With the class of 2013 signed, sealed and delivered to their respective schools, let's shift the focus to the class of 2014. Next year's crop of football talent is looking like one of the deepest in recent memory. With big-time Division I recruits at all positions, the state of Michigan will, once again, attract its fair share of attention from college coaches throughout the country in 2014. Here are the top 10 wide receiver prospects for Michigan's class of 2014.
1. Drake Harris-6-4, 185-Grand Rapids Christian- one of nation's top recruits, 4.3 speed
2. Moe Ways-6-3, 185-Detroit Country Day- next in great line of Yellowjacket receivers
3. Marquian Johnson-6-4, 190-Clawson- 36 rec., 661 yards, 12 TDs last season
4. Asantay Brown-5-11, 170-Muskegon Mona Shores- AP Div. 1-2 All-State, 45 rec., 11 TDs
5. Amari Coleman-5-9, 175-New Lothrop- elusive, 19 TDs a year ago, 4.4 speed
6. Kyle Steigenga-6-4, 185-Holland Christian
7. Jordan Spratt-6-4, 195-Grosse Pointe South
8. Brandon Scott-5-10, 180-Grand Blanc- 57 rec., 796 yards, 11 TDs, Free Press D-1 All-State
9. Jake Bush-5-10, 175-Comstock Park- 67 rec., 667 yards, Gr. Rapids Press Dream Team
10. Avonte Maddox-5-9, 170-Detroit King- already has offers from Ball State and EMU
Other top players- Demetri Trice-5-10, 160-Gladwin (one of northern Michigan's most explosive players), Daniel Chmielewski-6-2, 180-Utica Eisenhower, Chris Leigh-5-10, 180-Lake Orion (4.4 speed), Brandon Walker-6-0, 175-Flint Carman-Ainsworth (offers from Kent St. and Akron), Logan Hessbrook-6-3, 190-Ithaca, Zack Bock-5-11, 185-Detroit Catholic Central (three-year starter at WR-DB for perennial state power).
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Grading the 2013 recruiting classes for Michigan's five Division I college football programs
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 63
players from the class of 2013 sign national letters of intent with Division I programs.
Last season, Michigan had over 80 players sign with D-I football programs. In 2011, 59 gridders from Michigan signed with D-I squads.
Though having 63 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
Grade- C-
I love my Spartans, but c'mon, three players from the state of Michigan? THREE?? This season, Michigan State signed 18 players from six states and one Canadian province. Ohio led the way with five signees followed by Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan with three each. Wisconsin had two players sign with the Spartans, while Illinois and Ontario each had one player sign with MSU. In 2012, the Spartans signed six players from Michigan out of a class of 21. In the last two years, with 39 total players signing, MSU has managed to ink only nine players from Michigan. That's not good enough -- not even close.
Michigan
Grade- B +
The Wolverines continue to right the ship under Brady Hoke. For the second year in a row, Michigan won the recruiting battle with Michigan State for the state's top football talent. This season, the Wolverines signed eight in-state players out of 27 total. Ohio, with nine players, topped the Wolverines' signing list. Illinois added three players, while seven other states had one player each sign with U-M in 2013. In 2012, the Wolverines inked nine players from Michigan out of a class of 25. Seventeen players signing with U-M from the Great Lakes State in the past two years is a good omen for Wolverine football fans, and more than likely, a portent of good things to come in Ann Arbor.
Eastern Michigan
Grade- D
I just don't understand the Eagles and their apparent inability to recruit the state of Michigan. Situated in one of the richest high school football recruiting areas in the Midwest, if not the country, EMU continues to shun metropolitan Detroit and, even more shocking, the entire state of Michigan when signing players for its football program. This year, out of a total of 21 players, the Eagles attracted, identified and signed only three players from Michigan. I simply don't get it... Signing eight players from Michigan out of 45 total in the last two years is mind-blowing.
Western Michigan
Grade- C+
With five players from Michigan signing with the Broncos out of a class of 17, Western Michigan is definitely heading in the right direction under first-year coach P.J. Fleck. Michigan and Illinois led the way in 2013 with five players each signing with the Broncos. That's a terrific start for the new Bronco head coach. Last season, WMU signed two players from Michigan out of a class of 28. Hopefully, for Bronco fans, Fleck and his staff will continue to rebuild the WMU program with Michigan talent. This year was a positive first step.
Central Michigan
Grade- A
Chippewa fans rejoice. For the second straight year, CMU dominated the state of Michigan signing 14 players from the Great Lakes State out of a class of 21, compared to eight total between EMU and WMU, the state's other Mid American Conference playing schools. Coach Dan Enos is slowly, but methodically, building not only a MAC power, but a perennial national top 25 and bowl-bound program filled to the brim with Michigan talent. In the past two years, out of a total of 44 players, the Chippewas have inked 31 from Michigan. No one recruits the state of Michigan better than Enos and his staff. Enos is building a strong program from top to bottom with the foundation being filled by Michigan kids. Central Michigan fans should be pleased with what Enos is building in Mount Pleasant.
Though having 63 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
Grade- C-
I love my Spartans, but c'mon, three players from the state of Michigan? THREE?? This season, Michigan State signed 18 players from six states and one Canadian province. Ohio led the way with five signees followed by Pennsylvania, Florida and Michigan with three each. Wisconsin had two players sign with the Spartans, while Illinois and Ontario each had one player sign with MSU. In 2012, the Spartans signed six players from Michigan out of a class of 21. In the last two years, with 39 total players signing, MSU has managed to ink only nine players from Michigan. That's not good enough -- not even close.
Michigan
Grade- B +
The Wolverines continue to right the ship under Brady Hoke. For the second year in a row, Michigan won the recruiting battle with Michigan State for the state's top football talent. This season, the Wolverines signed eight in-state players out of 27 total. Ohio, with nine players, topped the Wolverines' signing list. Illinois added three players, while seven other states had one player each sign with U-M in 2013. In 2012, the Wolverines inked nine players from Michigan out of a class of 25. Seventeen players signing with U-M from the Great Lakes State in the past two years is a good omen for Wolverine football fans, and more than likely, a portent of good things to come in Ann Arbor.
Eastern Michigan
Grade- D
I just don't understand the Eagles and their apparent inability to recruit the state of Michigan. Situated in one of the richest high school football recruiting areas in the Midwest, if not the country, EMU continues to shun metropolitan Detroit and, even more shocking, the entire state of Michigan when signing players for its football program. This year, out of a total of 21 players, the Eagles attracted, identified and signed only three players from Michigan. I simply don't get it... Signing eight players from Michigan out of 45 total in the last two years is mind-blowing.
Western Michigan
Grade- C+
With five players from Michigan signing with the Broncos out of a class of 17, Western Michigan is definitely heading in the right direction under first-year coach P.J. Fleck. Michigan and Illinois led the way in 2013 with five players each signing with the Broncos. That's a terrific start for the new Bronco head coach. Last season, WMU signed two players from Michigan out of a class of 28. Hopefully, for Bronco fans, Fleck and his staff will continue to rebuild the WMU program with Michigan talent. This year was a positive first step.
Central Michigan
Grade- A
Chippewa fans rejoice. For the second straight year, CMU dominated the state of Michigan signing 14 players from the Great Lakes State out of a class of 21, compared to eight total between EMU and WMU, the state's other Mid American Conference playing schools. Coach Dan Enos is slowly, but methodically, building not only a MAC power, but a perennial national top 25 and bowl-bound program filled to the brim with Michigan talent. In the past two years, out of a total of 44 players, the Chippewas have inked 31 from Michigan. No one recruits the state of Michigan better than Enos and his staff. Enos is building a strong program from top to bottom with the foundation being filled by Michigan kids. Central Michigan fans should be pleased with what Enos is building in Mount Pleasant.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Top 10 kicker prospects for Michigan's class of 2013
Here are the top 10 kicker prospects in Michigan for the class of 2013. Each year Michigan produces major Division I college football kicking talent. This season's placekicker/punter list includes multiple Division I football recruits.
1. Brett Scanlon-5-11, 205-Dowagiac (PK/P)-Multiple 50-yard plus FGs
2. J.J. McGrath-6-2, 200-Macomb Lutheran North (PK/P)-Multiple 50-yard plus FGs
3. Joel Schipper-5-10, 180-Grand Rapids Christian (PK)-47- and 48-yard FGs
4. Tommy Jacobs-6-1, 185-Bay City Central (PK/P)-40.3-yard ave., 25-of-26 PAT
5. Cooper Mojsiejenko-6-0, 185-Bridgman (PK/P)-Last name synonymous with great kicking
6. Brenton Zuzo-5-9, 160-Plymouth (PK)
7. Dong Kim-6-4, 180-Okemos (PK/P)-Kicking in Michigan East-West All-Star Game
8. A.J. Lisman-5-10, 170-Spring Lake (P)-39-yard average
9. Caden Kipp-6-1, 195-Ithaca
10. Dan Burns-6-1, 150-Sanford Meridian (PK)-46-yard FG, 37-of-38 PAT
1. Brett Scanlon-5-11, 205-Dowagiac (PK/P)-Multiple 50-yard plus FGs
2. J.J. McGrath-6-2, 200-Macomb Lutheran North (PK/P)-Multiple 50-yard plus FGs
3. Joel Schipper-5-10, 180-Grand Rapids Christian (PK)-47- and 48-yard FGs
4. Tommy Jacobs-6-1, 185-Bay City Central (PK/P)-40.3-yard ave., 25-of-26 PAT
5. Cooper Mojsiejenko-6-0, 185-Bridgman (PK/P)-Last name synonymous with great kicking
6. Brenton Zuzo-5-9, 160-Plymouth (PK)
7. Dong Kim-6-4, 180-Okemos (PK/P)-Kicking in Michigan East-West All-Star Game
8. A.J. Lisman-5-10, 170-Spring Lake (P)-39-yard average
9. Caden Kipp-6-1, 195-Ithaca
10. Dan Burns-6-1, 150-Sanford Meridian (PK)-46-yard FG, 37-of-38 PAT
Top 10 safety prospects for Michigan's class of 2013
Here are the top 10 safety prospects for Michigan's class of 2013. This star-studded group is riddled with big-time Division I college football talent.
1. Delano Hill-6-1, 195-Detroit Cass Tech-4.5 40 time
2. Josh Jones-6-2, 210-Walled Lake Western-4.5 40 time
3. Heath Hoogerhyde-6-1, 210-Caledonia-4.5 40 time, 7 interceptions
4. Tyree Waller-6-2, 205-Ypsilanti Lincoln-4.5 40 time
5. Javon Haines-6-2, 195-East Lansing
6. Gary Jones-6-1, 185-Allegan-4.4 40 time, 10.6 100, 21.6 200, 6-6 high jump, 21-10.5 LJ
7. Isaiah Gourdine-6-2, 195-Farmington-4.5 40 time
8. Josh Cox-5-11, 190-Warren DeLaSalle
9. K.C. Zenner-6-0, 190-Rockford
10. (Tie) Tristan Eickenroth-6-1, 205-Kingsley-4.5 40 time,
Garrett Cross-6-0, 195-Byron Center-Four-year starter for Bulldogs
Other top prospects- Manny Mendoza-6-3, 200-Rochester, Austin Jones-6-0, 200-Bay City Central, Nick Sullivan-6-0, 185-Flint Powers Catholic, Chris Hamilton-6-0, 180-Grosse Pointe North, Devere Pipkins-6-2, 190-Ypsilanti Willow Run, Curtis St. Louis-6-2, 185-St. Ignace (U.P. Dream Team).
1. Delano Hill-6-1, 195-Detroit Cass Tech-4.5 40 time
2. Josh Jones-6-2, 210-Walled Lake Western-4.5 40 time
3. Heath Hoogerhyde-6-1, 210-Caledonia-4.5 40 time, 7 interceptions
4. Tyree Waller-6-2, 205-Ypsilanti Lincoln-4.5 40 time
5. Javon Haines-6-2, 195-East Lansing
6. Gary Jones-6-1, 185-Allegan-4.4 40 time, 10.6 100, 21.6 200, 6-6 high jump, 21-10.5 LJ
7. Isaiah Gourdine-6-2, 195-Farmington-4.5 40 time
8. Josh Cox-5-11, 190-Warren DeLaSalle
9. K.C. Zenner-6-0, 190-Rockford
10. (Tie) Tristan Eickenroth-6-1, 205-Kingsley-4.5 40 time,
Garrett Cross-6-0, 195-Byron Center-Four-year starter for Bulldogs
Other top prospects- Manny Mendoza-6-3, 200-Rochester, Austin Jones-6-0, 200-Bay City Central, Nick Sullivan-6-0, 185-Flint Powers Catholic, Chris Hamilton-6-0, 180-Grosse Pointe North, Devere Pipkins-6-2, 190-Ypsilanti Willow Run, Curtis St. Louis-6-2, 185-St. Ignace (U.P. Dream Team).
Top 10 cornerback prospects for class of 2013
Here are the top 10 cornerback prospects in the state of Michigan for the class of 2013. As it is throughout Michigan, this position list is filled with Division I college football recruits.
1. Desmond King-5-10, 180-Detroit East English Village-4.4 40 time
2. Ryheem Stokes-5-10, 175-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-4.4 40 time
3. Jourdan Lewis-5-10, 165-Detroit Cass Tech-4.4 40 time
4. Jaleel Canty-5-9, 190-Lansing Everett
5. DeMarco Gulley-5-10, 180-Detroit Cody
6. Eric Cooper-5-11, 180-Flint Beecher
7. James Alexander-6-1, 190-Detroit King
8. Houston Glass-6-1, 180-East Kentwood-4.4 40 time
9. Leontay White-5-10, 160-Saginaw Swan Valley
10. Dejuan Rogers-6-0, 170-Detroit Cass Tech
Other top prospects-DaQuan Pace-5-9, 165-Detroit Cass Tech, Ryan Verhelst-6-1, 170-Holland West Ottawa, Jerry Taylor-6-1, 165-Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley, Damon Thomas-6-2, 180-Fenton.
1. Desmond King-5-10, 180-Detroit East English Village-4.4 40 time
2. Ryheem Stokes-5-10, 175-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-4.4 40 time
3. Jourdan Lewis-5-10, 165-Detroit Cass Tech-4.4 40 time
4. Jaleel Canty-5-9, 190-Lansing Everett
5. DeMarco Gulley-5-10, 180-Detroit Cody
6. Eric Cooper-5-11, 180-Flint Beecher
7. James Alexander-6-1, 190-Detroit King
8. Houston Glass-6-1, 180-East Kentwood-4.4 40 time
9. Leontay White-5-10, 160-Saginaw Swan Valley
10. Dejuan Rogers-6-0, 170-Detroit Cass Tech
Other top prospects-DaQuan Pace-5-9, 165-Detroit Cass Tech, Ryan Verhelst-6-1, 170-Holland West Ottawa, Jerry Taylor-6-1, 165-Clinton Twp. Chippewa Valley, Damon Thomas-6-2, 180-Fenton.
Top 10 linebacker prospects for class of 2013
Here are the top 10 linebacker prospects for Michigan's class of 2013. This group has speed, size and talent. Each player is a Division I-level recruit.
1. Jon Reschke-6-3, 235-Birmingham Brother Rice-4.6 40 time, one of nation's best
2. Luke Maclean-6-4, 235-Grand Blanc-4.7 40 time, could project out to DE
3. Grant Niemic-6-1, 220-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-4.6 40 time
4. Joey Ostman-6-2, 235-St. Ignace-Top player in Upper Peninsula
5. James Brown-6-2, 235-Detroit Consortium-Div. 5-6 All-State, first-team All-Detroit
6. Anthony White-6-2, 205-Lansing Everett-4.6 40 time
7. Nic Lamica-6-4, 215-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central-4.6 40 time
8. Kyle Dinkins-6-1, 215-Ecorse-4.5 40 time
9. Derric Williams-6-2, 215-Lake Orion
10. Elijah Anglin-6-4, 210-Detroit Renaissance
Other top prospetcs-Jack Jennings-6-2, 220-Paw Paw, Seth Van Engen-6-5, 215-Grand Rapids South Christian, Matt Hall-6-1, 210-Grand Rapids Christian, Jack Doyle-6-1, 220-Grosse Pointe South, Collin Schlosser-6-0, 210-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, Lucas Lanzon-6-1, 215-L'Anse Creuse, Anthony Darkangelo-6-0, 205-Detroit Catholic Central, Chance Terry-6-4, 235-Plainwell, James Mills-6-0, 205-Lansing Everett, Mike O'Brien-6-3, 215-Maple City Glen Lake, Nate Pupel-6-0, 205-Traverse City Central, Corey Smykowski-6-4, 220-Yale, Angelo Whittis-6-0, 235-River Rouge, Dan Miller-6-1, 225-Standish-Sterling, Wesley Williams-6-3, 210-Detroit Henry Ford, Jacob Marsh- 5-11, 210-Mattawan, Lucas Bourelle-6-2, 215-Midland Dow.
1. Jon Reschke-6-3, 235-Birmingham Brother Rice-4.6 40 time, one of nation's best
2. Luke Maclean-6-4, 235-Grand Blanc-4.7 40 time, could project out to DE
3. Grant Niemic-6-1, 220-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-4.6 40 time
4. Joey Ostman-6-2, 235-St. Ignace-Top player in Upper Peninsula
5. James Brown-6-2, 235-Detroit Consortium-Div. 5-6 All-State, first-team All-Detroit
6. Anthony White-6-2, 205-Lansing Everett-4.6 40 time
7. Nic Lamica-6-4, 215-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central-4.6 40 time
8. Kyle Dinkins-6-1, 215-Ecorse-4.5 40 time
9. Derric Williams-6-2, 215-Lake Orion
10. Elijah Anglin-6-4, 210-Detroit Renaissance
Other top prospetcs-Jack Jennings-6-2, 220-Paw Paw, Seth Van Engen-6-5, 215-Grand Rapids South Christian, Matt Hall-6-1, 210-Grand Rapids Christian, Jack Doyle-6-1, 220-Grosse Pointe South, Collin Schlosser-6-0, 210-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, Lucas Lanzon-6-1, 215-L'Anse Creuse, Anthony Darkangelo-6-0, 205-Detroit Catholic Central, Chance Terry-6-4, 235-Plainwell, James Mills-6-0, 205-Lansing Everett, Mike O'Brien-6-3, 215-Maple City Glen Lake, Nate Pupel-6-0, 205-Traverse City Central, Corey Smykowski-6-4, 220-Yale, Angelo Whittis-6-0, 235-River Rouge, Dan Miller-6-1, 225-Standish-Sterling, Wesley Williams-6-3, 210-Detroit Henry Ford, Jacob Marsh- 5-11, 210-Mattawan, Lucas Bourelle-6-2, 215-Midland Dow.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Top 10 defensive tackle prospects for class of 2013
The trenches are where games are won. This season's group of top defensive tackles are players any college coach could build a dominant defense around. Here are the top 10 defensive tackle prospects in Michigan for the class of 2013.
1. Kenton Gibbs-6-2, 285-Detroit Cass Tech
2. David Curle-6-4, 280-Utica Eisenhower
3. Poet Thomas-6-6, 305-Detroit Country Day
4. Michael Steinhaus-6-3, 265-Chelsea-4.8 40 time
5. Adam Coon-6-4, 270-Fowlerville-also one of nation's top heavyweight wrestlers
6. Amilio Flores-6-5, 270-Fruitport
7. Daniel Green-6-0, 290-Grand Rapids West Catholic
8. Dan DeLuca-6-5, 265-Allen Park
9. Jake Daugherty-6-3, 270-Big Rapids
10. Austin Johnson-6-2, 265-Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Other top prospects-Don Kyre-6-2, 255-Olivet, Balaal Hollings-6-1, 315-Detroit Northwestern, Zach Van Orman-6-5, 255-Hillsdale, Tyler Goerbig-6-2, 285-Whitehall, Jeremy Dinges-6-3, 320-Berrien Springs, Joe Mini-6-2, 280-Croswell-Lexington, Jake Pattison-6-4, 300-Mattawan, Kyle Bindi-6-3, 265-Birmingham Brother Rice.
1. Kenton Gibbs-6-2, 285-Detroit Cass Tech
2. David Curle-6-4, 280-Utica Eisenhower
3. Poet Thomas-6-6, 305-Detroit Country Day
4. Michael Steinhaus-6-3, 265-Chelsea-4.8 40 time
5. Adam Coon-6-4, 270-Fowlerville-also one of nation's top heavyweight wrestlers
6. Amilio Flores-6-5, 270-Fruitport
7. Daniel Green-6-0, 290-Grand Rapids West Catholic
8. Dan DeLuca-6-5, 265-Allen Park
9. Jake Daugherty-6-3, 270-Big Rapids
10. Austin Johnson-6-2, 265-Orchard Lake St. Mary's
Other top prospects-Don Kyre-6-2, 255-Olivet, Balaal Hollings-6-1, 315-Detroit Northwestern, Zach Van Orman-6-5, 255-Hillsdale, Tyler Goerbig-6-2, 285-Whitehall, Jeremy Dinges-6-3, 320-Berrien Springs, Joe Mini-6-2, 280-Croswell-Lexington, Jake Pattison-6-4, 300-Mattawan, Kyle Bindi-6-3, 265-Birmingham Brother Rice.
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