Yanoski was selected to the Bay City Times Dream Team after averaging 39 yards per punt, with longs of 55 and 65 yards. Photo by Lee Thompson/MLive.com.

PHOTO -- Portage Central's Luke Leto is the No. 4-ranked kicker in the Great Lakes State. Last year, Leto averaged 42.3 yards per punt en route to Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team honors. A shortstop and pitcher, Leto is ranked the No. 1 prospect in the nation for the class of 2021 and is verbally committed to LSU for baseball. Photo by Emil Lippe/MLive.com. 

Top 10 Tight Ends for Michigan's Class of 2021

Like most positions in the game of football, the state of Michigan has a rich and deep history when it comes to producing high-quality, big-time tight end talent.

To prove to anyone who doubts the above statement, I have two words for you -- Antonio Gates. A surefire Hall-of-Famer, Gates (Detroit Central, Kent State) retired in January, 2020 after a legendary 16-year career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers. At the time of Gates' retirement, he finished seventh all-time and first for tight ends in NFL history with 116 career receiving TDs. He ended up 17th all-time in NFL history and third for tight ends (behind only Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten) with 955 career receptions, while he finished 29th all-time and third for tight ends (behind only Gonzalez and Witten) with 11,841 career receiving yards. Gates (6-foot-4, 255 pounds), an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time All-Pro pick, is on a short list of the greatest tight ends to ever play the game of football.

Other top tight ends from the state of Michigan include Fred Arbanas (6-3, 240, Redford St. Mary, Michigan State, Kansas City Chiefs, started in Super Bowl I and Super Bowl IV for Chiefs, six-time All-AFL selection, named to the All-Time All-AFL team, enshrined in the Kansas Chiefs Hall of Fame and the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame), Ron Kramer (6-3, 235, East Detroit, U-M, Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, two-time All-Pro, one-time Pro Bowl, won NFL championships with Packers in 1961 and 1962, enshrined in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame and the U-M Athletic Hall of Honor), Rodney Holman (6-3, 240, Ypsilanti, Tulane, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, started in Super Bowl XXIII, three-time Pro Bowl, three-time All-Pro, at time of retirement his 318 catches were most for a TE in Bengals history, enshrined in the Tulane University Athletics Hall of Fame), Pete Metzelaars (6-7, 255, Portage Central, Wabash College, Seattle Seahawks, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Detroit Lions, at time of retirement his 235 games played was most by a TE in NFL history, three-time Pro Bowl, played in four straight Super Bowls with Bills, his 302 receptions for Bills are a team record for tight ends).

Currently, tight ends in the NFL from the Great Lakes State include Tyler Conklin (6-3, 255, L'Anse Creuse North, CMU, Minnesota Vikings), Nick Keizer (6-4, 250, Portage Northern, Grand Valley State, Kansas City Chiefs), Matt Sokol (6-5, 250, Rochester Adams, Michigan State, Detroit Lions) and Adam Trautman (6-5, 255, Elk Rapids, Dayton, New Orleans Saints).

Trautman, a third round pick of the Saints in this past April's NFL draft, is one of the reasons I write this blog. A true sleeper/diamond-in-the-rough-type player out of Elk Rapids, near Traverse City in northern Michigan, was recruited by basically no one. He ended up setting multiple school receiving records at Dayton and overall was the fifth tight end selected in the 2020 NFL draft. Trautman is the type of talent that is found all over the state of Michigan and quite often getting overlooked by college recruiters and coaches, especially Michigan's five Division I-football playing programs. Part of the motivation behind this blog is to try and shine a spotlight on ALL D-I-potential players from throughout the Great Lakes State, not just players from the usual hot spots and usual nationally known top state programs. I get tired of year after year seeing so many deserving state of Michigan kids, normally from smaller schools or more out-of-way, off-the-beaten-path remote locations, passed over by our five D-I college football programs. Anyhow, I apologize for getting up on my soapbox, but it's something that's always been an issue for me. I have no idea how much my little blog does for any of these sleeper/diamond-in-the-rough-type kids from the Great Lakes State, but at least I can sleep well knowing I'm doing my best to find and research players from throughout the state of Michigan who I believe are worthy of D-I football scholarships.

Anyhow, enough of that. Here are the top 10 tight end prospects for the state of Michigan's class of 2021.

Top 10 Tight End Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2021 -- 

1. Jake Plamondon-6-3, 245-Ludington -- From a smaller northern Michigan school, Plamondon is the best prospect out of Ludington since Bob Organ (6-3, 250, TE-FB two-year starter for Michigan State, 1990-1994). I've been high on this kid since his freshman year. Last season, Plamondon was named to the Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team, catching 34 passes for 619 yards and nine TDs, while as a defensive end he had 81 tackles and two interceptions. Plamondon has also played tailback for the Orioles and is talented in the open field for a bigger-type player.
2. Blake Nelson-6-5, 235-Walled Lake Central -- Big, strong, prototypical Big Ten-type tight end. Nelson is athletic and fluid as a pass-catching tight end, but also possesses the physical nature and stature to be a high-level blocker at the next level. Already has 11 Division I college football offers. Nelson is raw, but his ceiling is off the charts. Purdue, Rutgers, Kentucky, Louisville among offers.
3. Josh Schell-6-4, 240-Mount Pleasant -- From same high school as current Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and current Georgia, and former Indiana, head basketball coach Tom Crean, Schell is a stud on both sides of the football for the Oilers, a mid-Michigan powerhouse program. Named to the AP Division 3-4 All-State squad in football last year, Schell is also a standout basketball player helping lead Mount Pleasant to a No. 12 state-ranking and a 20-1 overall record this past season. A physical presence on both sides of the line of scrimmage, Schell, a three-year varsity starter, is a coordinated big man with good hands and blocking ability as a TE. Bowling Green State, CMU, Toledo, Ball State, EMU, Buffalo, Akron, Air Force, Army and multiple Ivy League offers.
4. Thomas Beckman-6-4, 245-Saugatuck -- From same high school as former Tennessee head coach Butch Jones, 2013-2017 (currently assistant coach at Alabama), Beckman is a load on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Saugatuck, a small town in southwest Michigan on the shores of Lake Michigan. A starter since his freshman year, Beckman was named to the Holland Sentinel All-Area first team last season after catching 17 passes for 262 yards and three TDs and recording 71 tackles and three sacks as a defensive end. Runs a reported 4.8 40-yard dash.
5. Blake Kosin-6-6, 225-Clarkston -- Tall, lanky prospect at the tight end position. From one of the top programs in the Midwest, the Wolves, Division 1 (big school) state runner-up two years ago, have sent multiple players to D-I college football teams the past few years. An outstanding blocker, Kosin is a converted offensive tackle. Also hoops player for strong Clarkston program (2018 and 2017 Class A state champions). Verbal to Northern Illinois
6. Colin Weber-6-4, 230-Hopkins -- I love this kid. From a small town situated between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo in southwest Michigan, Weber is a gifted all-around athlete. With an offer from Grand Valley State (Division II) for basketball already in his pocket, Weber reminds me of current Minnesota Vikings tight end Tyler Conklin (6-3, 255, L'Anse Creuse North, CMU), who played college hoops at D-II Northwood University before transferring to CMU and walking onto the Chippewas football team and later, of course, playing in the NFL. Weber played multiple positions for Hopkins last season catching 16 passes for 387 yards and 10 TDs as a wide receiver/tight end, while also rushing for 841 yards and seven TDs as a running back. Weber is also a high-level defensive end/linebacker prospect. CMU offer.
7. Cade Conley-6-4, 225-Williamston -- A top prospect from the Lansing area, Conley is a player who can line-up outside and create opportunities one-on-one with an opposing DB or move inside next to the OT and make plays from a more traditional TE spot. Either way, Conley, also a top hoops player for Williamston, is an athletic, agile receiver who causes match-up problems wherever he lines up offensively. Also a talented DE for the Hornets. Last season, Conley caught 17 passes for 265 yards and three TDs, while making 26 tackles, five TFL and four sacks on defense.
8. Grant Lowery-6-4, 240-Rochester Hills Stoney Creek -- Quite possibly the top blocking TE in the state of Michigan. When Lowery locks onto a defender, it's all over. Athletic, Lowery also plays basketball for Stoney Creek, a large suburban Detroit school. Former NFL No. 1 overall pick OT Eric Fisher (CMU, starter for Kansas City Chiefs, Super Bowl LIV champion) is a Stoney Creek graduate. Despite being a skilled blocker, Lowery also displays soft hands as a receiver. A two-way starter for Stoney Creek since his sophomore season, Lowery is also a dominant DE for the Cougars.
9. Bryce Hall-6-3, 235-Bloomfield Cranbrook-Kingswood -- Outstanding DE for Cranes, Hall is a play-maker on both sides of the line of scrimmage. A physical blocker as a TE, Hall is an intense, powerful football player who could play either TE or DE at the next level. I love Hall's natural football ability and I put him with the TE group to highlight his overall ability. Hall has an explosive first step on either side of the football and displays excellent foot work and balance. If not a DE at the next level, I see Hall as a bone-crushing blocker as an H-Back-type player or fullback. Had 67 tackles, 22 TFL and six sacks last season as DE. Verbal to Yale.
10. (TIE) Nick McArthur-6-5, 240-Gibraltar Carlson --  A three-sport standout, McArthur also plays basketball and baseball for Carlson. A big body, with room to grow, McArthur also starts at DE for the Marauders. A D-I prospect on either side of the football, what makes McArthur such an intriguing prospect is that he's also one of the state of Michigan's top long snappers. Carter Sullivan-6-5, 230-Saginaw Heritage -- A love this kid's overall athletic ability and football skill. A quarterback and defensive end for Heritage, I see Sullivan transitioning to an athletic tight end, with quarterback wisdom and knowledge, at the next level. A top baseball prospect as well, Sullivan is a big-time athlete with untapped potential as a tight end. A sleeper/diamond-in-the-rough-type prospect, Sullivan is one of those players who could truly excel at the next level.


Other top tight end prospects for Michigan's class of 2021 -- Mason Shroad-6-3, 245-Olivet (Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 5 All-State, 4.7 40, also top DE prospect), Michael Pruchnic-6-3, 230-Macomb Dakota, Andrew Kanary-6-3, 220-Grayling (12 receptions for 145 yards and one TD last year as junior), Rasheed Sampson-6-6, 205-Ann Arbor Pioneer, Karvon Stigall-6-5, 255-River Rouge, Jacob Hetchler-6-2, 230-Holt, Danny Krajewski-6-4, 215-Grand Rapids Catholic Central (starter for defending Division 4 state champions, high-motor, never-stop-type player for powerhouse program).

PHOTO -- Ludington's Jake Plamondon (6-3, 245) is the state of Michigan's No. 1-ranked tight end for the class of 2021. Plamondon caught 34 passes for 619 yards and nine touchdowns last season for the Orioles. Photo by John Morin/Daily News.

PHOTO -- Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood's Bryce Hall (6-3, 235) is the No. 8-ranked tight end prospect in the Great Lakes State. Also a big-time defensive end recruit, Hall is a play-maker on either side of the line of scrimmage. Hall will play college football in the Ivy League next fall. Hall is verbally committed to Yale. 

PHOTO -- Saginaw Heritage's Carter Sullivan (6-5, 230) is the No. 10-ranked tight end prospect in the state of Michigan. An all-around football player, Sullivan also plays quarterback and defensive end for the Hawks. Photo by Lamont Lenar.

Michigan's Top 10 Linebackers for the Class of 2021

The state of Michigan has a long and proud history of producing outstanding linebackers. From NFL legends like Carl Banks (Flint Beecher, Michigan State), Thomas "Pepper" Johnson (Detroit Mackenzie, Ohio State), LaMarr Woodley (Saginaw, U-M), Reggie Williams (Flint Southwestern, Dartmouth) and Brad Van Pelt (Owosso, Michigan State) to current college stars like Antwan Simmons (Ann Arbor Pioneer, Michigan State) and Josh Ross (Orchard Lake St. Mary's, U-M), the Great Lakes State has no shortage of talent at the linebacker position each and every year.

For the state of Michigan's class of 2021, the linebacker group has speed, power, pass rush skill and tackling ability. Throughout the Great Lakes State, from north to south, east to west and all points in between, there are play-makers and big-time, D-I linebacker prospects scattered all over Michigan.

Here are the state of Michigan's top linebacker recruits for the class of 2021 --

Top 10 Linebacker Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2021 -- 

1. Kobe King-6-1, 220-Detroit Cass Tech -- King could play either outside linebacker or inside at the next level. An all-around player, King is also a powerful running back for the Technicians, one of the country's top high school football programs. Quick to the football and physical and hard-hitting at the point of attack, King is one of the best linebacker recruits in the nation. Verbal to Penn State
2. Jamari Buddin-6-3, 215-Belleville -- Buddin might have the highest ceiling of any player on this list. This kid can do it all on the football field. Buddin's head coach called his star linebacker "big, fast and violent." Last season Buddin spent a lot of time in the opponent's backfield finishing with 61 tackles, including 29 TFL, nine sacks and 18 quarterback pressures. Buddin was named to the AP Division 1-2 All-State team last year. Buddin could also put his hand in the dirt, bulk up and be a heck of a defensive end at the next level, as well. Verbal to Penn State
3. Austin Roon-6-3, 215-Byron Center -- I love this kid. I think he's being highly under-recruited at the moment. Helped lead Byron Center to a 10-1 season last year. Named to the AP Division 3-4 All-State squad and to the Grand Rapids Press Dream Team last season. Roon finished with 82 tackles, six TFL, one sack and one interception returned for a touchdown last year. Roon runs a reported 4.5 40 and has a 36-inch vertical leap. Big Ten where are you? Verbal to Syracuse
4. Jailin Howze-6-1, 210-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley -- Big, fast and athletic, Howze is a wrecking force at the linebacker position for the Big Reds, one of suburban Detroit's top programs. Howze can cover the entire field. Strong near the line of scrimmage or in space defending the pass, Howze runs a reported 4.5 40 and an 11.3 100 meters. Howze bench presses 285 pounds and squats 530 pounds. Verbal to Buffalo
5. Derek Draher-6-0, 210-Ithaca -- His head coach calls Draher the most physical player he has ever seen. A standout on either side of the football for Ithaca, one of the top mid-sized programs in the Midwest (Yellowjackets had the nation's longest winning streak at 69 games without a loss from 2010 through 2014), Draher was named to the AP Division 5-6 All-State first team last season. Selected the Saginaw News Defensive Player of the Year, Draher finished with 164 tackles, 12 TFL, four sacks and one fumble recovery last season.
6. Christian Boivin-6-1, 205-Traverse City West -- Boivin is truly a play-maker and highlight-reel-machine from the linebacker position. From the same northern Michigan city as Michigan State legendary linebacker family the Bulloughs (Max (NFL), Riley (NFL) and Byron, Traverse City St. Francis grads) and Eric Gordon (Traverse City West grad, four-year stater at LB for MSU). Boivin was selected to the AP Division 1-2 All-State first team last season. Boivin, named the Traverse City Record-Eagle Defensive Player of the Year last season, finished the year blocking a state record seven punts, returning one blocked punt for a TD, while recording 127 tackles, 18 TFL and returning one interception for a touchdown. Big Ten? MAC? Take a look at this kid...
7. Jaden Bevier-6-0, 220-Ypsilanti -- Strong and physical, Bevier, a three-year varsity performer, is a bull in the middle for Ypsilanti. A sure tackler, Bevier finished with 105 stops last season. Like the school's nickname, Bevier plays with a ferocity and nastiness of a Grizzly. Selected to the Ann Arbor News Dream Team last year.
8. Brandon Rawls-6-1, 215-Ann Arbor Huron -- Made plays all over the field for Huron last season. Recorded an Ann Arbor-area high 113 tackles last year, with 10 TFL, four sacks and two forced fumbles. Fast and physical, Rawls is a tough load to handle. Named to the Ann Arbor News Dream Team as a junior.
9. Jake Dzialowski-6-1, 225-Walled Lake Western -- Fearless, down hill, aggressive linebacker for Walled Lake Western, a suburban Detroit school which in the past couple of seasons has sent players to Northwestern, Boston College and Michigan State. Dzialowski is physical and doesn't hesitate filling the hole and striking the ball carrier. Good, solid linebacker prospect for WL Western.
10. (TIE) Brian St. Clair-6-0, 210-Romeo -- Also a high-level fullback recruit, St. Clair is just a good football player. Offensively, St. Clair rushed for 1,012 yards on 163 carries with 15 TDs last season. St. Clair runs a 4.7 40, bench presses 300 pounds and squats 350 pounds. Named to the All-Macomb Country (Detroit suburbs) first-team last year. Marlon Dawson Jr.-6-4, 220-Oak Park -- Long, lean, athletic prospect with good speed and agility, Dawson plays for one of the state of Michigan's top programs. Runs a reported 4.8 40. Could bulk up to play defensive end at the next level. Verbal to Miami (OH)

Other top linebacker prospects for Michigan's class of 2021 -- Brody Dalton-6-1, 215-Jackson Lumen Christi (tough to leave out of the Top 10, named to Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team, finished with 95 tackles, led Titans to Division 7 state runner-up spot last year), Kyler Stone-6-1, 210-Carson City Crystal (top running back as well, had 1,257 yards on 155 attempts and 15 TDs last year as junior, also top hoops player for school), Luke Snyder-6-0, 210-Charlevoix (139 tackles, three interceptions last year as junior, benches 305 pounds, squats 405 pounds, named to Traverse City Record Eagle Dream team), Sheldon Huff-6-0, 215-Johannesburg-Lewiston (had 119 tackles, 10 TFL, three sacks, two blocked punts en route to Traverse City Dream Team accolades), Alex Perry-6-0, 210-Cass City (named to Bay City Times Dream Team as junior, finished with 38 tackles, seven TFL, four sacks and one interception, one of Michigan's Thumb Area top prospects), Anthony Cardamone-6-1, 205-Utica Eisenhower (108 tackles, eight TFL, three interceptions, selected All-Macomb County), Demario Young-6-2, 205-Warren Cousino (55 tackles, two TFL, named All-Macomb County), Dwight McKinney-5-11, 230-Muskegon, Luke Martin-6-2, 215-Muskegon Oakridge, Garrett Fitzgerald-6-0, 220-Breckenridge (102 tackles, 12 TFL, two interceptions, three fumble recoveries, named to Saginaw News Dream Team), Jack Voll-6-0, 205-Clinton, Josh Nohel-6-3, 205-Sanford-Meridian (51 tackles, 12.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, one interception returned for a TD, five fumble recoveries, one fumble returned for a TD, selected to the Midland Daily News Dream Team as junior), Carter Fore-6-0, 210-Britton-Deerfield, Drew Bidwell-6-0, 220-Edwardsburg, Drake Deshetsky-6-2, 230-North Branch, Zachary Sergent-6-1, 220-Croswell-Lexington, Marquez Henderson-6-0, 215-Detroit Loyola.

PHOTO -- Belleville's Jamari Buddin (6-3, 215) is the state of Michigan's No. 2-ranked linebacker prospect for the class of 2021. Buddin had 29 tackles for loss and nine sacks last season as a junior. Buddin has verbally committed to Penn State.

PHOTO -- Byron Center's Austin Roon (6-3, 215) is ranked the No. 3 linebacker prospect for Michigan's class of 2021. Roon, named to the AP Division 3-4 All-State squad and the Grand Rapids Press Dream Team last season as a junior, runs a 4.5 40 and has a 36-inch vertical leap. Roon has verbally committed to Syracuse.

PHOTO -- Oak Park's Marlon Dawson Jr. (6-4, 220) is the state of Michigan's No. 10-ranked linebacker prospect for the class of 2021. Athletic with good speed, Dawson Jr. is a standout for one of the Great Lakes State's top high school football programs. Dawson Jr. has verbally committed to Miami (OH).

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.

Michigan's Top 10 Quarterbacks for the Class of 2021

With everything going on right now and the state of Michigan on lock down, I figured it was as good of a time as ever to talk a little high school football. In this blog installment, let's take a look at the 2021 quarterback class for the Great Lakes State. The state of Michigan's 2021 class at the signal-caller position is arguably the deepest, most-talented and best ever in Great Lakes State high school football history. I've been covering and following high school football in Michigan for close to 40 years and the 2021 quarterback class is by far the highest-rated and most-skilled I can remember. It ranks right up there and easily surpasses the most recent "best class ever" at the quarterback position (2018 class) in the Great Lakes State. The class of 2018 had nine quarterbacks commit to Division I college football programs -- Theo Day-Dearborn Divine Child-Michigan State, Jason Whittaker-Rockford-Northwestern, El-Julien Jordan-Detroit Central-WMU, Bryce Veasley-West Bloomfield-Bowling Green State, Caden Prieskorn-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Memphis, Max Wittwer-Utica Eisenhower-Michigan, Aaron Jackson-Detroit Cass Tech-EMU, Joel Wilson-Petoskey-CMU and John Paddock-Bloomfield Hills-Ball State.

I believe, the state of Michigan's 2021 class has at least 10 Division I-level quarterback prospects. If the Great Lakes State's five D-I college football playing schools (MSU, U-M, CMU, EMU, WMU) can't find, properly evaluate and sign at least one signal-caller from Michigan's class of 2021, the above mentioned schools' individual recruiting coordinators and recruiting staff should have their collective eyes checked and their ability to evaluate talent questioned because the prospect level at the quarterback position is off the charts for 2021.

That being said, here are the Top 10 quarterbacks for Michigan's class of 2021 --

Top 10 Quarterback Prospects for the class of 2021 -- 

1. Christian Dhue-Reid-5-11, 220-Belleville -- He might not be the tallest or the fastest, but this kid is just a flat-out gamer and winner. He's tough, hard-nosed and a true leader. He's a "Brett Favre-like" competitor who consistently makes big plays in big moments for Belleville. I love Dhue-Reid's moxie and poise. I look for a quarterback who values the football and can move the chains, as well as make highlight-reel plays when called upon. Dhue-Reid is that type of player. A four-year starter for the Tigers, one of the Midwest's top high school football programs, which every year sends multiple players to Big Ten-level schools, Dhue-Reid threw for 2,706 yards and 33 touchdowns last season, with only three interceptions. Behind Dhue-Reid, Belleville reached the Division 1 (big school) state semifinals last season. Dhue-Reid completed 63 percent of his passes last year, while also scoring four rushing TDs. Big Ten, c'mon, where are you on this kid? Miami (OH) offer.
2. Brendan Sullivan-6-3, 190-Davison -- Sullivan can do it all on the football field. A true dual-threat signal-caller, Sullivan led Davison, a school near Flint, to Michigan's Division 1 (big school) state championship last season. Behind Sullivan, whose father (offensive tackle from East Lansing) played college football at the University of Michigan, the Cardinals averaged 44 points per game last year en route to their state title. Last season, Sullivan passed for 3,044 yards and 33 touchdowns, while also rushing for 700 yards and 11 TDs. Sullivan earned Associated Press Division 1-2 first team All-State honors last year. An all-around athlete, Sullivan is also a high-level basketball player, garnering All-Saginaw Valley first-team honors last season as a junior. Verbal to Northwestern
3. Colin Parachek-6-4, 195-Dexter -- Parachek already looks like a Big Ten quarterback. Long, lanky and athletic, Parachek should flesh out to a solid 6-4, 215-220 at the next level. With a strong, powerful arm, Parachek passed for 2,817 yards and 39 touchdowns last season, with three rushing TDs, as well. With Parachek under center the Dreadnaughts, a school near Ann Arbor, have reached the state football playoffs the past two seasons, going 8-2 last year and 6-4 the previous season. While that might not be too impressive to the casual observer, one has to realize before Parachek, Dexter football went winless for four straight years (0-36) and as a program had never made the state playoffs in school history. With the talented Parachek at quarterback, Dexter has gone 14-6 the past two seasons, which is an incredible turnaround for a program thought to be basically dead only three years ago. Unbelievably, Parachek isn't being recruited heavily by D-I schools. This is one of the reasons why I write this blog. How can a player of Parachek's talent, size and leadership not be on every Big Ten and/or MAC football program's radar? This kid is the real deal and a bonafide, high-level D-I college football prospect. I just shake my head...
4. Zach Trainor-6-2, 205-Walled Lake Western -- The latest big-time quarterback prospect out of Walled Lake Western (Sam Johnson, class of 2019, Boston College signee), Trainor enters his second season as a starter for the Warriors. Last year, Trainor finished with video-game-like numbers, passing for 3,843 yards and 44 touchdowns, achieving a 74 percent completion rate, with only four interceptions. On the ground, Trainor rushed for four touchdowns. Last season, Trainor teamed with wide receiver Abdur-Raheem Yaseen (86 receptions, 1,646 yards, 20 TDs, Purdue commit), Michigan's AP Division 1-2 Player of the Year, to form one of the most explosive pass-catch combos in the nation. For his performance last year, Trainor was named to Michigan's AP Division 1-2 first-team All-State squad. Florida Atlantic, Southern Miss, EMU offers.
5. Mareyohn Hrabowski-6-4, 210-River Rouge -- I love this kid. Hrabowski might have the highest ceiling, talent-wise and skill-wise, as any player on this star-studded list. Hrabowski burst on not only the statewide scene, but the national scene, after last season's performance in the Division 3 state championship game against Muskegon. Behind Hrabowski, River Rouge defeated the nationally-ranked Big Reds (No. 18 in the country by USA Today), 30-7 in the D-3 state title contest. Hrabowski out-performed Muskegon's all-everything quarterback/playmaker Cameron Martinez (Ohio State commit) in the game. Arguably the top dual threat quarterback in the Great Lakes State, if not the Midwest, Hrabowski passed for 1,045 yards and 11 touchdowns, with only two interceptions last year, while rushing for 1,175 yards and 14 TDs. Big, strong and quick, Hrabowski is a handful for opposing defenses. A bit raw right now, this kid's future is bright, indeed. Verbal to WMU
6. Drew Collins-6-3, 210-Montague -- Most years, Collins would be a top three quarterback prospect, but in this stacked 2021 class of signal-callers, I have him ranked as Michigan's No. 6 recruit at the position. Like the players above, Collins is a big-time Big Ten-level prospect. A coach's son, Collins is polished and knowledgeable football-wise, but possesses a high-level skill as both a passer and runner. Last season, Collins led the Wildcats to the Division 6 state semifinals, passing for 2,425 yards and 28 touchdowns, with only three interceptions, while on the ground, he rushed for 807 yards and 16 TDs. Last year, Collins was named to the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Division 6 All-State first team and to the Detroit Free Press D-6 All-State first squad. Incredibly, like Dexter's Colin Parachek, Collins isn't receiving the D-I college football interest he so richly deserves. Where are you MSU, U-M, Indiana, Purdue, Illinois, etc. and MAC schools?
7. Braylon Silvas-6-1, 180-Flint Kearsley -- Silvas is another top-rated dual-threat-type of quarterback for Michigan's class of 2021. Neck-and-neck with Davison's Brendan Sullivan as the Flint area's best quarterback, Silvas passed for 1,800 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, while rushing for 1,022 yards and 19 TDs. The Flint Journal's Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore (Davison's Sullivan was the Flint Journal's Offensive Player of the Year last season), Silvas recorded 2,822 yards of total offense last season for Kearsley.
8. Conor Easthope-6-2, 200-Ann Arbor Pioneer -- From John Harbaugh's (Baltimore Raven head coach) and Jim Harbaugh's (University of Michigan  head coach) former high school, Easthope is one of the state of Michigan's top quarterback prospects. A strong pocket passer, with scrambling ability, Easthope, a three-year starter for Pioneer, was 107-for-210 passing for 1,884 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. On the ground, Easthope ran for 368 yards and eight TDs last year. Verbal to Harvard
9. Carson Gulker-6-3, 190-Zeeland West -- I just like this kid's athleticism and play-making ability. One of the top basketball players on the state of Michigan's west side, Gulker is a top-level athlete. A quarterback on a power-running team, Gulker still managed to pass for 1,239 yards and 19 touchdowns last season. A three-year starter for Zeeland West, a school near Grand Rapids, Gulker has excellent speed and mobility and a strong arm. I think once Gulker gets into a D-I college football program, redshirts, learns the system and gets bigger and stronger, the sky is the limit for this kid. There won't be too many quarterbacks a better all-around athlete than Gulker, that's for sure.
10. Jalin Pitchford-6-0, 205-Wyandotte -- Maybe the best pocket presence out of all the top 10 quarterbacks on this list. Excellent movement, lateral ability and footwork in the pocket, Pitchford is strong and accurate throwing on the run while scrambling or from a drop back position. Plays good competition in Detroit's blue-collar Downriver suburbs (southern suburban area), Pitchford will be a three-year starter for Wyandotte. A team captain, Pitchford holds a 4.0 grade point average. It's a bit of a cliche for quarterbacks Pitchford's size, but his game does resemble Russell Wilson's somewhat in his skill as a passer and runner. Pitchford runs a 4.7 40 and a 12.2 100-meters. Pitchford already holds multiple Division I college football offers, including CMU, Buffalo, Bowling Green State, EMU and Miami (OH).

Other top quarterback prospects for Michigan's class of 2021 (all are Division I prospects) -- Gavin Ganun-6-2, 190-Blissfield (will be four-year football starter for Royals, a strong southern Michigan program, an outstanding all-around athlete, Ganun, also a four-year varsity performer on the diamond, has verbally committed to play baseball at Bowling Green State), Austin Myers-6-3, 215-New Boston Huron (News-Herald Dream Team selection, was 84-of-141 passing for 1,351 yards and 12 TDs, with four interceptions, had 678 yards rushing and 11 TDs, News-Herald covers the southern Downriver Detroit suburbs), Bobby Skinner-6-1, 180-Montrose (will be a four-year starter for Rams, helped lead Montrose to Division 6 state quarterfinals as a junior and state semifinals as a sophomore, has led Rams to 27-8 overall record in three years as starter), Ali Beydoun-6-2, 220-Dearborn Fordson (led Tractors to 9-2 overall record last season as junior), Brady Hessbrook-6-1, 190-Ithaca (led Yellowjackets to 8-2 overall record last season as junior, head coach's son, Ithaca is a five-time state championship program and two-time state runner-up, the Yellowjackets had a national-best 69-game winning streak from 2009 through 2014, Morehead State, Valpariso, Butler offers), Al Money-6-0, 180-Midland (Midland Daily News Dream Team selection, passed for 1,433 yards and 21 TDs, while rushing for 463 yards and four touchdowns, will be three-year starter), , Owen Swanson-6-2, 190-Muskegon Orchard View, Alex Tholes-5-10, 185-Schoolcraft (small town prospect, Kalamazoo Gazette Dream Team selection, 145-of-199 passing for 2,999 yards and 38 TDs with only three interceptions), Noah Beaudrie-5-11, 190-Erie-Mason (another southern Michigan standout, Beaudrie is one of the top dual threat quarterbacks in the Great Lakes State, might be the best scrambler/open field runner at the QB position in Michigan, finished 109-of-190 passing for 1,636 yards and 12 TDs, while rushing for 1,470 yards and 25 TDs last season).

PHOTO -- Davison's Brendan Sullivan (6-3, 190) is the state of Michigan's No. 2-ranked quarterback for the class of 2021. Last season, Sullivan led the Cardinals to the Division 1 (big school) state championship, passing for 3,044 yards and 33 touchdowns. Sullivan is verbally committed to Northwestern. Photo by Jake May/MLive.com.

PHOTO -- Dexter's Colin Parachek (6-4, 195) is the state of Michigan's No. 3-ranked quarterback prospect for the class of 2021. Last year, Parachek threw for 2,817 yards and 39 touchdowns. Photo by Ben Allan Smith.

PHOTO -- Wyandotte's Jalin Pitchford (6-0, 205) drops back to pass during a game last season. Pitchford is the No. 10-ranked quarterback recruit for the state of Michigan's class of 2021. Pitchford currently holds multiple Division I college football offers, including CMU, Buffalo, Bowling Green State, EMU and Miami (OH).