2012 Top 10 Kicker Prospects

From Dearborn Heights Crestwood's Pete Stoyanovich to Imlay City's Chester Marcol to Bridgman's Ralf Mojsiejenko, Michigan has developed its fair share of kickers and punters who have gone on to standout careers in the NFL.

Last year, Plymouth's Kyle Brindza was named All-American and All-State before heading off to Notre Dame. This season, Michigan has produced multiple prep kickers with Division I college football talent.

Here are the top kickers for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Kicker Prospects-
1. Evan Fischer-5-10, 160-Holt-Michigan State
2. Kenny Allen-6-4, 190-Fenton-Michigan
3. Brendan Renius-6-0, 170-Temperance Bedford
4. Dylan Mulder-5-10, 175-Saline
5. Steve Mette-6-1, 175-Rockford-Hillsdale
6. Jesse Boulnemour-6-0, 175-Vicksburg
7. Brandon Haan-6-3, 210-Grand Rapids Christian
8. Evan Bootz-6-2, 215-Kingston
9. Zach Dreyer-6-6, 170-Zeeland West
10. Evan Calhoun-6-0, 160-Tekonsha

2012 Top 10 Defensive Back Prospects

With names such as Saginaw's Terry McDaniel, Flint Powers Catholic's Todd Lyght, Detroit Central's Mike Harden, Detroit Northern's Randy Logan and Ypsilanti's Mike Bass all former NFL All-Pros, Michigan has a talented list of defensive backs that have made a name for themselves at the professional level. Current college standouts include Bay City Central's Trenton Robinson (MSU), Detroit Cass Tech's Thomas Gordon (U-M) and Kalamazoo Central's Cameron Cheatham (Cincinnati).

Last season was a strong year in the secondary for Michigan. Top flight recruits a season ago included Detroit Cass Tech's Delonte Hollowell (U-M), Madison Heights Madison's Valdez Showers (Florida), Orchard Lake St. Mary's Allen Robinson (Penn State) and Highland Park's Raymon Taylor (U-M).

Here are the top 10 cornerback and safety prospects for 2012 in Michigan --

Top 10 Cornerback Prospects-
1. DeAndre Grady-6-1, 185-East Grand Rapids-Wayne State
2. Terry Richardson-5-9, 165-Detroit Cass Tech-Michigan
3. Danny Larkins-6-0, 180-Madison Heights Madison-Toledo
4. Marquis Gill-6-1, 195-Paw Paw-EMU (for baseball)
5. Kevin Buford-5-9, 170-Canton-Iowa
6. Winslow Chapman-6-0, 180-Port Huron-CMU
7. Leviticus Payne-5-9, 170-Southfield-Cincinnati
8. James White-6-1, 175-Detroit Crockett-Bowling Green State
9. Anthony Brooks-6-1, 175-Warren Mott-Northern Illinois
10. Anthony Goodman-5-11, 170-Lansing Sexton
Top 10 Safety Prospects-
1. Eric Wilson-6-2, 205-Redford Thurston-Northwestern
2. Tony Annese-6-2, 195-Rochester Adams-CMU
3. Rueben Lile-6-3, 200-Detroit Cass Tech-Iowa
4. Kavon Frazier-6-2, 205-Grand Rapids Christian-CMU
5. Jordan Fields-6-1, 185-Grand Blanc-CMU
6. Donte Fox-5-11, 200-Plymouth
7. Brandon Delk-6-1, 195-Kalamazoo Central-Grand Valley State
8. Donte Carey-6-2, 185-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
9. Mike Reyes-6-3, 180-Fruitport
10. Nyshaun Marks-6-1, 185-Ypsilanti Willow Run

2012 Top 10 Inside/Outside Linebacker Prospects

There have been many big-time linebackers produced by the state of Michigan over the years. Current NFL stars who developed at high schools throughout Michigan include Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills' David Harris, Saginaw's LaMarr Woodley and Detroit Southeastern's Bart Scott. Legendary greats include Owosso's Brad Van Pelt, Flint Beecher's Carl Banks and Flint Southwestern's Reggie Williams. Top collegiate linebackers this past season from Michigan include Monroe's Audie Cole (North Carolina State), Detroit Renaissance's Chris Norman (MSU), Detroit Country Day's Kenny Demens (U-M) and Traverse City St. Francis' Max Bullough (MSU).

Last year was a banner season for prep linebackers in Michigan. Among the state's best at the position a year ago included Detroit Renaissance's Lawrence Thomas (MSU), Detroit Southeastern's Ed Davis (MSU), Holland West Ottawa's Desmond Morgan (U-M) and Anchor Bay's Taiwan Jones (MSU). This season's linebacker group is just as impressive.

Here are the top 10 inside and outside linebackers for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Inside Linebacker Prospects-
1. James Ross-6-1, 215-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Michigan
2. Nathan Ricketts-6-2, 220-Holland
3. Joe Bacci-6-1, 220-Romeo-CMU
4. Tyler Goble-6-1, 225-Plymouth
5. Laron Taylor-6-0, 215-Detroit Cass Tech-Iowa
6. Josh Blanton-6-2, 210-Zeeland West
7. Matt Dellinger-6-2, 215-Clarkston-Kent State
8. Drew Mallery-6-2, 225-Vicksburg-Hillsdale
9. Nick Huckabay-6-3, 230-Montrose
10. Angelo Corona-6-2, 225-Muskegon

*Others of note include Blake Cook-6-2, 225-Mason, Joe DeLavergne-6-2, 210-Fenton, Mark Lawson-6-2, 205-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern, Tony Hill-6-1, 225-Sparta, Troy Cross-6-2, 225-Warren Cousino, Brent Zdebski-5-10, 215-Walled Lake Western, Kyren Kemp-6-0, 220-Lansing Sexton.

Top 10 Outside Linebacker Prospects-
1. Royce Jenkins-Stone-6-2, 215-Detroit Cass Tech-Michigan
2. Jamal Lyles-6-3, 215-Southfield-Lathrup-Michigan State
3. Riley Bullough-6-2, 215-Traverse City St. Francis-Michigan State
4. Lester Liston-6-2, 220-Grand Blanc
5. Marcus Forward-6-2, 210-Flint Northern
6. Hunter Matt-6-2, 215-Wyandotte-EMU
7. David Talley-6-3, 210-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Grand Valley State
8. Tommie Bush-6-3, 220-Warren Michigan Collegiate-Grand Valley State
9. Clae Henderson-6-2, 210-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic
10. Anthony DeDamos-6-2, 225-Rockford-Wayne State

2012 Top 10 Defensive End/Tackle Prospects

From current All-Pro and NFL sack leader Paw Paw's Jason Babin, to Grand Rapids Catholic Central's George Andrie, an original member of the Dallas Cowboys' "Doomsday Defense," to arguably the greatest defensive lineman ever in Michigan football history, Detroit Miller's Eugene "Big Daddy" Lipscomb, the Great Lakes State has an impessive list of defensive ends who have made their marks on the professional, collegiate and high school gridirons within our borders. At tackle, Michigan boasts former NFL All-Pros Belleville's Kris Jenkins, Mt. Clemens' Wally Chambers and Detroit Mackenzie's Gilbert Brown.

This past collegiate season, Detroit King's Nick Perry (USC), an All-Pac 12 defensive end and a potential first round pick in this year's NFL draft, along with Detroit Southeastern's William Gholston (Michigan State), an All-Big Ten performer, are the latest in a long line of dominant defensive ends from Michigan. At tackle, All-Big Ten selection Mike Martin (U-M), from Detroit Catholic Central, Detroit Southeastern's Jonathan Hankins (Ohio State) and Whitehall's Ryan Van Bergen (U-M) are a short list of the talented players from Michigan clogging up the middle, pressuring the quarterback and demanding double-teams this past year.

Here are the top 10 defensive ends for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Defensive End Prospects-
1. Matt Godin-6-5, 270-Detroit Catholic Central
2. Evan Winston-6-4, 265-Muskegon Heights
3. Mario Ojemudia-6-3, 225-Farmington Hills Harrison
4. Jada Littlejohn-6-2, 245-Flint Northern
5. Kyle Ready-6-4, 235-Gibraltar Carlson
6. Michael Jorde-6-4, 255-Croswell-Lexington
7. Brad Meredith-6-4, 240-Utica Ford
8. Brock LaVergne-6-6, 225-Lincoln-Alcona
9. Zach Sweet-6-2, 245-Goodrich
10. Neal Page-6-6, 220-Birmingham Seaholm

*Others of note include Dalton Binkowski-6-3, 245-Romeo, Scott Tackett-6-4, 240-Holland, Mike Malone-6-6, 255-Olivet,  David Price-6-4, 235-Lapeer West, Wes Johnson-6-4, 215-Grand Rapids Christian and Brad Mills-6-4, 220-Muskegon Oakridge.

Top 10 Defensive Tackle Prospects-
1. Dan O'Brien-6-2, 305-Flint Powers Catholic
2. Josh Nicholaisen-6-3, 280-Battle Creek Pennfield
3. Jabari Dean-6-2, 295-Detroit Renaissance
4. Stephen Hall-6-4, 265-Detroit Loyola
5. Jason Gamble-6-3, 280-Walled Lake Western
6. T.J. Beelen-6-2, 270-Zeeland East
7. Myles Overton-6-4, 290-Flint Carman-Ainsworth
8. Joe Tolliver-6-4, 280-Grosse Pointe South
9. Amad Ila-6-2, 275-Dearborn Fordson
10. Darryl Goldsmith-6-0, 320-Detroit Cass Tech

* Others of note include Dakota Perry-6-2, 280-Capac, Lucas Sanders-6-1, 305-Clarkston, Matt Rennell-6-5, 255-Jackson County Parma Western and Preston Scheurer-6-3, 320-Portland.

Up next, check out Michigan's top 10 linebackers.

2012 Top 10 Center Prospects

Like all positions, the state of Michigan has churned out plenty of talented centers throughout the decades. Arguably the best pure center ever from Michigan was Kingsford's Dave Manders. The former Michigan State standout played center for the Dallas Cowboys from 1964 through 1974 leading Dallas to two Super Bowls and became, along with teammate tackle Ralph Neely, the Cowboys' first two All-Pro linemen ever in franchise history. Besides Manders, who's enshrined in the Upper Peninsula Hall of Fame, other top centers from Michigan include current and former NFL players Macomb Dakota's Kyle Cook, Charlotte's Brock Guitierrez, Newaygo's Joe Berger and Detroit's Vince "Bananas" Banonis. Banonis, a former University of Detroit great and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, played on three NFL championship teams with the 1947 Chicago Cardinals and the 1952 and 1953 Detroit Lions.

Here are the top 10 centers for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Center Prospects-
1. Joe Vieau-6-4, 280-Midland
2. Tucker Whitley-6-3, 285-Dexter
3. Josh Hulka-6-3, 275-Fruitport
4. Anthony Brilla-6-0, 265-Allen Park
5. Spencer Smith-6-2, 280-Muskegon Orchard View
6. Matt Hiland-6-3, 285-Edwardsburg
7. Mario Carson-5-11, 305-Detroit Consortium
8. Elijah Kubath-6-1, 260-St. Joseph Lake Michigan Lutheran
9. Mac Ruiter-6-2, 290-Spring Lake
10. Jesston Vanderhoff-6-3, 290-Orchard Lake St. Mary's

Look for Michigan's top 10 defensive ends next.

2012 Top 10 Offensive Guard Prospects

From NFL Pro Football Hall-of-Famer Joe DeLamielleure, a former Center Line St. Clement standout, to Detroit Denby's Ed Budde, selected to the AFL's All-Time team and a starter in two of the first four Super Bowls with the Kansas City Chiefs, to Highland Park's Reggie McKenzie, an All-Pro with the Buffalo Bills and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the state of Michigan is second to no one in producing and developing quality offensive guards throughout the years.

This season is no exception as the offensive guard prospects in Michigan are some of the best in recent years. The list includes my No. 1 prospect in the entire state regardless of position. Here are the top 10 high school offensive guard prospects for Michigan's Class of 2012 --

Top 10 Offensive Guard Prospects-
1. Kelby Latta-6-4, 310-Battle Creek Harper Creek
2. Kyle Knapp-6-4, 265-Portage Central
3. Dylan Anderson-6-4, 275-Birmingham Brother Rice
4. Ben Steward-6-7, 285-Holt
5. Adam Clay-6-4, 290-Livonia Franklin
6. Jake Notario-6-4, 295-Monroe
7. Matt Thornton-6-4, 280-Owosso
8. Darron Brown-6-4, 315-Detroit Mumford
9. Anthony Aurand-6-4, 275-Troy Athens
10. Ramale Roundtree-6-3, 270-Muskegon

* Others of note include Millington's Connor Collins-6-4, 275 (CMU verbal), Chris Sallee-6-4, 285-Mt. Pleasant, Kevin D'Arcy-6-4, 295-Livonia Stevenson (CMU verbal), Chris Bond-6-5, 290-Linden, Tony Brechting-6-4, 270-Grand Rapids West Catholic and Kyle Carroll-6-4, 285-Detroit Southwestern.

Coming up next, look for the state's top 10 center prospects.

Michigan's Greatest Pro Football Players

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

Calumet native Heartley "Hunk" Anderson is the second installment in my "Michigan's 50 Greatest Pro Football Players" series. I hope it's enjoyable and educational.

HEARTLEY ANDERSON

Heartley “Hunk” Anderson was born and raised in the Upper Peninsula town of Calumet, Michigan. The blue collar, copper country Keweenaw Peninsula locale also produced George Gipp, Anderson’s boyhood friend. Gipp, later made famous by Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne’s “Win one for the Gipper” speech, helped recruit Anderson to the Fighting Irish.

Anderson (5-foot-11, 170 pounds) played football for Notre Dame under Rockne from 1918 through 1921. Enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1974, Anderson helped lead the Fighting Irish to consecutive undefeated seasons in 1919 and 1920. An All-American offensive guard, he started all four years at Notre Dame and is the only college football interior lineman to score three touchdowns in one game.

As a professional, Anderson played for the Chicago Bears under Hall of Fame coach George Halas from 1922 through 1926. During that time span, he also was an assistant coach with Rockne at Notre Dame. While with the Irish as a coach, Anderson helped develop the Seven Mules, the storied offensive line that blocked for the legendary Four Horsemen in 1924.

As a player in the NFL’s early days, Anderson was one of the game’s best linemen. Despite his size, he gained an advantage over larger defensive players using quickness, unmatched tenacity and technical superiority. During his years with the Bears, Anderson was the main blocker for Hall of Fame running back Red Grange.

Because of his blocking talents and football savvy, Anderson was selected to the NFL’s 1920s All-Decade Team.

From 1931 through 1933, Anderson succeeded Rockne as Notre Dame head coach. With the Irish he compiled an overall record of 16-9-2. From 1934 through 1936, he was head coach at North Carolina State University, ending his Wolfpack career with a mark of 11-17-1. In 1939, Anderson was a coach for his home state Detroit Lions.

In 1940, Halas hired Anderson as Chicago offensive line coach. During World War II, Halas went back into the service, but before leaving for war, he named Luke Johnsos and Anderson as co-head coaches of the Bears. With Halas away, Anderson and Johnsos led Chicago to two division titles and an NFL championship from 1942 through 1945. In 1943, the Bears defeated the Washington Redskins 41-21 to win the NFL title. With the win, Chicago avenged its only loss of the year. The Redskins had defeated the Bears 21-7 in Week 9 of that season. The previous year in 1942, Chicago had swept through the regular season with a perfect 11-0 record before losing to Washington 14-6 in the NFL championship game. Playing for Anderson on that 1942 squad was fellow Upper Peninsula native and Michigan All-Time Top 50 gridder Caspian’s Ray Bray. Anderson and Johnsos helped lead Chicago to a 23-11-2 overall record during their four-year co-head coaching career.

In total, Anderson spent 11 years with the Bears, retiring from pro football in 1951.

In 1972, Anderson was inducted into the Upper Peninsula Sports Hall of Fame.