Sunday, March 15, 2015
Michigan's top football prospects for the class of 2017 No. 26 through 175
Here are the class of 2017 top prospects No. 26 through 175 in the state of Michigan. It's an incredible class filled with big-time, top tier Division I college football recruits. As always, this list is fluid, with changes occurring as new players emerge throughout the year.
26. Ben Sherwin-6-5, 245-OT-Traverse City Central
27. Troy Brown-6-1, 200-DB-WR-Flint Northwestern-All-Saginaw Valley, 4.5 40.
28. Jaylen Kelly-Powell-6-0, 180-DB-Detroit Cass Tech
29. Dan Nocerini-6-2, 210-LB-Crystal Falls Forest Park-U.P. Small School All-Stater.
30. Obie Ricumstrict-6-1, 170-WR-CB-Mount Pleasant-CMU offer (football and baseball).
31. Brandon Blair-6-4, 235-OT-Corunna-Will be four-year starter.
32. Bruce Mann-6-2, 185-DB-QB-Midland Dow
33. Jordan Reid-6-4, 285-OT-DT-Detroit Cass Tech-Florida, Tennessee offers.
34. Phillip Paea-6-4, 265-OG-DT-Berrien Springs-Big Ten body, power.
35. Eric Eldridge-6-5, 295-OT-DT-Southfield-Already has MAC offer from Ohio U.
36. Jairus Grissom-6-3, 200-QB-S-Dearborn Heights Robichaud-North Carolina State, Wake Forest offers.
37. Adonte Calhoun-5-9, 205-RB-Detroit Denby-Det. News All-Metro Detroit.
38. Casey Williams-5-11, 175-WR-DB-Saginaw Mi. Luth. Seminary-Sag. News Dream Teamer, 4.5 40. WMU offer.
39. Collin Alvesteffer-5-11, 200-QB-DB-Cedar Springs-GR Press Dream Teamer.
40. Sean O'Keefe-6-4, 215-DE-Saline-Starter for D-1 state runner-up.
41. Sam Neville-6-4, 185-WR-Grand Rapids West Catholic-Starter for D-5 state champs.
42. Kane Williams-5-11, 195-RB-Clio-Flint Journal Dream Team, 1,232 yds., 12 TDs.
43. Anthony Secchi-5-8, 165-K-Warren Cousino-24-26 PAT, 40-yd. punt ave.
44. Jacorey Sullivan-6-2, 205-WR-DB-Muskegon-Size, speed, 4.6 40
45. Alfonso Reyna-6-4, 275-DT-Lansing Everett
46. Keegan Cossou-6-5, 225-TE-LB-Greenville-CMU, Toledo offers.
47. Austin McCullough-6-3, 175-WR-DB-Portage Central
48. Johnny Jordan-6-5, 265-DE-Harper Woods Chandler Park Academy
49. Jake Slager-6-4, 220-TE-DE-Zeeland West
50. Charles Jones-5-11, 200-RB-Ann Arbor Skyline-Toledo, Bowling Green offers.
51. Shonte Suddeth-5-10, 170-CB-Jackson-Top point guard prospect, elite athlete,
52. Blake Bogan-6-2, 180-WR-Grand Blanc-All-Kensington Lakes Athletic Assoc. as soph.
53. Andre Jackson-6-0, 180-DB-RB-DB-Bridgeport-4.5 40
54. Chris Kolarevic-6-1, 215-LB-Traverse City St. Francis-Potential star from power program.
55. Justin Kuchnicki-6-7, 315-OT-Haslett-Another Lansing-area behemoth in the trenches.
56. Roy McCree-6-3, 190-WR-Detroit Country Day
57. Sean Fitzgerald-6-3, 260-OG-Mount Pleasant
58. Iniko Wyatt-6-2, 240-LB-Anchor Bay-Bone-cruncher, from same school as Taiwan Jones (MSU LB, All-Big 10)
59. Logan Sandy-6-4, 255-OT-Traverse City Central-Teams with Ben Sherwin for talented duo.
60. Trent Hilger-6-1, 230-LB-Lake Fenton
61. August Shettler-6-5, 285-OT-Martin-Big, physical country boy from small school.
62. DeWayne Steward-6-1, 225-DE-Detroit Allen Academy
63. Jared Jordan-6-0, 190-RB-Grosse Pointe North
64. Kaiser Carleton-5-7, 165-RB-Macomb Dakota-Detroit News All-Metro East pick. 4.4 40.
65. Tyron Hart-6-0, 225-LB-Lansing Sexton
66. David Fox-6-0, 205-SS-Grand Rapids West Catholic-starter for D-5 champions.
67. Derrick Hubbard-6-2, 205-LB-Ann Arbor Pioneer
68. Richard Bowens-6-1, 175-DB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Minnesota offer.
69. Jonathan Raines-6-6, 235-OT-DE-Oak Park
70. Corey Cotey-6-1, 215-LB-FB-Munising-2-way starter for D-8 state runner-up.
71. Jared Smith-6-0, 195-RB-Pewamo-Westpahlia-Ionia County Player of Year, rushed for 2,140 yards and scored 27 TDs last year. Led Pirates to D-7 state semifinals.
72. Dwayne Chapman-6-1, 210-LB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-EMU, Ohio, BGSU offers.
73. Calvin Luurtsema-6-4, 265-DT-Hudsonville-Big Ten size, physical player. Will be three-year starter.
74. Mitchell Sokol-6-3, 185-WR-S-Rochester Adams
75. Karey Faulkner-5-10, 205-RB-Lansing Sexton
76. Turner Ruby-6-5, 280-OT-East Kentwood-Teams with senior Trenton Fincher (6-8, 315) for talented bookend tackle tandem.
77. Lane Potter-6-3, 265-C-Hudsonville
78. Ryan Johnson-5-9, 170-RB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Runs 4.4 40.
79. Demetrius Lake-5-11, 185-RB-WR-DB-Holland-Also high-level D-I hoops recruit.
80. Davaunte Dickens-5-11, 225-RB-LB-Grand Rapids Christian
81. Nick Kunkel-6-1, 255-C-Holland Christian
82. Mohamad Amen-6-2, 220-LB-Dearborn Fordson
83. Riley Fairfield-6-4, 210-TE-DE-North Muskegon
84. Darius Lynaum-6-5, 205-QB-Detroit Central-1,500 yards passing, 12 TDs last year.
85. Johnny Tracy-6-3, 195-QB-Birmingham Brother Rice
86. Kailen Abrams-6-2, 220-LB-Detroit Loyola
87. Jalen Allen-5-11, 185-RB-DB-Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood-900 yards rushing and 13 TDs last season.
88. Cameron Waller-6-3, 245-OT-DT-North Muskegon
89. Nyassinu Crowell-5-11, 190-RB-DB-Detroit Pershing-All-PSL last season, one of only two sophomores named to squad. 1,300 yards rushing and 12 TDs last year.
90. Hunter Harris-6-1, 185-WR-DB-Detroit Loyola
91. Cody White-6-3, 180-WR-Walled Lake Western-Wisconsin offer.
92. Larry Borom-6-6, 310-OT-Birmingham Brother Rice-also hoops player for Warriors.
93. Jackson Ross-6-3, 235-TE-DE-Detroit Catholic Central
94. Evan Plate-6-3, 220-LB-Greenville-CMU offer.
95. Jack Mandryk-6-1, 185-S-Hudsonville
96. Antonio Mangiapane-6-2, 180-QB-Allen Park
97. Max Nations-6-1, 285-C-Corunna-Made All-GAC first team as soph. One of state's top junior centers.
98. Pat Nauert-6-4, 265-OG-DE-Grosse Pointe South-Excellent mobility for size/weight. Runs 4.9 40.
99. Jahz Watts-6-2, 170-QB-DB-Ypsilanti-Elite athlete. 4.6 40.
100. Mustafa Khaleefah-6-6, 275-OT-Dearborn-Big-time O-line prospect. Runs 5.2 40.
101. Michael Kizer-6-4, 225-DE-WR-Warren Fitzgerald-Skilled pass rusher, 10 sacks as sophomore. Also talented wideout.
102. Trace Lindeman-5-9, 170-RB-Milan-Over 1,000 yards rushing last season. 4.4 40.
103. Kingsley Enechukwu-6-1, 210-LB-Romulus-Raw talent. 100 tackles as soph. 4.6 40.
104. Jordan Nwogu-6-2, 215-TE-Ann Arbor Pioneer
105. Cepeda Phillips-6-1, 220-LB-Detroit King
106. Logan Stallings-6-4, 290-OT-Battle Creek Lakeview
107. Evan Cummins-6-3, 185-QB-Livonia Churchill
108. Austin Scheffer-6-3, 270-OG-Plymouth
109. Spencer Eddings-6-2, 230-TE-DE-Livonia Stevenson
110. Alex Harpenau-6-3, 195-QB-Niles-passed for 2,323 yards and 18 TDs last season as sophomore.
111. Davion Johnson-6-0, 195-RB-West Bloomfield-4.5 40.
112. Zach Morton-6-3, 215-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-Cincinnati offer.
113. Scotty Nelson-6-2, 190-DB-U-D Jesuit-Northwestern offer.
114. Devon Carson-6-1, 185-WR-Lincoln Park-4.5 40.
115. Andrew Ward-6-2, 215-LB-Muskegon
116. Drew Rubick-6-4, 205-WR-TE-HB-Lapeer
117. Zach Wranosky-6-2, 280-OG-Almont
118. Mike Miller-6-3, 220-DE-TE-Battle Creek Lakeview
119. Jordan Davis-6-3, 250-OT-DT-Warren Collegiate
120. Dane Stambaugh-6-4, 305-DT-OT-Lake Odessa Lakewood-MSU recruiting.
121. Ian Creech-6-4, 245-DE-Portage Central-Big Ten level prospect, Northwestern interest.
122. T.J. Dymond-6-4, 255-TE-DE-Portage Central
123. Jake Cadle-6-3, 215-TE-LB-Sterling Heights
124. Reid Klinger-6-4, 265-OT-Jenison
125. Blake Dunn-5-11, 175-DB-QB-Slot-Saugatuck-D-4 hurdle state champ, four-sport star for Saugatuck.
126. Brayden Smith-6-4, 185-WR-Byron Center-Also top hoops player, 4.5 40.
127. Alec Guillaume-6-4, 240-DE-DeWitt
128. Cade Skaar-6-3, 215-LB-DeWitt-Teams with Alec Guillaume to form fearsome pass rush for Lansing-area power. Runs 4.8 40.
129. J.D. Ross-6-0, 175-DB-Slot-DeWitt
130. Mykal Stinson-6-2, 230-DE-RB-Haslett
131. Tanner Motz-6-2, 210-LB-St. Johns-Tackling machine, runs 4.7 40.
132. Steven Spenner-6-3, 220-LB-Berrien Springs-One of southwest Michigan's top prospects.
133. Ryan Cronin-6-2, 270-C-Buchanan-Will be three-year starter for Bucks.
134. Drew Bakos-6-3, 215-TE-Freeland-Small school, big-time player, hoops standout, crazy athletic.
135. Octavious Miles-6-5, 285-OT-Birmingham Brother Rice
136. John Zoscsak-6-8, 250-OT-DT-Mason County Central-Huge frame, raw talent.
137. Nate Meeker-6-3, 220-LB-TE-Olivet
138. Kyle Sassack-6-7, 260-OT-Pontiac Notre Dame Prep-Prototypical Big Ten OT, top talent, U-M recruiting.
139. Mason Gee-Montgomery-6-0, 185-QB-Stockbridge-Was 226-of-311 passing for 3,122 yards and a state record 51 TDs as a junior this past season. Also rushed for 1,126 yards and eight TDs.
140. Amari Jenson-6-2, 205-LB-Ypsilanti-Earned first team All-SEC White honors as junior.
141. Ryan Cornejo-6-3, 205-LB-Alma-Recorded 100 tackles and five sacks as junior. Named to Saginaw News Dream Team this past season.
142. Malik Ellison-5-9, 170-WR-Flint Beecher-Possibly Beecher's next Courtney Hawkins (legendary Buccaneer who was All-Big Ten at MSU and played in the NFL as WR, now Beecher head coach), named to Flint Journal Dream Team with 40 catches for 642 yards and nine TDs, plus three kickoff returns for TDs. Also starting point guard on defending Class C state championship hoops squad.
143. Brett Anderson-5-11, 175-DB-Grand Blanc-Had four interceptions and 45 tackles. Flint Journal Dream Team selection. MAC schools recruiting.
144. Deron Trving-Bey-6-5, 250-DT-Flint Southwestern-Already three-year starter, Flint Journal Dream Team pick, had 73 tackles, 23 TFL and six sacks as junior. Very intriguing Big Ten-level prospect.
145. Ricky Clark-6-0, 180-DB-QB-Athlete-Schoolcraft- Outstanding all-around player, had five interceptions, with one returned for TD, one kickoff return for TD, was 67-of-108 passing for 1,666 yards and 22 TDs and rushing for 768 yards and nine TDs as junior standout. Big-time player at small school. Dad Benny Clark Jr. is a west Michigan legend who was a RB at Ravenna and at WMU. This past season, Ricky Clark was named the Kalamazoo Gazette Player of the Year.
146. Joey Lauria-6-3, 240-DT-LB-Whittemore-Prescott-Northern Michigan standout, finished with 89 tackles and two interceptions as junior. Selected to the Bay City Times Dream Team.
147. Vernonell Smith-6-0, 190-RB-S-North Muskegon-Rushed for 1,300 yards with 16 TDs, plus one kickoff return for TD as junior. Named to Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team.
148. Micah Raby-5-11, 170-RB-Brooklyn Columbia Central-Finished with 1,579 yards rushing and 19 TDs as junior. Selected to the Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team.
149. Jake Lemerand-6-0, 205-LB-Hillsdale-Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team pick, had 115 tackles and two fumble recoveries for a TD as a junior.
150. Khalid Jones-6-1, 215-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-Starter on star-studded Division 1 state runner-up squad as junior. Top D-I level recruit at next level.
151. John Pearson-6-4, 215-LB-DE-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Top tier next level talent, starter for Division 3 state champions. Outstanding speed off edge.
152. Ralph Holley-6-2, 270-DT-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Dominant, mobile run-plugger upfront for Division 3 state champions. Has Big Ten written all over him. Purdue, Indiana, Illinois where are you on this guy?
153. Antonio McCants-6-3, 225-DE-Detroit Western-Another speed rusher off the end. A top Detroit PSL recruit. Named All-Detroit by the Detroit News as junior.
154. Taron Young-6-1, 235-DE-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-Named All-Detroit by Detroit News as junior.
155. Jack Dodge-6-1, 175-CB-Walled Lake Western-Had nine interceptions and 86 tackles for one of state's top teams this past season. Named first-team All-North by the Detroit News.
156. Adam Guirey-6-3, 275-OG-Novi
157. Cameron Tucker-6-2, 310-OG-Southfield
158. Alec Bageris-6-3, 185-QB-Novi
159. Lorenzo McCaskill-6-2, 210-LB-Southfield-One of state's top LB prospects out of suburban Detroit D-I football factory.
160. Brendan Brown-5-10, 210-LB-Southfield-Teams with McCaskill to form one of Michigan's best LB combos.
161. Ryan Flaherty-6-2, 185-DB-Birmingham Groves-Starter in secondary with Iowa commit Cedric Boswell (2016 class).
162. Steve Mann-6-2, 200-QB-DB-Detroit Country Day
163. Brett Droski-6-2, 185-P-Macomb Dakota-Punted for a 36-yard average as a junior. Named first-team All-East by the Detroit News.
164. Kris Campbell-6-3, 260-OT-Warren Mott
165. Karry DeBose-5-10, 185-RB-Warren Cousino
166. Jake Giacobbi-5-10, 155-PK-P-Livonia Franklin-Was 6-of-7 FGs, with a 42-yarder, 45-of-48 on PATs and had a 35-yard punting average as junior. Named first-team All-West by the Detroit News.
167. Dominic Nardozzi-5-7, 150-PK-Macomb Dakota-Was 44-of-44 on PATs, 6-of-8 FGs, with a 47-yarder as junior. Named first-team All-East by the Detroit Free Press.
168. Jerome Cooper-6-0, 205-LB-Sterling Heights Stevenson-Had 73 tackles, five TFL and one interception. Selected to first-team All-East by the Detroit Free Press.
169. Chris Bergin-6-0, 195-DB-Detroit Country Day-Named to the AP Division 3-4 All-State first team as a junior.
170. Dalton Riddle-6-1, 190-CB-WR-Buchanan-One of southwest Michigan's top prospects. Big corner with speed.
171. Will Nagel-6-0, 185-P-DeWitt-Finished with a 42-yard punting average as junior. Named to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team and the AP Division 3-4 All-State first team this past season.
172. Taylor Jackson-6-2, 195-LB-Corunna-Had 94 tackles, three and a half sacks and four fumble recoveries as junior. Named to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team.
173. Jamal Allen-5-11, 185-DB-Livonia Churchill-Had five interceptions, returning two for TDs, plus 60 tackles. Named first-team All-West by the Detroit News. Has 4.4 speed. MSU recruiting hard, plus MAC schools.
174. Connor Chupailo-6-4, 265-OT-TE-Zeeland West-One of the best drive blockers I've seen in a while. Starter on O-Line for unbeaten, power-running Division 4 state champions. Also plays basketball. Physical, athletic player with huge upside. Somewhat of a sleeper, but a Big Ten-level player for sure, with further development.
175. Keshawn Evans-6-4, 285-DT-OT-Detroit Central-Big, thick behemoth in the trenches, a dominant, physical presence on both sides of the football for the Trail Blazers. Had 108 tackles, with 65 solo tackles, seven forced fumbles and eight sacks from his DT position as junior. Named first-team All-Detroit by the Detroit Free Press. No question a high-level, Big Ten, SEC-type prospect out of the talent-rich Detroit PSL.
Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Michigan's Top 25 high school football prospects for the class of 2017
I figured before beginning my position-by-position breakdown of the top players in the state for the class of 2016, I would unveil my updated list of Michigan's Top 175 football prospects for the class of 2017. The class of 2017 is loaded from top to bottom with every single player listed below a Division I college football recruit (at some level).
Michigan's Top 25 prospects for the class of 2017 --
1. Josh Ross-6-1, 220-LB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Big-time speed, instincts.
2. Emani Mason-6-4, 275-OT-Detroit East English Village-Elite technique, power.
3. Corey Malone-Hatcher-6-4, 245-DE-St. Joseph-Big Ten, SEC recruiting.
4. Nate Umlor-6-6, 255-TE-DE-Allendale-Could be state's best TE regardless of class.
5. Donovan Peoples-Jones-6-2, 195-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-Total package at WR.
6. Dez Lance-6-4, 245-DE-Sterling Hts. Stevenson-Big, fast, 4.6 40 reported.
7. Cameron Feguer-6-6, 285-OT-DeWitt-Massive OT from Lansing-area power.
8. Allen Stritzinger-6-0, 205-TB-SS-Warren DeLaSalle-2-way starter for D-2 champs.
9. Kahari Foy-Walton-6-3, 245-TE-DE-Lansing Sexton-Caught TD pass in D-4 final.
10. Ambry Thomas-6-1, 185-CB-Detroit King-Big corner with speed to burn.
11. Antjuan Simmons-6-1, 210-LB-WR-Ann Arbor Pioneer
12. Will Rodgers-6-4, 225-DE-TE-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Fluid athlete with speed, size.
13. Jaraymond Hall-6-5, 265-OT-Oak Park- U-M, Penn State offers.
14. Carter Dunaway-6-6, 225-DE-TE-Birmingham Brother Rice-Verbal to U-M.
15. Brennan Ward-6-4, 280-OT-St. Charles-Saginaw News Dream Teamer as soph.
16. Donovan Johnson-5-9, 160-CB-Detroit Cass Tech-Quick feet, hips.
17. Robi Stuart-6-4, 265-DT-OT-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic-Big Ten-level prospect, will be four-year starter, 4.8 40, also on school's hockey team and throws shot put (fifth in state as sophomore).
18. Marcus Sanders-5-7, 180-TB-Canton-2,000 yds. rushing, 22 TDs last season.
19. Rodney Hall-6-3, 210-QB-Detroit Cass Tech
20. K.J. Hamler-5-8, 155-WR-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-4.4 speed, holds MSU offer.
21. Johnathan Berghorst-6-3, 245-DE-Zeeland East
22. Bryce Wolman-6-3, 225-TE-Saline-Starter for D-1 state runner-up.
23. Andre Bailey-6-5, 310-OT-Detroit Mumford
24. Delvin Washington-6-3, 225-QB-Detroit East English Village-Div. 3-4 All-State first team.
25. Hunter Rison-5-11, 185-WR-DB-Ann Arbor Skyline- Verbal to MSU.
-- Look for players 26 through 50 tomorrow.
Michigan's Top 25 prospects for the class of 2017 --
1. Josh Ross-6-1, 220-LB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Big-time speed, instincts.
2. Emani Mason-6-4, 275-OT-Detroit East English Village-Elite technique, power.
3. Corey Malone-Hatcher-6-4, 245-DE-St. Joseph-Big Ten, SEC recruiting.
4. Nate Umlor-6-6, 255-TE-DE-Allendale-Could be state's best TE regardless of class.
5. Donovan Peoples-Jones-6-2, 195-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-Total package at WR.
6. Dez Lance-6-4, 245-DE-Sterling Hts. Stevenson-Big, fast, 4.6 40 reported.
7. Cameron Feguer-6-6, 285-OT-DeWitt-Massive OT from Lansing-area power.
8. Allen Stritzinger-6-0, 205-TB-SS-Warren DeLaSalle-2-way starter for D-2 champs.
9. Kahari Foy-Walton-6-3, 245-TE-DE-Lansing Sexton-Caught TD pass in D-4 final.
10. Ambry Thomas-6-1, 185-CB-Detroit King-Big corner with speed to burn.
11. Antjuan Simmons-6-1, 210-LB-WR-Ann Arbor Pioneer
12. Will Rodgers-6-4, 225-DE-TE-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Fluid athlete with speed, size.
13. Jaraymond Hall-6-5, 265-OT-Oak Park- U-M, Penn State offers.
14. Carter Dunaway-6-6, 225-DE-TE-Birmingham Brother Rice-Verbal to U-M.
15. Brennan Ward-6-4, 280-OT-St. Charles-Saginaw News Dream Teamer as soph.
16. Donovan Johnson-5-9, 160-CB-Detroit Cass Tech-Quick feet, hips.
17. Robi Stuart-6-4, 265-DT-OT-Saginaw Nouvel Catholic-Big Ten-level prospect, will be four-year starter, 4.8 40, also on school's hockey team and throws shot put (fifth in state as sophomore).
18. Marcus Sanders-5-7, 180-TB-Canton-2,000 yds. rushing, 22 TDs last season.
19. Rodney Hall-6-3, 210-QB-Detroit Cass Tech
20. K.J. Hamler-5-8, 155-WR-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-4.4 speed, holds MSU offer.
21. Johnathan Berghorst-6-3, 245-DE-Zeeland East
22. Bryce Wolman-6-3, 225-TE-Saline-Starter for D-1 state runner-up.
23. Andre Bailey-6-5, 310-OT-Detroit Mumford
24. Delvin Washington-6-3, 225-QB-Detroit East English Village-Div. 3-4 All-State first team.
25. Hunter Rison-5-11, 185-WR-DB-Ann Arbor Skyline- Verbal to MSU.
-- Look for players 26 through 50 tomorrow.
Friday, March 6, 2015
Michigan's class of 2016 top prospects No. 51 through 100
As usual, the state of Michigan is loaded with Division I-level high school football talent. The following list, though early and likely to change as the year progresses, is for Michigan's class of 2016 top prospects No. 51 through 100. Each player is a D-I prospect (high, mid or low) at some level, in my opinion.
51. Emanuel Jackson-6-0, 175-DB-RB-Novi-Verbal to WMU
52. Darrick Gibson-6-1, 320-DT-Clintondale
53. Gage Kreski-6-3, 190-DB-St. Ignace
54. Dontre Boyd-5-11, 175-DB-Detroit King-Verbal to WMU
55. Corey Pryor II-5-11, 185-DB-RB-Jackson
56. Mike VanHoeven-6-5, 305-OT-Paw Paw-Verbal to EMU
57. Gabe Bauman-6-3, 240-DE-Rockford
58. Chauncey Golston-6-6, 240-DE-Detroit East English Village-Verbal to Iowa
59. Marlon Dorsey-6-1, 170-DB-East Kentwood
60. Zach VanValkenburg-6-4, 235-DE-Zeeland West
61. Eyioma Uwozurike-6-5, 235-DE-Southfield Lathrup
62. Tommy Roush-6-4, 270-OG-Traverse City West
63. Michael Robb-6-6, 200-WR-Midland Dow
64. Colin Shock-6-2, 275-C-Macomb Dakota
65. Dan Perry-6-2, 265-DT-Lapeer
66. Lucas Thompson-6-0, 175-DB-Grand Rapids Christian
67. Jordan Asbury-6-4, 265-OT-Warren DeLaSalle-Verbal to WMU
68. Christian Boyd-6-2, 270-DT-Muskegon Mona Shores
69. Carmen Kolwich-6-4, 280-OT-Orchard Lake St. Mary's-Verbal to Northwestern
70. Carl Myers-6-3, 245-DE-Grand Rapids West Catholic
71. Ian McInnis-6-2, 280-DT-Munising
72. Jake Smith-6-1, 175-QB-Ithaca
73. Dre'on Kemp-5-10, 185-RB-Battle Creek Lakeview
74. Justin Myrick-5-10, 185-DB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's
75. Cedric Boswell-5-11, 175-RB-DB-Birmingham Groves-Verbal to Iowa
76. Gabe Steed-6-1, 175-WR-Lowell
77. Corrin Jones-6-0, 175-DB-Detroit Mumford
78. Jelani Taylor-5-11, 185-DB-Flint Beecher
79. Simeon Kemp-6-0, 170-WR-Flint Hamady
80. Nolan Meekhof-6-1, 220-RB-LB-Grandville
81. Paul Hurley-6-2, 190-QB-Romeo
82. Hassan Hachem-5-10, 175-DB-Dearborn Fordson
83. John Camillari-6-0, 160-PK-Walled Lake Western
84. Tylen Redding-6-2, 170-DB-WR-Warren Mott-Verbal to Bowling Green State
85. Jesse Johnson-5-11, 180-DB-Detroit King
86. Lawrence Bryant-6-1, 225-LB-Detroit King
87. Nick Edney-6-2, 280-C-OG-Garden City
88. Alonzo McCoy-5-10, 175-DB-Redford Thurston-Verbal to Toledo
89. Josh Eldridge-6-4, 240-TE-DE-Clintondale-Verbal to CMU
90. Wade Buckman-6-6, 205-QB-Holland
91. Dante Razzano-6-2, 190-DB-Edwardsburg
92. Jonathan Brys-6-6, 245-DE-TE-Jackson Lumen Christi
93. Zach Kohn-6-3, 185-WR-Gibraltar Carlson
94. Austin Petrie-5-10, 210-RB-Livonia Stevenson
95. Sam Hartwig-6-5, 280-OT-Menominee
96. Anthony Fitzpatrick-5-11, 240-LB-Detroit Loyola
97. Lindrell Mitchell-5-11, 170-WR-Detroit East English Village
98. Brian Mack-6-3, 225-DE-Grosse Pointe South
99. Kobe Burse-6-2, 190-WR-DB-Muskegon Mona Shores-Verbal to Miami (OH)
100. (tie) Navon Mosley-6-0, 180-DB-West Bloomfield-Verbal to Purdue, Tony Palmer-6-0, 180-WR-RB-Lansing Catholic Central, Jeb Palka-5-10, 165-WR-Saline
(10 more, couldn't help it) --
101. Trent Stone-5-10, 185-RB-Holt
102. Zak Hill-6-4, 305-OT-DT-Roseville
103. Dylan Pasquali-6-4, 285-DT-Trenton
104. Jaylin Jones-6-4, 265-OT-Ypsilanti Lincoln
105. Kevin Koenig-6-4, 235-DE-TE-QB-Laingsburg
106. Mason Penix-6-6, 305-OT-Charlotte
107. Darren Johnson-6-4, 290-OT-Dearborn Heights Robichaud
108. Tim Walton-6-2, 225-LB-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to Illinois
109. Isaiah Miller-5-10, 175-RB-Edwardsbug
110. (Tie) Hunter Buczkowski-6-0, 225-LB-Mount Pleasant (Verbal to CMU), Karson Murley-6-2, 265-OG-Lowell, Nate Jones-6-1, 220-LB-Muskegon Catholic Central, Alvin Clemons-6-1, 265-DT-Detroit Cass Tech, Joe Bob Walker-6-5, 225-QB-TE-Ann Arbor Skyline, Brevan Bender-6-1, 180-PK-P-Alma, Tamarion Johnson-6-4, 195-WR-Southfield Bradford Academy (Verbal to Miami (OH)), Brendon Bott-6-4, 255-DT-Grand Rapids Kenowa Hills
-- Next, I'll breakdown the top prospects in Michigan's class of 2016 position-by-position, including Top 10, stats, measurables, postseason accomplishments, D-I offers/interests, etc.
Monday, March 2, 2015
Michigan's top football prospects for class of 2016 -- No. 11 through 50
Here are Michigan's top high school football prospects for the class of 2016 -- No. 11 through 50.
11. Demetric Vance-6-2, 200-DB-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to MSU
12. Stefan Claiborne-6-1, 175-DB-WR-Chippewa Valley-Verbal to WMU
13. Matt Falcon-6-1, 205-RB-Southfield-Verbal to U-M
14. Jalen Cochran-6-4, 230-LB-Canton
15. Martell Pettaway-5-9, 190-RB-Detroit King-Verbal to West Virginia
16. Hunter Broersma-6-1, 185-DB-WR-Muskegon Mona Shores-Verbal to WMU
17. Juanye Johnson-6-4, 285-OT-Muskegon
18. Dez Fitzpatrick-6-0, 185-WR-Farmington-Verbal to Louisville
19. Tom Kowalkoski-6-4, 280-OG-C-Detroit Catholic Central-Verbal to Boston College
20. Kumehnnu Gwilly-6-2, 205-DB-LB-RB-Utica-Verbal to CMU
21. Devin Taylor-6-0, 175-DB-Lansing Sexton
22. Deandre Oakes-Owens-6-1, 175-DB-WR-Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
23. Josh Jackson-6-2, 200-QB-Saline-Verbal to Virginia Tech
24. Bailey Edwards-6-2, 185-WR-Chelsea
25. Cedrick Lattimore-6-5, 255-DE-TE-Detroit East English Village-Verbal to Iowa,
(tie) Lavert Hill-5-9, 170-DB-Detroit King-Verbal to Penn State
26. Jalen Martin-6-2, 195-WR-Harper Woods Chandler Park
27. Armani Posey-6-2, 205-LB-WR-Detroit King
28. David Reese-6-1, 235-LB-Farmington-Verbal to U-M
29. Adetokunbo Ogundeji-6-5, 225-DE-Walled Lake Central-Verbal to Notre Dame
30. Pat Naughton-6-2, 210-QB-Comstock Park
31. Mark Wilson-6-1, 185-DB-WR-Detroit Renaissance
32. Kaleb Perry-6-2, 175-WR-Mount Pleasant-Verbal to WMU
33. Jake Cerny-6-5, 280-OT-Traverse City West-Verbal to Illinois
34. Alaric Jackson-6-7, 285-OT-Detroit Renaissance
35. Daryn Snow-6-3, 190-WR-Portage Northern
36. Trishton Jackson-6-3, 185-WR-West Bloomfield-Verbal to MSU
37. Eddie Rhodes-6-4, 240-LB-DE-Detroit Consortium
38. Tru Wilson-5-11, 180-DB-Warren DeLaSalle
39. Ba Blamo-6-0, 205-RB-LB-Grand Ledge
40. Ostell Martin-6-6, 300-OT-Detroit Cass Tech
41. Muad Motan-6-4, 315-OT-Ann Arbor Pioneer
42. Guy Brent-6-1, 175-WR-DB-Ann Arbor Skyline
43. Marquis Smith-5-11, 175-DB-WR-RB-Ypsilanti-Verbal to Kansas
44. Patrick Mayrand-6-4, 280-DT-Dexter
45. Trenton Fincher-6-7, 315-OT-East Kentwood
46. Quinn Nordin-6-0, 175-P-Rockford-Verbal to Penn State
47. Traivon Clayton-5-10, 165-DB-WR-KR-Dearborn Heights Robichaud
48. Brandon Randle-6-2, 215-LB-Battle Creek Central-Verbal to MSU
49. Montero Smith-5-10, 190-RB-Comstock Park
50. (tie) Tyler Bradfield-6-0, 185-DB-Rockford, Nolan Eriksen-5-10, 190-RB-Clarkston
Next, I'll list Michigan's top high school football prospects No. 51 through 100, followed by a complete statewide position-by-position Top 10 breakdown.
11. Demetric Vance-6-2, 200-DB-WR-Detroit Cass Tech-Verbal to MSU
12. Stefan Claiborne-6-1, 175-DB-WR-Chippewa Valley-Verbal to WMU
13. Matt Falcon-6-1, 205-RB-Southfield-Verbal to U-M
14. Jalen Cochran-6-4, 230-LB-Canton
15. Martell Pettaway-5-9, 190-RB-Detroit King-Verbal to West Virginia
16. Hunter Broersma-6-1, 185-DB-WR-Muskegon Mona Shores-Verbal to WMU
17. Juanye Johnson-6-4, 285-OT-Muskegon
18. Dez Fitzpatrick-6-0, 185-WR-Farmington-Verbal to Louisville
19. Tom Kowalkoski-6-4, 280-OG-C-Detroit Catholic Central-Verbal to Boston College
20. Kumehnnu Gwilly-6-2, 205-DB-LB-RB-Utica-Verbal to CMU
21. Devin Taylor-6-0, 175-DB-Lansing Sexton
22. Deandre Oakes-Owens-6-1, 175-DB-WR-Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
23. Josh Jackson-6-2, 200-QB-Saline-Verbal to Virginia Tech
24. Bailey Edwards-6-2, 185-WR-Chelsea
25. Cedrick Lattimore-6-5, 255-DE-TE-Detroit East English Village-Verbal to Iowa,
(tie) Lavert Hill-5-9, 170-DB-Detroit King-Verbal to Penn State
26. Jalen Martin-6-2, 195-WR-Harper Woods Chandler Park
27. Armani Posey-6-2, 205-LB-WR-Detroit King
28. David Reese-6-1, 235-LB-Farmington-Verbal to U-M
29. Adetokunbo Ogundeji-6-5, 225-DE-Walled Lake Central-Verbal to Notre Dame
30. Pat Naughton-6-2, 210-QB-Comstock Park
31. Mark Wilson-6-1, 185-DB-WR-Detroit Renaissance
32. Kaleb Perry-6-2, 175-WR-Mount Pleasant-Verbal to WMU
33. Jake Cerny-6-5, 280-OT-Traverse City West-Verbal to Illinois
34. Alaric Jackson-6-7, 285-OT-Detroit Renaissance
35. Daryn Snow-6-3, 190-WR-Portage Northern
36. Trishton Jackson-6-3, 185-WR-West Bloomfield-Verbal to MSU
37. Eddie Rhodes-6-4, 240-LB-DE-Detroit Consortium
38. Tru Wilson-5-11, 180-DB-Warren DeLaSalle
39. Ba Blamo-6-0, 205-RB-LB-Grand Ledge
40. Ostell Martin-6-6, 300-OT-Detroit Cass Tech
41. Muad Motan-6-4, 315-OT-Ann Arbor Pioneer
42. Guy Brent-6-1, 175-WR-DB-Ann Arbor Skyline
43. Marquis Smith-5-11, 175-DB-WR-RB-Ypsilanti-Verbal to Kansas
44. Patrick Mayrand-6-4, 280-DT-Dexter
45. Trenton Fincher-6-7, 315-OT-East Kentwood
46. Quinn Nordin-6-0, 175-P-Rockford-Verbal to Penn State
47. Traivon Clayton-5-10, 165-DB-WR-KR-Dearborn Heights Robichaud
48. Brandon Randle-6-2, 215-LB-Battle Creek Central-Verbal to MSU
49. Montero Smith-5-10, 190-RB-Comstock Park
50. (tie) Tyler Bradfield-6-0, 185-DB-Rockford, Nolan Eriksen-5-10, 190-RB-Clarkston
Next, I'll list Michigan's top high school football prospects No. 51 through 100, followed by a complete statewide position-by-position Top 10 breakdown.
Sunday, March 1, 2015
Michigan's Top 50 football prospects for class of 2016 -- Top 10
Sorry it's been so long since I've last posted, but as I've said before in this blog -- life happens. Though, "life," was happening, it doesn't mean I haven't still been scouring the state of Michigan to find and identify the state's top high school football talent.
As with 2015, the class of 2016 is absolutely loaded with big-time, top tier Division I college football talent. It seems as if every urban area in Michigan and multiple small towns and rural areas dotted throughout the state have Big Ten-level football talent this upcoming season.
Here are the Top 50 high school football prospects in Michigan for the class of 2016. As always, this list can and will change as the year continues, but at this moment, these are the players I've identified through my research. Michigan's five Division I college football programs would be well-advised to check out all of these players and, hopefully, stock and fill their future rosters with hard-working, talented kids from the Great Lakes State.
Top 10 prospects for Michigan's class of 2016 --
1. Tony Poljan-6-7, 230-QB-TE-DE-Lansing Catholic Central-I know it's ridiculously high praise for such a young man, but Poljan has such a high ceiling, potential-wise, than any Michigan prep football player in recent memory. Not only is he a D-I college basketball prospect, but he is Michigan's No. 1 high school football recruit, in my opinion. His athletic ability is off the charts for a player his size. Running a 4.7 40, I project Poljan as a 6-7, 270 Jason Witten-type TE at the next level, or a 6-7, 275 J.J. Watt-type DE or a 6-7, 245 Ben Roethlisberger-type QB. As I said, high praise, but his combo of size-speed-athleticism is exciting and his potential at the next level is crazy high. Verbal to Minnesota.
2. Daelin Hayes-6-3, 225-LB-Ann Arbor Skyline-Could bulk up to DE frame/size at 255-260 in college or could play LB at 245-250. Either way, with 4.5 speed, Hayes is an absolute train wreck of a hitter. Verbal to USC.
3. Lawrence Gordon-6-6, 255-DE-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Despite currently playing for a struggling program (though overall a legendary program in Michigan high school football history), Gordon is still one of the Midwest's top football prospects. Like Poljan, Gordon's ceiling is exceptionally high. He's raw, but unbelievably talented. He's the proverbial "diamond in the rough."
4. Michael Jordan-6-6, 280-OT-DT-Plymouth-What makes Jordan stand out is his quickness and footwork for a player his size. With long arms and solid, all-around coordination, I project Jordan to develop into a 6-6, 315 beast of a LT at the next level. Verbal to Ohio State.
5. Michael Onwenu-6-2, 305-DT-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-Onwenu is a star on either side of the football. I see him, though, as a Vince Wilfork-type immovable object in the middle at DT-NG at the collegiate level. Verbal to U-M.
6. Donnie Corley-6-2, 185-WR-DB-Detroit King-Quite possibly, besides Poljan, the state's best all-around football player on either side of the line of scrimmage. With great size and room to grow, weight wise, Corley is one of the Midwest's best, if not one of the nation's best, as a dual position player at the next level. With 4.5/4.4 speed range, Corley could be a devastating lockdown corner or a bruising, physical "over-the-middle" type receiver in college. Either way, he's a must get for our state's D-I football playing schools.
7. Eric Rogers-6-1, 235-LB-Warren DeLaSalle-The defensive leader of last year's D-2 state champions, Rogers is a tackling machine. Tough, physical and quick, Rogers will be a three-year starter for DeLaSalle, which plays in the rugged Detroit Catholic League, one of the nation's best. Verbal to WMU.
8. Thiyo Lukusa-6-5, 300-OT-Traverse City West-Oh man, I pity the defensive opponents who have to line up against this northern Michigan monster. With NFL size already, Lukusa projects out to a 6-5, 325 Big Ten-type pile-driver at the next level. Verbal to MSU.
9. Khalid Kareem-6-4, 260-DE-Farmington Hills Harrison-Playing for one of Michigan's perennial powerhouse programs, Kareem is a pass-rusher supreme, with the size and frame to bulk up in college (6-4, 275-285 range) and move inside/out to take advantage of his quickness (think Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks). Verbal to Alabama.
10. Mark Brooks-6-7, 250-DE-OT-Portland-My top sleeper pick that I'm putting in my Top 10. From a program that captured the D-5 state championship in 2012, Brooks is a small town kid with a huge Big Ten-level upside. Needs to improve overall speed, but could play DT-OT at the next level. Brooks is a player college coaches, not only from inside Michigan's borders, but also those throughout the Midwest, should be flocking to see and recruit. Verbal to WMU.
-- I'll post my 11 through 50 players in my next blog.
As with 2015, the class of 2016 is absolutely loaded with big-time, top tier Division I college football talent. It seems as if every urban area in Michigan and multiple small towns and rural areas dotted throughout the state have Big Ten-level football talent this upcoming season.
Here are the Top 50 high school football prospects in Michigan for the class of 2016. As always, this list can and will change as the year continues, but at this moment, these are the players I've identified through my research. Michigan's five Division I college football programs would be well-advised to check out all of these players and, hopefully, stock and fill their future rosters with hard-working, talented kids from the Great Lakes State.
Top 10 prospects for Michigan's class of 2016 --
1. Tony Poljan-6-7, 230-QB-TE-DE-Lansing Catholic Central-I know it's ridiculously high praise for such a young man, but Poljan has such a high ceiling, potential-wise, than any Michigan prep football player in recent memory. Not only is he a D-I college basketball prospect, but he is Michigan's No. 1 high school football recruit, in my opinion. His athletic ability is off the charts for a player his size. Running a 4.7 40, I project Poljan as a 6-7, 270 Jason Witten-type TE at the next level, or a 6-7, 275 J.J. Watt-type DE or a 6-7, 245 Ben Roethlisberger-type QB. As I said, high praise, but his combo of size-speed-athleticism is exciting and his potential at the next level is crazy high. Verbal to Minnesota.
2. Daelin Hayes-6-3, 225-LB-Ann Arbor Skyline-Could bulk up to DE frame/size at 255-260 in college or could play LB at 245-250. Either way, with 4.5 speed, Hayes is an absolute train wreck of a hitter. Verbal to USC.
3. Lawrence Gordon-6-6, 255-DE-Saginaw Arthur Hill-Despite currently playing for a struggling program (though overall a legendary program in Michigan high school football history), Gordon is still one of the Midwest's top football prospects. Like Poljan, Gordon's ceiling is exceptionally high. He's raw, but unbelievably talented. He's the proverbial "diamond in the rough."
4. Michael Jordan-6-6, 280-OT-DT-Plymouth-What makes Jordan stand out is his quickness and footwork for a player his size. With long arms and solid, all-around coordination, I project Jordan to develop into a 6-6, 315 beast of a LT at the next level. Verbal to Ohio State.
5. Michael Onwenu-6-2, 305-DT-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-Onwenu is a star on either side of the football. I see him, though, as a Vince Wilfork-type immovable object in the middle at DT-NG at the collegiate level. Verbal to U-M.
6. Donnie Corley-6-2, 185-WR-DB-Detroit King-Quite possibly, besides Poljan, the state's best all-around football player on either side of the line of scrimmage. With great size and room to grow, weight wise, Corley is one of the Midwest's best, if not one of the nation's best, as a dual position player at the next level. With 4.5/4.4 speed range, Corley could be a devastating lockdown corner or a bruising, physical "over-the-middle" type receiver in college. Either way, he's a must get for our state's D-I football playing schools.
7. Eric Rogers-6-1, 235-LB-Warren DeLaSalle-The defensive leader of last year's D-2 state champions, Rogers is a tackling machine. Tough, physical and quick, Rogers will be a three-year starter for DeLaSalle, which plays in the rugged Detroit Catholic League, one of the nation's best. Verbal to WMU.
8. Thiyo Lukusa-6-5, 300-OT-Traverse City West-Oh man, I pity the defensive opponents who have to line up against this northern Michigan monster. With NFL size already, Lukusa projects out to a 6-5, 325 Big Ten-type pile-driver at the next level. Verbal to MSU.
9. Khalid Kareem-6-4, 260-DE-Farmington Hills Harrison-Playing for one of Michigan's perennial powerhouse programs, Kareem is a pass-rusher supreme, with the size and frame to bulk up in college (6-4, 275-285 range) and move inside/out to take advantage of his quickness (think Michael Bennett of the Seattle Seahawks). Verbal to Alabama.
10. Mark Brooks-6-7, 250-DE-OT-Portland-My top sleeper pick that I'm putting in my Top 10. From a program that captured the D-5 state championship in 2012, Brooks is a small town kid with a huge Big Ten-level upside. Needs to improve overall speed, but could play DT-OT at the next level. Brooks is a player college coaches, not only from inside Michigan's borders, but also those throughout the Midwest, should be flocking to see and recruit. Verbal to WMU.
-- I'll post my 11 through 50 players in my next blog.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Upper Peninsula/Northern Michigan All-Star football game -- let's do it!
It's about two months until the first ever Border Classic high school football game pitting some of the top players from Michigan against a squad from Ohio. The contest will be played June 14 at the University of Findlay in Ohio. Even though the rosters have already been set, I'll blog about the team I would have liked to have seen suit up for Michigan once the game draws nearer. Of course these types of all-star games never can have all the best players participate. There are always prior commitment problems and assorted other reasons why certain players cannot compete, but in a perfect world, I'll blog about the Michigan squad I would have loved to have seen take the field against Ohio.
All that being said, another game I would like to see happen someday and possibly become a showcase-type, highly anticipated and talked about event, would be a contest featuring the best players from the Upper Peninsula taking on a squad of the top gridders from northern Michigan. I haven't come up with a catchy name for the game yet, but officially it would be called "The Upper Peninsula-Northern Michigan High School Football All-Star Game." It would played right after the regular prep football season in early December at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Can you imagine the regional pride the game would bring about? I visualize the Superior Dome (aka Yooper Dome) absolutely packed with over 10,000 crazed fans screaming and cheering for their area football heroes. I don't think there is a better facility in the state of Michigan to host a big-time high school football game like the Superior Dome. It's large enough, yet cozy enough to provide and generate an electric, heart-pounding, ear-splitting, super-sized atmosphere. I think, if the games were competitive (which I think they would be), and all the stars would suit up and fans would pack the stadium, the U.P.-Northern Michigan "gridiron tussle" (I think I just might have come up with my catchy nickname for the game!) would become one of the best and most rabidly followed and talked about high school football all-star games in the country.
For fun, if the inaugural game was played this past season, here would be the line-ups for each squad. It's truly amazing the caliber of talent that would be on each team. Each squad would have multiple All-State and Division I college football talent sprinkled throughout its line-up.
I picture the U.P. team's colors being brown (or black) and yellow, with yellow helmets with a brown or black "U.P." logo on the side of the helmet. The northern Michigan squad's colors would be forest green and white, with forest green helmets with a white "N.M." type logo on the side of the helmets. I want it simple, Penn State or Alabama simple, when it comes to the helmets and uniforms.
Each team would have an honorary captain. This year's U.P. honorary captain would be somebody like Bessemer's Bob Jurasin, former Northern Michigan University standout, CFL All-Star, Grey Cup champion and Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer or Newberry's Rob Rubick, former Grand Valley State and Detroit Lion standout, while the northern Michigan honorary captain would be a former star like Traverse City's Mark Bramer, an All-Big Ten tight end at Michigan State and five-year NFL player with the Buffalo Bills or Cadillac's Jim Bowman, a former CMU star and NFL player with the New England Patriots.
The entire event would be a celebration of all things U.P./northern Michigan football. Maybe there would be a "George Gipp" (win one for the Gipper fame, a Calumet native) MVP trophy, a "Chuck Fairbanks" (Charlevoix native and former New England Patriots head coach and Oklahoma head coach at the collegiate level who is credited with helping install and make popular the 3-4 defense) Defensive Player of the Game trophy and a "Steve Mariucci" (Iron Mountain native and former NMU star who quarterbacked the Wildcats to the D-II national championship and later was a head coach in the NFL for the San Francisco 49er's and Detroit Lions, along with California at the collegiate level, noted for his offensive mindset and success on that side of the football) Offensive Player of the Game trophy and on and on...
Line-up for this year's game (if there would have been one!)-
--Players would be able to go both ways.
Upper Peninsula-
Head Coach-Jeff Olson-Ishpeming (two consecutive D-7 state titles)
Offense- (starters)
WR-Devin Harris-5-11, 175-Menominee
TE-Jeremy Bell-6-4, 220-Negaunee (All-U.P. at OT, but blocking TE on this team)
OT-Bryson Heimerl-6-3, 300-Iron River West Iron County
OG-Tyler Thomas-6-1, 280-Negaunee
C-Hayden Hardwick-6-1, 240-Rapid River
OG-Keith Denomie-6-2, 260-L'Anse
OT-Andy Ridolphi-6-2, 265-Iron River West Iron County
H-Back-Jake Pearson-6-3, 220-Rapid River (All-State QB, but needed at H-B)
WR-Kurt Burmeister-6-3, 200-Marquette
QB-Alex Briones-6-2, 215-Ishpeming (two-time state champ, CMU recruit)
RB-Ray'nell Anderson-6-1, 190-Sault Ste. Marie
Tyler LaJoie-5-10, 180-Negaunee
PK-Ryan LaBerge-5-11, 155-L'Anse
Defense- (starters)
DE-Bailey Lamb-6-1, 215-Escanaba
DT-Brad Gustafson-6-0, 250-Iron Mountain North Dickinson
DT-Sean Patchin-6-1, 265-Hancock
DE-Adam Mackey-6-3, 205-Ironwood
LB-Ryan Francour-5-9, 170-Menominee
LB-Eric Prestay-6-1, 220-Powers North Central
LB-Alex Briones-6-2, 215-Ishpeming/Jimmy Velker-6-3, 205-L'Anse
CB-Tyrus Millimaki-5-7, 150-Ishpeming
CB-Michael James-6-0, 160-Sault Ste. Marie
FS-Devon Harris-5-11, 175-Menominee
SS-Cole Tenghesdahl-6-2, 170-Kingsford
Nickel-Craig Qualley-5-9, 155-Iron Mountain
Dime-Brad Causley-6-3, 175-Cedarville
P-Eric Prestay-6-1, 220-Powers North Central
Northern Michigan-
Head Coach-Paul Walderzak-Standish-Sterling (32 years as head coach, retired this season)
Offense- (starters)
WR-Jalen Brooks-6-3, 185-Cadillac (All-State QB, but all-around athlete at WR)
TE-Jake Kaczynski-6-5, 240-Ludington
OT-Alex Stevens-6-5, 270-West Branch Ogemaw Heights
OG-Jake Wojtoviets-5-11, 255-Atlanta/Colton Hudak-6-2, 220-Cheboygan
C-Tristen Fleet-6-3, 275-Mancelona
OG-Connor Hayes-6-4, 290-Traverse City West
OT-Lucas Walesky-6-4, 270-Grayling
WR-Tyler McClanahan-5-11, 175-Grayling
H-Back-David Walker-6-3, 235-Harbor Springs
QB-Drew Marion-6-2, 185-Lake City
RB-Trevor Apsey-6-0, 205-Maple City Glen Lake
Nathan Fettes-5-7, 205-Lincoln Alcona
PK-Jake Gorter-5-11, 175-Traverse City Central
Defense- (starters)
DE-Clay Walderzak-6-3, 245-Standish Sterling
DT-Jake Khoury-6-3, 285-Traverse City St. Francis
DT-Lucas Weichel-6-4, 330-Lincoln Alcona
DE-Anthony Duran-6-2, 220-Petoskey/Seth Malcolm-6-3, 240-Standish Sterling
LB-Bryon Bullough-6-2, 220-Traverse City St. Francis
LB-Kaleb Hauser-6-2, 225-Kalkaska
LB-Brad Fall-6-0, 215-Marion
CB-Demetri Trice-5-10, 170-Gladwin
CB-Will Noble-6-2, 180-Kalkaska
FS-Seth Thomey-5-11, 160-Mio Au Sable
SS-Chris Lopez-6-2, 180-Rogers City
Nickel-Jens Gillings-5-10, 175-Whittemore-Prescott
Dime-Kevin Kunkel-5-10, 165-Lake City/Devin Griffus-6-1, 200-W. Branch Og. Hts.
P-Tyler Antar-5-10, 170-Alpena
-- The area of northern Michigan (for clarity's sake) for this all-star squad would be from Clare, north to Mackinaw City and all points in between.
All that being said, another game I would like to see happen someday and possibly become a showcase-type, highly anticipated and talked about event, would be a contest featuring the best players from the Upper Peninsula taking on a squad of the top gridders from northern Michigan. I haven't come up with a catchy name for the game yet, but officially it would be called "The Upper Peninsula-Northern Michigan High School Football All-Star Game." It would played right after the regular prep football season in early December at the Superior Dome in Marquette. Can you imagine the regional pride the game would bring about? I visualize the Superior Dome (aka Yooper Dome) absolutely packed with over 10,000 crazed fans screaming and cheering for their area football heroes. I don't think there is a better facility in the state of Michigan to host a big-time high school football game like the Superior Dome. It's large enough, yet cozy enough to provide and generate an electric, heart-pounding, ear-splitting, super-sized atmosphere. I think, if the games were competitive (which I think they would be), and all the stars would suit up and fans would pack the stadium, the U.P.-Northern Michigan "gridiron tussle" (I think I just might have come up with my catchy nickname for the game!) would become one of the best and most rabidly followed and talked about high school football all-star games in the country.
For fun, if the inaugural game was played this past season, here would be the line-ups for each squad. It's truly amazing the caliber of talent that would be on each team. Each squad would have multiple All-State and Division I college football talent sprinkled throughout its line-up.
I picture the U.P. team's colors being brown (or black) and yellow, with yellow helmets with a brown or black "U.P." logo on the side of the helmet. The northern Michigan squad's colors would be forest green and white, with forest green helmets with a white "N.M." type logo on the side of the helmets. I want it simple, Penn State or Alabama simple, when it comes to the helmets and uniforms.
Each team would have an honorary captain. This year's U.P. honorary captain would be somebody like Bessemer's Bob Jurasin, former Northern Michigan University standout, CFL All-Star, Grey Cup champion and Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer or Newberry's Rob Rubick, former Grand Valley State and Detroit Lion standout, while the northern Michigan honorary captain would be a former star like Traverse City's Mark Bramer, an All-Big Ten tight end at Michigan State and five-year NFL player with the Buffalo Bills or Cadillac's Jim Bowman, a former CMU star and NFL player with the New England Patriots.
The entire event would be a celebration of all things U.P./northern Michigan football. Maybe there would be a "George Gipp" (win one for the Gipper fame, a Calumet native) MVP trophy, a "Chuck Fairbanks" (Charlevoix native and former New England Patriots head coach and Oklahoma head coach at the collegiate level who is credited with helping install and make popular the 3-4 defense) Defensive Player of the Game trophy and a "Steve Mariucci" (Iron Mountain native and former NMU star who quarterbacked the Wildcats to the D-II national championship and later was a head coach in the NFL for the San Francisco 49er's and Detroit Lions, along with California at the collegiate level, noted for his offensive mindset and success on that side of the football) Offensive Player of the Game trophy and on and on...
Line-up for this year's game (if there would have been one!)-
--Players would be able to go both ways.
Upper Peninsula-
Head Coach-Jeff Olson-Ishpeming (two consecutive D-7 state titles)
Offense- (starters)
WR-Devin Harris-5-11, 175-Menominee
TE-Jeremy Bell-6-4, 220-Negaunee (All-U.P. at OT, but blocking TE on this team)
OT-Bryson Heimerl-6-3, 300-Iron River West Iron County
OG-Tyler Thomas-6-1, 280-Negaunee
C-Hayden Hardwick-6-1, 240-Rapid River
OG-Keith Denomie-6-2, 260-L'Anse
OT-Andy Ridolphi-6-2, 265-Iron River West Iron County
H-Back-Jake Pearson-6-3, 220-Rapid River (All-State QB, but needed at H-B)
WR-Kurt Burmeister-6-3, 200-Marquette
QB-Alex Briones-6-2, 215-Ishpeming (two-time state champ, CMU recruit)
RB-Ray'nell Anderson-6-1, 190-Sault Ste. Marie
Tyler LaJoie-5-10, 180-Negaunee
PK-Ryan LaBerge-5-11, 155-L'Anse
Defense- (starters)
DE-Bailey Lamb-6-1, 215-Escanaba
DT-Brad Gustafson-6-0, 250-Iron Mountain North Dickinson
DT-Sean Patchin-6-1, 265-Hancock
DE-Adam Mackey-6-3, 205-Ironwood
LB-Ryan Francour-5-9, 170-Menominee
LB-Eric Prestay-6-1, 220-Powers North Central
LB-Alex Briones-6-2, 215-Ishpeming/Jimmy Velker-6-3, 205-L'Anse
CB-Tyrus Millimaki-5-7, 150-Ishpeming
CB-Michael James-6-0, 160-Sault Ste. Marie
FS-Devon Harris-5-11, 175-Menominee
SS-Cole Tenghesdahl-6-2, 170-Kingsford
Nickel-Craig Qualley-5-9, 155-Iron Mountain
Dime-Brad Causley-6-3, 175-Cedarville
P-Eric Prestay-6-1, 220-Powers North Central
Northern Michigan-
Head Coach-Paul Walderzak-Standish-Sterling (32 years as head coach, retired this season)
Offense- (starters)
WR-Jalen Brooks-6-3, 185-Cadillac (All-State QB, but all-around athlete at WR)
TE-Jake Kaczynski-6-5, 240-Ludington
OT-Alex Stevens-6-5, 270-West Branch Ogemaw Heights
OG-Jake Wojtoviets-5-11, 255-Atlanta/Colton Hudak-6-2, 220-Cheboygan
C-Tristen Fleet-6-3, 275-Mancelona
OG-Connor Hayes-6-4, 290-Traverse City West
OT-Lucas Walesky-6-4, 270-Grayling
WR-Tyler McClanahan-5-11, 175-Grayling
H-Back-David Walker-6-3, 235-Harbor Springs
QB-Drew Marion-6-2, 185-Lake City
RB-Trevor Apsey-6-0, 205-Maple City Glen Lake
Nathan Fettes-5-7, 205-Lincoln Alcona
PK-Jake Gorter-5-11, 175-Traverse City Central
Defense- (starters)
DE-Clay Walderzak-6-3, 245-Standish Sterling
DT-Jake Khoury-6-3, 285-Traverse City St. Francis
DT-Lucas Weichel-6-4, 330-Lincoln Alcona
DE-Anthony Duran-6-2, 220-Petoskey/Seth Malcolm-6-3, 240-Standish Sterling
LB-Bryon Bullough-6-2, 220-Traverse City St. Francis
LB-Kaleb Hauser-6-2, 225-Kalkaska
LB-Brad Fall-6-0, 215-Marion
CB-Demetri Trice-5-10, 170-Gladwin
CB-Will Noble-6-2, 180-Kalkaska
FS-Seth Thomey-5-11, 160-Mio Au Sable
SS-Chris Lopez-6-2, 180-Rogers City
Nickel-Jens Gillings-5-10, 175-Whittemore-Prescott
Dime-Kevin Kunkel-5-10, 165-Lake City/Devin Griffus-6-1, 200-W. Branch Og. Hts.
P-Tyler Antar-5-10, 170-Alpena
-- The area of northern Michigan (for clarity's sake) for this all-star squad would be from Clare, north to Mackinaw City and all points in between.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Ferris State's 2014 recruiting class is off-the-charts good
Well, it's been a month or so since signing day and what a year it was for high school football in Michigan. With close to 80 players signing with Division I programs, the Great Lakes State continues to make its mark on the college football landscape.
While having players sign with D-I colleges is fine and dandy, no other state in the union has a stronger contingent of D-II football programs than Michigan. I don't have all the stats and figures, but I'd say it would be a pretty good bet that Michigan has more former D-II college football players competing in the NFL than any other state in the country. Our D-II schools are some of -- if not the -- strongest and most nationally prominent in the nation. That being said, I recently decided to take a look at our state's 2014 D-II recruiting classes and, boy, did our programs clean up. So many of the players committing to D-II schools in Michigan are definite D-I level gridders.
In looking over the classes, one group stood out the most. I think in the coming years, the GLIAC will start seeing a new power -- Ferris State. The Bulldogs' 2014 recruiting class is off-the-charts good. It's filled with high D-I level recruits. I'm excited to see how good Ferris State will be in three or four years when this season's class, combined with the 2013 class, will be juniors and seniors. It appears the GLIAC "block" just got a little tougher. Bulldog head coach Tony Annese is tearing it up on the recruiting trail in Michigan. Annese, wildly successful as a coach in Michigan, especially at state powerhouse Muskegon where he won three state championships in the 2000s, and at Grand Rapids Community College, where he won two national championships in 2009 and 2011, before hiring in as FSU head coach in 2012, could be one of the state's best college football coaches regardless of division. He's definitely one of the best instate recruiters. Grand Valley State has ruled the GLIAC for a while, but the Lakers might have consistent company at the top if Annese remains at FSU and continues to diligently recruit the state of Michigan.
Look at a few of the D-I level players Annese inked in this year's 2014 class-
Malik Taylor-6-2, 195-Montrose-WR-DB-LB-No. 13-ranked player in Michigan
Lorenzo Collins-6-0, 210-RB-LB-Farmington Hills Harrison-No. 25-ranked player in Michigan
Devonte McGregor-6-4, 205-LB-DE-Taylor Truman-No. 49-ranked player in Michigan
Kyle Baldwin-6-3, 245-DT-TE-Madison Hts. Madison-No. 56-ranked player in Michigan
Spencer Viening-6-1, 220-LB-Zeeland East-No. 65-ranked player in Michigan
Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 255-TE-OG-Portage Central-No. 71-ranked player in Michigan
Will Hunt-6-0, 220-LB-Muskegon-No. 79-ranked player in Michigan
Jalen Brooks-6-3, 190-QB-Cadillac-No. 99-ranked player in Michigan
Nashon Burns-6-3, 285-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-No. 102-ranked player in Michigan
Christopher Okoye-6-6, 320-DT-Detroit Catholic Central-No. 120-ranked player in Michigan
This class includes two players in Michigan's top 25, three in the top 50 and eight in the state's top 100. For a D-II school, that's pretty impressive, to say the least. In contrast, traditional and national powerhouse GVSU received commitments from two players in Michigan's top 100 and three total in the top 150 for the 2014 class. Grand Valley State is Grand Valley State and they'll continue to churn out GLIAC title contenders and NFL prospects every year, but the Bulldogs are definitely nipping at the Lakers' heels, especially with Annese at the helm.
Look at this possible line-up (with weights for players adjusted for time) for Ferris State in three or four years, when the classes of 2013 and 2014 are juniors and seniors. There is D-I talent at virtually every position.
(In a three wide receiver set)
WR-Brandon Moore-6-2, 200-Sr.-Montrose-My No. 1 wide receiver in the 2013 class
WR-Davon Haines-6-0, 180-Sr.-East Lansing
TE-Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 265-Jr.-Portage Central-Originally a CMU commit, could move to OG
OT-Tyler James-6-6, 305-Sr.-Stanton Central Montcalm
OG-Lamar Jenkins-6-2, 315-Sr.-Grand Blanc
C-Jake Daugherty-6-2, 290-Sr.-Big Rapids-Local boy, could play DT or OG, I like him at C
OG-Nashon Burns-6-3, 305-Jr.-Detroit Cass Tech-Three-year starter at state power
OT-Kevin Reidt-6-4, 310-Jr.-Chippewa Valley-Another three-year starter from power program
WR-Malik Taylor-6-2, 205-Jr.-Montrose-Could be next Jeff Janis (Tawas, SVSU, NFL draftee)
QB-Jalen Brooks-6-3, 200-Jr.-Cadillac-Dual threat run/pass QB
RB-Lorenzo Collins-6-0, 225-Jr.-Farmington Hills Harrison-My. No. 1 running back in 2014 class
(In a 4-3 defensive set)
DE-Dalvin Rubens-6-2, 255-Sr.-Taylor Truman
DT-Kyle Baldwin-6-3, 285-Jr.-MH Madison-Reminds me of Jason Jones (Lathrup, EMU, NFL)
DT-Torrey Appel-6-2, 305-Sr.-Grand Haven-Also OG, but I like him as run-stuffing DT
DE-Devonte McGregor-6-4, 245-Jr.-Taylor Truman-Needs to gain 35-40 pounds in three years
LB-Spencer Viening-6-1, 235-Jr.-Zeeland East-What a great get for Annese, star in the making
LB-Kaleb Ringer-5-11, 245-Sr.-Dayton, OH-Former U-M recruit.
LB-Anthony White-6-2, 225-Sr.-Lansing Everett-4.6 speed off the edge
CB-Ryheem Stokes-5-11, 185-Sr.-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Next D-II Brandon Carr
CB-Keyon Addison-6-1, 190-Jr.-Saginaw-Big time sleeper, 4.4 speed, D-I athlete
FS-Ato Condelee-6-0, 195-Sr.-Holland West Ottawa-D-I track recruit, speed to burn
SS-Jacob Allan-6-3, 210-Jr.-Portage Central
Sorry for the long blog on FSU, but I couldn't believe the class Annese brought in this season. Plus, when added with last year's class, the Bulldogs certainly look to be a power to be reckoned with in the coming seasons in the GLIAC. Should be interesting...
While having players sign with D-I colleges is fine and dandy, no other state in the union has a stronger contingent of D-II football programs than Michigan. I don't have all the stats and figures, but I'd say it would be a pretty good bet that Michigan has more former D-II college football players competing in the NFL than any other state in the country. Our D-II schools are some of -- if not the -- strongest and most nationally prominent in the nation. That being said, I recently decided to take a look at our state's 2014 D-II recruiting classes and, boy, did our programs clean up. So many of the players committing to D-II schools in Michigan are definite D-I level gridders.
In looking over the classes, one group stood out the most. I think in the coming years, the GLIAC will start seeing a new power -- Ferris State. The Bulldogs' 2014 recruiting class is off-the-charts good. It's filled with high D-I level recruits. I'm excited to see how good Ferris State will be in three or four years when this season's class, combined with the 2013 class, will be juniors and seniors. It appears the GLIAC "block" just got a little tougher. Bulldog head coach Tony Annese is tearing it up on the recruiting trail in Michigan. Annese, wildly successful as a coach in Michigan, especially at state powerhouse Muskegon where he won three state championships in the 2000s, and at Grand Rapids Community College, where he won two national championships in 2009 and 2011, before hiring in as FSU head coach in 2012, could be one of the state's best college football coaches regardless of division. He's definitely one of the best instate recruiters. Grand Valley State has ruled the GLIAC for a while, but the Lakers might have consistent company at the top if Annese remains at FSU and continues to diligently recruit the state of Michigan.
Look at a few of the D-I level players Annese inked in this year's 2014 class-
Malik Taylor-6-2, 195-Montrose-WR-DB-LB-No. 13-ranked player in Michigan
Lorenzo Collins-6-0, 210-RB-LB-Farmington Hills Harrison-No. 25-ranked player in Michigan
Devonte McGregor-6-4, 205-LB-DE-Taylor Truman-No. 49-ranked player in Michigan
Kyle Baldwin-6-3, 245-DT-TE-Madison Hts. Madison-No. 56-ranked player in Michigan
Spencer Viening-6-1, 220-LB-Zeeland East-No. 65-ranked player in Michigan
Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 255-TE-OG-Portage Central-No. 71-ranked player in Michigan
Will Hunt-6-0, 220-LB-Muskegon-No. 79-ranked player in Michigan
Jalen Brooks-6-3, 190-QB-Cadillac-No. 99-ranked player in Michigan
Nashon Burns-6-3, 285-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-No. 102-ranked player in Michigan
Christopher Okoye-6-6, 320-DT-Detroit Catholic Central-No. 120-ranked player in Michigan
This class includes two players in Michigan's top 25, three in the top 50 and eight in the state's top 100. For a D-II school, that's pretty impressive, to say the least. In contrast, traditional and national powerhouse GVSU received commitments from two players in Michigan's top 100 and three total in the top 150 for the 2014 class. Grand Valley State is Grand Valley State and they'll continue to churn out GLIAC title contenders and NFL prospects every year, but the Bulldogs are definitely nipping at the Lakers' heels, especially with Annese at the helm.
Look at this possible line-up (with weights for players adjusted for time) for Ferris State in three or four years, when the classes of 2013 and 2014 are juniors and seniors. There is D-I talent at virtually every position.
(In a three wide receiver set)
WR-Brandon Moore-6-2, 200-Sr.-Montrose-My No. 1 wide receiver in the 2013 class
WR-Davon Haines-6-0, 180-Sr.-East Lansing
TE-Hunter Lassiter-6-4, 265-Jr.-Portage Central-Originally a CMU commit, could move to OG
OT-Tyler James-6-6, 305-Sr.-Stanton Central Montcalm
OG-Lamar Jenkins-6-2, 315-Sr.-Grand Blanc
C-Jake Daugherty-6-2, 290-Sr.-Big Rapids-Local boy, could play DT or OG, I like him at C
OG-Nashon Burns-6-3, 305-Jr.-Detroit Cass Tech-Three-year starter at state power
OT-Kevin Reidt-6-4, 310-Jr.-Chippewa Valley-Another three-year starter from power program
WR-Malik Taylor-6-2, 205-Jr.-Montrose-Could be next Jeff Janis (Tawas, SVSU, NFL draftee)
QB-Jalen Brooks-6-3, 200-Jr.-Cadillac-Dual threat run/pass QB
RB-Lorenzo Collins-6-0, 225-Jr.-Farmington Hills Harrison-My. No. 1 running back in 2014 class
(In a 4-3 defensive set)
DE-Dalvin Rubens-6-2, 255-Sr.-Taylor Truman
DT-Kyle Baldwin-6-3, 285-Jr.-MH Madison-Reminds me of Jason Jones (Lathrup, EMU, NFL)
DT-Torrey Appel-6-2, 305-Sr.-Grand Haven-Also OG, but I like him as run-stuffing DT
DE-Devonte McGregor-6-4, 245-Jr.-Taylor Truman-Needs to gain 35-40 pounds in three years
LB-Spencer Viening-6-1, 235-Jr.-Zeeland East-What a great get for Annese, star in the making
LB-Kaleb Ringer-5-11, 245-Sr.-Dayton, OH-Former U-M recruit.
LB-Anthony White-6-2, 225-Sr.-Lansing Everett-4.6 speed off the edge
CB-Ryheem Stokes-5-11, 185-Sr.-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-Next D-II Brandon Carr
CB-Keyon Addison-6-1, 190-Jr.-Saginaw-Big time sleeper, 4.4 speed, D-I athlete
FS-Ato Condelee-6-0, 195-Sr.-Holland West Ottawa-D-I track recruit, speed to burn
SS-Jacob Allan-6-3, 210-Jr.-Portage Central
Sorry for the long blog on FSU, but I couldn't believe the class Annese brought in this season. Plus, when added with last year's class, the Bulldogs certainly look to be a power to be reckoned with in the coming seasons in the GLIAC. Should be interesting...
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