The 1971 college football season was dominated by players from the state of Michigan

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since I last blogged on my own site. As usual, that thing called life has gotten in the way of my writing. Anyhow, as always, football has been on my mind. Since I love the game so much and especially enjoy reading, researching and learning about the state of Michigan's history within the sport, I recently decided to look up some early era Bo Schembechler-led squads at the University of Michigan. I randomly picked the 1971 season (Schembechler's third year). I was amazed by the impact players from Michigan high schools had on the Wolverines' success that year.

PHOTO -- Michigan senior Glenn Doughty (left), from Detroit Pershing, receives a block from senior Reggie McKenzie, from Highland Park, during the Wolverines' 1971 Big Ten championship and No. 4 national ranking season.

Michigan finished as Big Ten champions (8-0) and ranked No. 4 in the nation with an 11-1 overall record. The Wolverines' lone loss that season occurred in the Rose Bowl against Stanford 13-12 on a field goal with 12 seconds left in the game.

Overall, 16 players from the state of Michigan started at one time or another for the 1971 Wolverine squad. Offensively, Michigan had two quarterbacks start throughout the year, with sophomore Tom Slade (6-1, 200, Saginaw) earning the nod eight times, while fellow sophomore Kevin Casey (6-2, 175, Grand Rapids Catholic Central) started four contests. Sophomore Bob Thornbladh (6-2, 225, Plymouth) started at fullback. At wide receiver, senior Glenn Doughty (6-2, 205, Detroit Pershing) started, while sophomore Paul Seal (6-6, 210, Detroit Pershing) and junior Paul Seymour (6-5, 230, Royal Oak Shrine) started at tight end for the Maize and Blue. Along the offensive line, All-American senior guard Reggie McKenzie (6-4, 235, Highland Park), senior tackle Jim Brandstatter (6-4, 245, East Lansing) and junior tackle Tom Poplawski (6-4, 225, Warren Mott) started for Michigan. Thornbladh, Doughty, Seal, Seymour and McKenzie all went on to play in the NFL.

Defensively, starting up front for the Wolverines were senior end Alden "Butch" Carpenter (6-2, 215, Flint Southwestern), senior tackle Thomas Beckman (6-5, 245, Chesaning), junior tackle Fred Grambau (6-3, 235, Alpena) and All-American senior end Mike Keller (6-3, 220, Grand Rapids Catholic Central). Starting at linebacker were All-American Mike Taylor (6-2, 225, Detroit King) and senior Dana Coin (6-1, 230, Pontiac Northern). In the secondary, junior Randy Logan (6-2, 190, Detroit Northern) started for Michigan. Beckman, Keller, Taylor (first round pick) and Logan all later played in the NFL.

On special teams, Coin starred as a placekicker, booting an NCAA record 55-of-55 PATs for the Wolverines.

It's incredible to me the impact kids from the state of Michigan have had on the building of the Wolverine football program. I think it sometimes gets lost nationally when pundits and commentators from around the nation analyze the Maize and Blue team and its history. Just a quick look at a random squad from U-M's history reinforces my belief the Wolverines' success throughout the years has been built on the strong and sturdy backs of kids from the Great Lakes State.

Also, in doing my brief research on the 1971 Wolverine team, I decided to take a look at the Notre Dame and Michigan State squads from that same year. The "Big Three" as I call them for players from the state of Michigan over the decades, it's mind-boggling the impact and talent each of those schools had during that one season from kids from the Great Lakes State. For the Spartans, future Pro Football Hall-of-Famer guard Joe DeLamielleure (Center Line St. Clement) and future NFL Pro Bowler defensive back/linebacker Brad Van Pelt (Owosso) led the Green and White. For the Fighting Irish, defensive back Clarence Ellis (Grand Rapids Central) and defensive tackles Mike Kadish (Grand Rapids Catholic Central) and Greg Marx (Detroit Catholic Central) starred for Notre Dame. Ellis and Kadish would both later become first round NFL draft picks, while Marx was a second round pick. All three also would earn Playboy Magazine All-American honors.

Did anyone notice all the players from Grand Rapids Catholic Central? Yes youngsters, the Cougars have been a strong program for decades. Michigan signee Jalen Mayfield (6-5, 255 DE-OT, Grand Rapids Catholic Central) one of the top recruits in the nation for the class of 2018, is just the latest in a long line of big-time players from the Grand Rapids powerhouse program.

Nationally, other Michiganders earning All-American honors in 1971 included Hillsdale placekicker Chester Marcol (Imlay City) and Colorado defensive lineman Herb Orvis (Flint Beecher). Marcol would go on to become a legendary and beloved Green Bay Packers kicker, while Orvis would become a first round draft pick and play 10 seasons in the NFL.

McKenzie, Van Pelt and Orvis would later all become enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame. In the 1972 NFL draft, four of the 26 first round selections were kids from the state of Michigan (Ellis-15th to the Falcons, Orvis-16th to the Lions, Taylor-20th to the Jets and Kadish-25th to the Dolphins).

Anyhow, I just thought it was amazing how much talent the state of Michigan produced during that one 1971 college football season at those three programs and throughout the nation. Just another testament to the ridiculous amount of high school football talent churned out for decades each and every season in the Great Lakes State.

In upcoming blogs, I'll start listing my position-by-position rankings for the class of 2019 and the top underclassmen in the state of Michigan.

Super Bowl LII had a distinct state of Michigan flavor

What a terrific Super Bowl, eh? As usual, the state of Michigan had a high-profile and big impact on the game. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII Sunday night. With minutes remaining in the contest and the Eagles leading 35-33, Philadelphia defensive end Brandon Graham knocked the ball out of Patriot quarterback Tom Brady's hands creating a turnover which was recovered by Philadelphia deep in New England territory. The Eagles then promptly went down the field scoring a touchdown, essentially sealing the Patriots' fate. A last-second Hail Mary pass by Brady was knocked down on New England's ensuing possession, giving Philadelphia its first-ever Super Bowl title.

PHOTO -- Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham (Detroit Crockett Tech/East English Village, U-M) sacks New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady forcing a fumble which was recovered by the Eagles late in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII. Photo by Getty Images.

Making the play that turned the tide late in the game was Graham. Graham (6-3, 265) is a Detroit PSL product who attended Detroit Crockett Tech (now Detroit East English Village). Graham later suited up for his home state college, starring at the University of Michigan. Interesting that both Graham and Brady are former Wolverines. Nice to also see Graham being the first Eagle player interviewed after the game. What a well-spoken and humble young man who is a wonderful example of the caliber of person and the level of talent produced each and every year in high school football in the state of Michigan.

Also displaying a dominant state of Michigan presence was the Super Bowl halftime analyst crew. Two of the four commentators on the set were Michiganders, with Jackson Parkside's Tony Dungy and Ann Arbor Pioneer's John Harbaugh sharing the halftime stage with host Dan Patrick and fellow analyst Rodney Harrison. Dungy (Minnesota, NFL) enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl when he guided the Indianapolis Colts to a 29-17 victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI. As a player, Dungy helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win Super Bowl XIII defeating the Dallas Cowboys 35-31 in 1979. Harbaugh (Miami (OH), NFL), current head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, led the Ravens to victory in Super Bowl XLVII defeating the San Francisco 49ers 34-31 in 2013. Dubbed the "Har-Bowl," it was the first and, up to now, the only Super Bowl in which brothers squared off against each other as head coaches in the NFL's biggest game. Head coach of the 49ers was Jim Harbaugh (Ann Arbor Pioneer, Michigan, NFL, current head coach at U-M). Interestingly enough, Dungy and Harbaugh grew up approximately 20-25 minutes away from each other, as Jackson is a short jaunt west of Ann Arbor on I-94.

Though rarely mentioned or spoken about nationally, the state of Michigan can lay claim to two of the most memorable and landmark moments in Super Bowl history.

Michigan's 30 best D-I college football sleepers for class of 2019 -- continued

As usual, life has called, I apologize for being away. Anyway, back to checking out a few more of the state of Michigan's 30 best D-I sleepers for the class of 2019. The following high school juniors are truly all D-I-level football players. If Big Ten, MAC and other D-I schools from throughout the Midwest and nation would take a look at the following guys, I can guarantee they wouldn't be disappointed. These are the type of players that in three or four years in a D-I program (redshirt sophomores or redshirt juniors) would be team leaders, foundation-type players, hardest workers and talented enough to garner postseason honors and NFL looks/interest.

Here are a few of the state of Michigan's 30 best D-I sleeper prospects for the class of 2019 -- 

DE-TE-OT- Evan Orme-6-6, 245-Riverview Gabriel Richard -- This kid has so much potential it's amazing. First off, he's from one of the greatest football towns in Michigan. I consider Riverview to be the state of Michigan's "Cradle of Coaches" (look for an upcoming blog about this story, it's worthy of its own book actually, in my opinion). For a relatively small Downriver Detroit community (southern suburbs), Riverview has produced three of Michigan's most prominent coaches. Bill McCartney (College Football Hall of Fame, won national title at Colorado in 1990 as head coach), Woody Widenhofer (helped Pittsburgh Steelers win four Super Bowls as LB coach and defensive coordinator and was a major architect of the legendary "Steel Curtain" defense, along with being head coach at Missouri and Vanderbilt) and Lloyd Carr (College Football Hall of Fame, longtime Michigan head coach, won national title in 1997) all grew up together in Riverview in the late 1950s-early 1960s and all later played college football at Missouri (with Carr transferring to Northern Michigan University his senior season). Anyhow, as I said earlier, this subject is worthy of its own blog. But back to Riverview's latest high-level D-I prospect, Evan Orme. Orme is a dominating presence on both sides of the line scrimmage for Gabriel Richard. Reportedly running a 4.7 40-yard dash, Orme is also a standout basketball player for the Pioneers. I believe Orme could play DE, TE or OT at the next level. I think with his basketball skills, footwork and athleticism, he might project best to a 6-6, 310 OT protecting a quarterback's blindside. Either way, Orme is a definite sleeper in the state of Michigan, but a D-I prospect for sure.

LB-TE-Boone Bonnema-6-3, 215-Zeeland East (just southwest of Grand Rapids) -- With outstanding quickness and agility for a player his size, Bonnema projects to either side of the football at the next level. I like him as a potential 6-3, 230 OLB, rushing the quarterback or having the ability to play in space defending the pass. A tough match-up as a TE-HB, Bonnema (CMU and WMU offers) also has top-level offensive skills as a receiver, using his speed and athletic ability to make plays. On the same team as DE-OT D-I recruit Adam Berghorst (6-7, 260, Michigan State, Indiana, Minnesota offers), I think Bonnema, who was selected the Holland Sentinel Defensive Player of the Year this past season after recording 103 tackles, including 16 TFL and blocking two punts, is Big Ten-level, as well. In the photos below, Bonnema makes a hard-hitting tackle in the annual game against crosstown rival Zeeland West, while he's also shown standing out front and leading his team during the playing of the National Anthem.

LB-RB- Konner Near-6-1, 205-St. Johns -- A punishing hitter/runner on both sides of the line of scrimmage, St. Johns' Near is one of the most physical players in the state of Michigan. With speed and power, Near, who was named to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team and earned AP Division 3-4 All-State honors this past year, is equally effective as a RB or LB. This past season, Near rushed for 1,377 yards and 21 touchdowns, with a single-game high of 354 yards against Cadillac. While he can take over a contest as a RB, I like Near's potential as a LB at the D-I level. I see him growing to 6-1, 225-235 range and having the quickness and nimbleness of a RB, but the horse-power and physical nature to chase down ball carriers and rush quarterbacks all game long. Near, though a bit unknown and under-recruited at the moment, will be one of the top players and D-I-level prospects next year in the Lansing area. In the photo below, Near is shown doing what he did all of last season, running through tackles and needing multiple defenders to bring him down.

WR-DB-KR-Terryon Liddell-5-11, 170-Saginaw Swan Valley -- One of the most exciting players for the class of 2019, Liddell is a difference-maker in all three phases of the game as a WR, DB or KR. Last season, Liddell helped lead Saginaw Swan Valley to a 12-2 overall record and a Division 5 state runner-up finish. Liddell, who runs a 4.5 40, ended last year with 21 receptions for 498 yards and five touchdowns, while defensively he picked off four passes from his cornerback position. Also an electrifying kick/punt returner, Liddell earned AP Division 5-6 All-State recognition last season. Despite being from a mid-sized school, Liddell, in my opinion, has high-level D-I college football potential. In the photo below, by Mike Clark, Liddell runs for big yardage after stiff-arming a Reed City defender in last year's D-5 state semifinal.

-- Up next, I'll continue listing and talking about Michigan's 30 best D-I college football "sleeper" prospects/recruits for the class of 2019.

Michigan's Top 30 D-I Level Sleepers for the Class of 2019 -- OL and DL

With the 2017 Michigan high school football season complete, it's time to shift my focus to the 2018 campaign and some of the top players in the class of 2019. For this blog installment, I'm not going to list the most highly-recruited players at each position, but, in contrast, I'll shine the spotlight on deserving high-level Division I college football prospects I consider "sleepers" for the class of 2019. These current juniors are some of the best high school football players in the state of Michigan, but, for some reason, aren't receiving the buzz or publicity I believe they deserve. A smart and proactive D-I head coach or recruiter would be wise to get in contact with the following players before the rest of the country finds out about their talents on the gridiron. Here are my early D-I "30 Sleepers" for Michigan's class of 2019 --

Michigan's class of 2019 "30 Sleepers" (all are D-I prospects) -- 

OL- 

Jack Haverdink-6-4, 255-OT-Portage Northern- The upside for this kid is so high. I feel he could play any position on the O-line at the next level. Haverdink was practically born to play offensive line -- it's in his genes. Haverdink's father, Kevin (Hamilton, WMU) played in the NFL for three seasons as an offensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints in the late 1980s-early 1990s. This kid is Big Ten-level all the way.

Hayden VanderWeele-6-4, 245-OT-Portage Northern- In one of the best stories for the class of 2019 in Michigan, VanderWeele, like his teammate Jack Haverdink, has a father who played D-I college football as an offensive tackle. In a "what a small world it is" moment, VanderWeele's dad Gary also played at WMU and was the right tackle for the Broncos, while Kevin Haverdink was the left tackle. Now, almost 30 years later, the former college roommates' sons are bookend tackles for Portage Northern. Crazy... Like Jack, Hayden is a high-level D-I college football prospect. It would be quite the recruiting coup for some savvy D-I program to sign both Jack and Hayden. Indiana? Illinois? Kansas? Maryland?? And similar schools/programs, take a look at these two players. As Sandra Bullock's character in the "Blind Side" said to the high school coach as she was walking away after teaching her "adopted son" Michael how and why he needed to pass block and protect the quarterback, I say to any D-I college football program who signs either of these young men -- "You can thank me later."

Bruin French -- 6-4, 295-OT-Clare- From one of the top programs in Northern Michigan, French is an absolute mauler up front for the Pioneers. While U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow is a Clare High School graduate and downtown Clare's Cops & Doughnuts is arguably the single greatest doughnut shop in the country (the blueberry donuts are so good and are as big as a small child's head), college football coaches and recruiters have another reason to visit the town -- and that's to see French. I project him growing to 6-4, 330 at the next level and becoming one of those mean and nasty pulling guards for some power running, meat-grinding team. (BTW, I just figured out how to add photos. Hopefully, I'm doing it right. It only took me four years... Heck, I still have a landline phone, soooo...).

Bryant Schram -- 6-3, 285-OT-OG- Iron River West Iron County -- Oh man, this kid is as rugged as they come. Any guy who comes from a town called Iron River and lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, you can bet he's as tough as nails. Schram is not only physical and powerful, he's a talented football player, as well. Schram was so good, he was named to the Upper Peninsula Dream Team as a junior this past season. He is definitely a sleeper, but he shouldn't be. He's D-I for sure. He's a guy, who in three or four years, as a RS So. or RS Jr. would be 6-3, 325 and just a road grader of the highest order.

P.J. Brown -- 6-4, 280-OG-Monroe -- I absolutely love this kid. He's the best recruit out of Monroe since LB Audie Cole (North Carolina State, Minnesota Vikings, NFL). What I love most about Brown is his mobility. A fantastic athlete, Brown has been playing varsity basketball for the Trojans since he was a freshman. He has excellent feet for a player his size. He could play OT in college because of his athleticism, but I see him as a 6-4, 305-310 guard or even a center, with the footwork and ability to be quick in tight spaces and big and powerful enough to move people. He's a very high-level D-I sleeper recruit in the state of Michigan.

Peyton Young -- 6-4, 310-OT-Muskegon Oakridge -- One of the top offensive line prospects in the Grand Rapids/Muskegon area of Michigan. Young will be a three-year player for Oakridge. With overpowering size and girth, Young has been a key blocker for sophomore running back sensation Leroy Quinn (6-0, 220), one of Michigan's highest-rated recruits for the class of 2020.

DL-

DE-Luke Marsh-6-4, 250-Montague- This kid is outstanding. He'll be a four-year starter for Montague (a school just outside of Muskegon). Also a top-flight O-lineman, who I feel could be a high-level center or guard in college. As a DE, however, Marsh is quite a force to be reckoned with for the Wildcats. With good agility and power at the point of attack, Marsh manhandles most opponents lined up across from him. I've liked this kid for years now. It'll be interesting to see how his recruitment goes next season.

DT-Cole Stout-6-5, 255-Muskegon Mona Shores- As opposed to Luke Marsh, who's been on my radar for multiple seasons, Stout is somewhat new to my knowledge. But, oh man, what a talent this young man is already. Playing on one of Michigan's best squads last year, Stout teamed with fellow DT senior Chuckie Anthony (6-2, 295) and junior standout LB Jacob Wahlberg (6-4, 220, Pitt offer) to form the nucleus of one of the state of Michigan's best front seven units. Stout could flesh out at 6-5, 305 at the next level and be an absolute beast in the trenches for some Big Ten-type-level college program.

DE-Nathan Elenbaas-6-3, 230-Williamston -- One of the Lansing area's top-ranked D-I prospects for the class of 2019. Elenbaas is a machine, whose motor never seems to stop. This past season, Elenbaas was practically unblockable from his DE position for the Hornets, recording 110 tackles, including 21 TFL and 12 sacks. For his efforts this past season, Elenbaas was named to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team. He's a sleeper, but another one of those bonafide D-I guys who's under-recruited at the moment.

DE-DT-Peyton Dustin-6-5, 250-Berrien Springs -- From a small school in Southwest Michigan that has produced four Division I players in the last five years (including players who signed with Notre Dame, Michigan State and Michigan), Dustin, along with sophomore standout DT-OG Garrett Jones (6-4, 260), could possibly be the next two Shamrocks to compete at the D-I level on the gridiron. Raw for sure, Dustin though has excellent size, mobility and length to project to the D-I level. Last season, Dustin used his speed and athleticism to return a fumble 32 yards for a touchdown -- no small feat for a kid his size, who normally would be caught from behind.

DE-Dominique Davidson-6-6, 220-Lansing Everett -- Drool. And if you're a D-I football coach or recruiter, then you should be drooling, too, over the off-the-charts potential of Davidson. A hard-driven, freak-of-an-athlete-type player, Davidson could be a star player on either side of the football at DE or TE. This kid is one of the underclassmen players I'm most excited about watching this off-season and into next year, regarding his overall development. Also is a standout hoops player for one of Michigan's legendary basketball programs (some guy named Magic is a former Everett Viking). Davidson has all the physical tools to be a high-level D-I DE growing to 6-6, 260-270 and being one of those elite athletes that causes all kinds of problems for any OT attempting to run or pass block him on the edge. In the pics below, Davidson used his length and speed to get around the edge and block an extra point attempt, while on the hardcourt, he's shown going up for a two-handed slam dunk. Photos by Al Goldis, Lansing State Journal.

-- Up next, I'll highlight class of 2019 D-I-level sleeper DE-TE combo guys, LBs and two-way standouts. Here's a preview of a few of the players I'll shine the spotlight on in my next blog installment --

DE-TE Evan Orme-6-6, 245-Riverview Gabriel Richard
LB-TE-HB-Boone Bonnema-6-3, 215-Zeeland East
RB-LB-Maurice Hutchinson-6-2, 215-Sterling Heights Parkway Christian
RB-WR-DB-KR-Terryon Liddell-5-10, 170-Saginaw Swan Valley
RB-QB-DB-Drew Stout-6-2, 185-Carson City-Crystal

Michigan's 2017 All-State Team (and more)

Welp, the 2017 high school football season is in the books and it's time to unveil my All-State postseason teams. The previous blogs have highlighted my All-Region squads for 10 areas throughout the state of Michigan. Now, I'll put together the best team, the first-team, the All-State team for the 2017 season in Michigan, plus a few other unique squads. If I was going up against another state's top players, this is the starting team I'd take on the field with me (after hopefully a few weeks practice). Here is the 2017 Michigan All-State high school football squad --

Michigan's 2017 All-State Team (only seniors) -- 

WR-Brandon Gray--6-5, 190-Detroit Cass Tech-Washington State
TE-HB-Ben VanSumeren-6-3, 235-Essexville-Garber-U-M
RT-Michael Furtney-6-5, 290-Milan-Wisconsin
RG-Marquan McCall-6-4, 325-Oak Park-Kentucky
C-Tyrone Sampson-6-4, 295-Detroit East English Village-Syracuse
LG-Antwan Reed-6-7, 320-Muskegon
LT-Ryan Hayes-6-7, 270-Traverse City West-U-M
Slot-Jerrod Vines-6-0, 185-Detroit Central
WR-A.J. Abbott-6-2, 195-West Bloomfield-Wisconsin
QB-Theo Day-6-5, 205-Dearborn Divine Child-Michigan State
RB-Tariq Reid-6-0, 200-Davison and/or
       Ladarius Jefferson-6-2, 220-Muskegon-Michigan State

PK-Jake Moody-6-1, 185-Northville

DE-Desjuan Johnson-6-3, 260-Detroit East English Village-Toledo
DT-Aidan Hutchinson-6-6, 265-Dearborn Divine Child-U-M
DT-Eli Jackson-6-1, 305-Muskegon
DE-Jalen Mayfield-6-5, 255-Grand Rapids Catholic Central-U-M
LB-Ovie Oghoufu-6-3, 220-Farmington Hills Harrison-Notre Dame
LB-Kolin Demens-6-2, 220-Detroit Country Day
LB-DeAndre Square-6-1, 215-Detroit Cass Tech-Kentucky
CB-Kalon Gervin-5-10, 175-Detroit Cass Tech-Michigan State
CB-Davion Williams-6-2, 180-Belleville-Michigan State
FS-Elijah Collins-6-1, 200-U-D Jesuit-Michigan State
SS-Reggie Pearson-5-11, 195-River Rouge-Wisconsin

P-Joel Wilson-6-5, 195-Petoskey

Michigan's 2017 All-State Team (only juniors) -- 

WR-Julian Barnett-6-2, 185-Belleville-Verbal to Michigan State
TE-Dayton Keller-6-4, 245-Jackson Lumen Christi
RT-Devontae Dobbs-6-4, 290-Belleville
RG-Anthony Bradford-6-6, 330-Muskegon
C-Brock Jordan-6-3, 285-Okemos
LG-Karson Barnhart-6-5, 285-Paw Paw
LT-Logan Brown-6-7, 295-East Kentwood-Verbal to Wisconsin
Slot-Jalen Graham-6-2, 190-Detroit Cass Tech
WR-Damari Roberson-6-2, 190-Muskegon Mona Shores
QB-Dwan Mathis-6-5, 200-Oak Park-Verbal to Michigan State
RB-Jaren Mangham-6-1, 225-Detroit Cass Tech

PK-Jackson Griskie-5-11, 185-Macomb Lutheran North

DE-Michael Fletcher-6-6, 245-Flint Carman-Ainsworth
DT-Spencer Brown-6-6, 295-Walled Lake Western-Verbal to Michigan State
DT-Mazi Smith-6-4, 315-East Kentwood
DE-Adam Berghorst-6-7, 260-Zeeland East
LB-Ali'Vonta Wallace-6-1, 235-Muskegon
LB-Tyrece Woods-6-2, 245-Detroit King (I know he also plays DE, but I like him at LB)
LB-Lance Dixon-6-2, 215-West Bloomfield
CB-Daraun McKinney-5-10, 180-River Rouge and/or
       Rod Heard-5-10, 165-Farmington Hills Harrison
CB-Xavier Goldsmith-5-10, 170-Detroit Cass Tech
FS-Marcus Fuqua-6-1, 190-Southfield A & T and/or
      M.J. Griffin-6-1, 185-Saline
SS-Marvin Grant-6-2, 205-Detroit King

P-Luke Elzinga-6-4, 200-Grand Rapids Christian

Michigan's 2017 All-State Team (only sophomores and freshmen) -- 

WR-Devell Washington-6-4, 195-Bay City Central-Soph. and/or
        Chastin Cross-6-3, 185-Lincoln Park-Soph.
TE-Malik Carr-6-6, 205-Oak Park-Soph. and/or
       Ian Stewart-6-4, 195-Gibraltar Carlson-Soph.
RT-Rocco Spindler-6-5, 255-Clarkston-Frosh. and/or
      Garrett Dellinger-6-6, 255-Clarkston-Frosh.
RG-Justin Rogers-6-3, 280-Oak Park-Soph.
C-Jake Swirple-6-2, 270-Livonia Franklin-Soph.
LG-Keegan Smith-6-4, 275-Jackson Lumen Christi-Soph. and/or
       Evan Egan-6-5, 270-Durand-Soph.
LT-Tate Mackenzie-6-7, 305-Ypsilanti Lincoln-Soph. and/or
      Grant Toutant-6-6, 270-Warren DeLaSalle-Soph.
Slot-Rashawn Williams-6-1, 200-Detroit King-Soph. and/or
        Cameron Martinez-5-11, 180-Muskegon Catholic Central-Soph.
WR-Christian Fitzpatrick-6-2, 175-West Bloomfield-Soph. and/or
        Abdur-Raheem Yasem-6-1, 175-Walled Lake Western-Soph.
QB- Dustin Fletcher-6-3, 210-Flint Carman-Ainsworth-Soph. and/or
        Raquan Bell-6-4, 195-Detroit Renaissance-Soph.
RB- Leroy Quinn-6-0, 220-Muskegon Oakridge-Soph. and/or
        Theo Ellis-5-10, 190-Port Huron Northern-Soph.

PK- Dayton Rose-6-2, 215-Muskegon Orchard View-Soph.

DE-Damon Payne-6-4, 250-Belleville-Frosh.
DT-Josh Williams-6-3, 280-Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard-Soph. and/or
       Athey Dykhouse-6-4, 255-Zeeland East-Soph.
DT-Aiden Train-6-4, 275-Central Montcalm-Soph. and/or
       Adam Lambert-6-5, 255-Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian-Soph.
DE-Billie Roberts-6-4, 235-Muskegon-Soph.
LB-Brayden Shaw-6-2, 215-Ithaca-Soph.
LB-Jordan Turner-6-2, 210-Farmington-Soph.
LB-Emanuel Fletcher-6-2, 210-Flint Carman-Ainsworth-Frosh.
CB-Lemuel Neely-Watley-5-11, 175-Detroit East English Village-Soph. and/or
       David Carter-6-0, 165-Melvindale-Soph.
CB-Enzo Jennings-6-2, 180-Oak Park-Soph.
FS-Amere Pickett-5-11, 190-Saginaw-Frosh. and/or
      Tristen Hines-5-10, 170-Milan-Soph.
SS-Josh Wiley-6-2, 190-Detroit Cody-Soph.

P-Brady Zarschler-6-1, 170-Macomb Dakota-Soph.

My "Talk to me in four or five years when these guys are RS juniors and/or RS seniors" 2017 Michigan All-State Team -- only seniors (Put these guys in a top-flight D-I program for four or five years and let them develop/gain weight/lift weights/move to new positions and this squad would win a Big Ten, if not, a national title -- or at least be in the conversation) --

WR-Matt Harmon-6-5, 215-Ypsilanti
TE-Jaylan Franklin-6-5, 210-Gibraltar Carlson and/or
       Caden Prieskorn-6-6, 235-Orchard Lake St. Mary's
RT-Ryan McCafferty-6-9, 290-Battle Creek Harper Creek
RG-Alex Howie-6-5, 315-Plymouth Salem
C-Cody Carone-6-5, 320-Rockford
LG-Dan VanOpstall-6-6, 260-Jenison
LT-Jake Witt-6-7, 240-Ontonogan (could be TE) and/or
      Tirrell Hausmanis-6-4, 260-Three Rivers
Slot-Noah Koenigsnecht-6-2, 180-DeWitt
WR-Caleb Murphey-6-4, 215-Dowagiac
QB-Josh Czarnota-6-2, 215-Fenton and/or
       David McCullum-6-2, 175-Waterford Mott
RB-Rashawn Allen-5-9, 215-Orchard Lake St. Mary's and/or
       Nolan Fugate-6-1, 205-Grand Rapids Catholic Central

PK-Adam Culp-6-3, 180-Ithaca

DE-Gio Kizer-6-6, 235-Warren Fitzgerald
DT-Gabe Moore-6-3, 290-Olivet
DT-John Hardy-6-5, 270-Bay City John Glenn
DE-Jake Dorn-6-4, 250-St. Johns and/or
       Brandon Rake-6-7, 240-Whitehall
LB-Karl Brooks-6-5, 210-Lansing Sexton
LB-Steele Fortress-6-4, 235-Jackson County Parma Western
LB-Kyren Cunningham-6-1, 225-Orchard Lake St. Mary's and/or
       Jacob Huysken-6-1, 205-Schoolcraft
CB-Cody Blankenburg-5-9, 170-Lansing Sexton
CB-Anthony Fordham-6-1, 185-Davison
FS-Matt Moorer-6-1, 170-Ypsilanti Lincoln
SS-Darius Pruitt-6-4, 205-Kalamazoo Central

P-Pierson Cooke-5-10, 170-Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood

Detroit All-Region Team

 The 2017 Detroit All-Region team is ridiculously skilled and talented. There are D-I high-level, explosive players at every position. It amazes me every season the amount and depth of high school football talent in Detroit. The Motor City over the years has produced some of the game's most legendary and accomplished players. Off the top of my head, current NFL players from Detroit include TE Antonio Gates (Detroit Central, Kent State, NFL), DE Brandon Graham (Detroit Crockett/East English Village, U-M, NFL), LB Connor Barwin (U-D Jesuit, Cincinnati, NFL), DE Will Gholston (Detroit Southeastern, MSU, NFL), DT Lawrence Thomas (Detroit Renaissance, MSU, NFL), DE-LB Nick Perry (Detroit King, USC, NFL), DT Johnathan Hankins (Detroit Southeastern, Ohio State, NFL), CB Tony Lippett (Detroit Crockett/East English Village, NFL), CB Jourdan Lewis (Detroit Cass Tech, U-M, NFL), S Delano Hill (Detroit Cass Tech, U-M, NFL) and CB Desmond King (Detroit Crockett/East English Village, Iowa, NFL), while former NFL stars from the city include RB Jerome Bettis (Detroit Mackenzie, Notre Dame NFL, Pro Football Hall of Fame), DE Eugene "Big Daddy" Lipscomb (Detroit Miller, U.S. Marine Corps, NFL), DB Mike Harden (Detroit Central, U-M, NFL), WR Derrick Mason (Detroit Mumford, MSU, NFL), OT Luis Sharpe (Detroit Southwestern, UCLA, NFL), OG Ed Budde (Detroit Denby, MSU, NFL), RB Ron Johnson (Detroit Northwestern, U-M, NFL), DB Randy Logan (Detroit Northern, U-M, NFL), OG Reggie McKenzie (Highland Park, U-M, NFL), DT Gilbert Brown (Detroit Mackenzie, Kansas, NFL), LB Thomas "Pepper" Johnson (Detroit Mackenzie, Ohio State, NFL) and on and on and on... Here is the 2017 Detroit All-Region Team --


Detroit 2017 All-Region Team -- 

WR-Brandon Gray-6-5, 190-Detroit Cass Tech- Match-up nightmare for opposing defensive backs. With size and speed, Gray is one of the top WR prospects in the country. Verbal to Washington State.
TE-Jalyn Benning-6-6, 230-Detroit Pershing
       Joshua Coffey-6-4, 235-Hamtramck
OL-Carlos Vettorello-6-4, 285-U-D Jesuit
OL-Josh Mayberry-6-2, 280-Detroit King
OL-Tyrone Sampson-6-4, 295-Detroit East English Village- Truly one of the best centers to come out of the state of Michigan in years. Also a talented DT. Completely controls the middle of the line of scrimmage at center and handles any defender unfortunate enough to line up in front of him. Verbal to Syracuse.
OL-Will Garbarith-6-4, 275-Detroit Cass Tech
OL-Jeremiah Hardge-6-3, 265-Detroit King
WR-Jerrod Vines-6-0, 185-Detroit Central- My No. 1 wide receiver prospect in Michigan. One of the most explosive players in the Midwest. Runs 4.4 40. Can take it the distance from anywhere on the field.
        Davion Hightower-5-11, 170-Detroit Cody
WR-Erik Gibson-6-2, 190-Detroit King- Big, strong WR with speed and good hands. Verbal to Minnesota.
QB-El-Julien Jordan-6-3, 210-Detroit Central- Consummate leader, outstanding ability, strong passing the football or scrambling for extra yardage. I love this kid. Verbal to WMU.
RB-Elijah Collins-6-1, 200-U-D Jesuit- One of the top two-way players in the state of Michigan. Durable, productive runner who, given a crease, can take it to the proverbial house on any play. Also an outstanding defensive back prospect. Verbal to Michigan State.
      Jalen Jackson-5-9, 205-Detroit King

K-Tyrese Allen-6-0, 220-Detroit Community

DE-Andre Carter-6-4, 255-Detroit Cass Tech- Strong at the point of attack, Carter is one of the best D-linemen in Michigan. Could add weight and move inside at the next level. Verbal to WMU.
DT-Desjuan Johnson-6-3, 260-Detroit East English Village- Incredible athlete, one of Michigan's top pass rushers, Johnson consistently makes plays in the opponent's backfield. Verbal to Toledo.
DT-Erik Smith-6-1, 280-Detroit Cass Tech
      Dave Blake-6-1, 270-Detroit Denby
DE-Maurice White-6-5, 250-Detroit King
LB-DeAndre Square-6-1, 215-Detroit Cass Tech - One of my favorite players in the state of Michigan. This kid has it all. He can play in space and defend the pass or come up and stuff the run. Outstanding all-around player, with 4.5 speed. Verbal to Kentucky.
LB-Keith Johnson-6-3, 245-Detroit Loyola
       Dyonte Johnson-6-3, 220-Detroit Cass Tech
LB-Brandon Green-6-2, 215-Detroit Mumford- A vastly underrated player, in my opinion. Has Big Ten-level ability and athleticism. Top basketball player, Green could play LB or WR at the next level. Runs a 4.5 40.
       Jaylin Early-6-1, 215-Detroit Denby
DB-Kalon Gervin-5-10, 175-Detroit Cass Tech- Arguably the top cover corner in the Midwest, if not the nation. Gervin can flat out shut down any opponent he's assigned to cover. Elite athletic ability, football skills and speed (4.3 40), Gervin is one of the country's best recruits. Verbal to Michigan State.
DB-Jaeveyon Morton-5-10, 170-Detroit King - Big-time, lockdown-type cornerback from one of the best high school football programs in the Midwest. Verbal to Iowa State.
DB-Zhamaine March-5-9, 175-Detroit East English Village - Excellent two-way talent at either RB or DB. Verbal to Northern Illinois.
       Derrick Corbin-5-11, 170-Detroit Western - All-around player who could play on either side of the football at the next level. Strong RB-WR prospect on offense or DB on defense, Corbin has verbally committed to Kent State.
DB-Lavien Fields-6-1, 185-Detroit Mumford

Detroit All-Region Top Underclassmen (all are D-I recruits) -- 

LB-DE-Tyrece Woods-6-2, 245-Detroit King-Jr.
S-Marvin Grant-6-2, 205-Detroit King-Jr.
RB-LB-Jaren Mangham-6-1, 225-Detroit Cass Tech-Jr.
DB-Xavier Goldsmith-5-9, 165-Detroit Cass Tech-Jr.
LB-Rich Miller-6-1, 215-Detroit King-Jr.
LB-Dayone Smith-6-1, 235-Detroit Western-Jr.
WR-DB-Lemuel Neely-Watley-5-11, 175-Detroit East English Village-Soph.
OL-Trevon Roberts-6-2, 290-Detroit Central-Jr.
DT-Jalen Bell-5-11, 285-Detroit King-Jr.
RB-Lew Nichols-6-0, 195-Detroit Cass Tech-Jr.
DB-RB-Jordan Anderson-5-11, 190-Detroit East English Village-Jr.
DB-WR-Jalen Graham-6-2, 185-Detroit Cass Tech-Jr.
QB-Dequan Finn-6-2, 190-Detroit King-Jr.
DE-Kendall Howard-6-1, 245-Detroit Western-Jr.
LB-Latrell Thompson-6-4, 230-Detroit Edison-Soph.
DT-Justin Hudson-6-5, 290-Detroit Delta Prep-Jr.
DB-Josh Wiley-6-2, 190-Detroit Cody-Soph.
DB-Elija Griffin-5-11, 185-Detroit East English Village-Jr.
WR-Rashawn Williams-6-1, 200-Detroit King-Soph.
WR-Kyron McKinnie-Harper-6-0, 175-Detroit Cass Tech-Jr.
OL-Allen Jones-6-5, 315-Detroit Cass Tech-Jr.
QB-Raquan Bell-6-4, 195-Detroit Renaissance-Soph.
WR-Darrell Wyatt-6-3, 185-Detroit King-Jr.
PK-Eric Ramerez-6-0, 190-Detroit Cass Tech-Jr.
WR-Kejuan Sanders-6-1, 180-Detroit Community-Jr.
OL-Rachon Gulley-6-4, 325-Detroit East English Village-Jr.
OL-Christian Dudley-6-2, 280-Detroit Cass Tech-Jr.
WR-Jalen McGaughy-6-2, 200-Detroit King-Jr.

Macomb County All-Region Team

 The 2017 Macomb County All-Region Team is stocked full from top to bottom with high-level Division I college football talent. Metro Detroit's Macomb County area (which also includes Grosse Pointe and Harper Woods) traditionally has produced some of the state of Michigan's premier high school football talent year in and year out. Former and current Macomb County area NFL players include OG Joe DeLamielleure (Center Line St. Clement, MSU, NFL, Pro Football Hall of Fame), DT Wally Chambers (Mount Clemens, Eastern Kentucky, NFL), TE Ron Kramer (East Detroit/Eastpointe, U-M, NFL), DT Carl Davis (Sterling Heights Stevenson, Iowa, NFL), DT L.T. Walton (Clinton Township Clintondale, CMU, NFL), WR Braylon Edwards (Harper Woods Bishop Gallagher, U-M, NFL), TE Pete Chryplewicz (Sterling Heights Stevenson, Notre Dame, NFL), LB John DiGiorgio (Utica Eisenhower, Saginaw Valley State, NFL), WR Gary Ballman (East Detroit/Eastpointe, MSU, NFL), DE Frank Zombo (Sterling Heights Stevenson, CMU, NFL), Coach George Allen (St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, Alma/EMU/U-M, NFL, Pro Football Hall of Fame). Here is the 2017 Macomb County All-Region Team --


Macomb County 2017 All-Region Team -- 

WR-Myles McHaney-6-4, 225-L'Anse Creuse North- Big-bodied wide receiver prospect who also could play linebacker at the D-I level. Runs approximately a 4.5-4.6 40. Could bulk up to play H-back or even DE at the next level. Intriguing prospect.
TE-Luke Pfromm-6-6, 235-Warren DeLaSalle -- Quarterbacked the Pilots to the Division 2 state championship this past season. Also a skilled hoops player. He could play QB at the next level, but I just see him as a big-time TE recruit. With his basketball agility and height, I see Pfromm fleshing out at 6-6, 255 and being a match-up problem for any LB or DB in college.
      Cameron Crosby-6-4, 220-Warren DeLaSalle
OL-Patrick Donovan-6-5, 290-Macomb Dakota- Physical, punishing run blocker for Dakota, Donovan is underrecruited, in my opinion. This guy has good feet, movement and athleticism for a player his size. D-I coaches/recruiters, where are you on this kid?
OL-Colin Motloch-6-4, 300-Utica
OL-Derian Doherty-6-4, 280-Utica Eisenhower- Outstanding prospect from one of the state's top programs. Excellent technique, footwork, I see Doherty being able to play any position along the O-line at the next level.
OL-Andrew Murphy-6-2, 280-New Baltimore Anchor Bay
OL-Brian Buchman-6-5, 270-Warren Mott
WR-Kavon Higdon-5-8, 155-Utica
WR-Jalen Thomas-6-2, 180-Utica Ford
QB-Max Wittwer-6-3, 185-Utica Eisenhower- One of the most exciting players in the state of Michigan. Wittwer is a double-threat from the QB position. An accurate passer, Wittwer also has the speed and scrambling ability to make positive yardage if a play breaks down. With the ball in Wittwer's hands, a play is never over, even if it appears it is well-defended.
RB-Sheldon Cage-6-3, 210-Grosse Pointe North- One of my major "sleepers" in the state of Michigan. I love this kid. He's an explosive running back for North, but I like him at linebacker at the next level. Cage is one of those players with the speed and agility to play in space defending the pass or the tenacity to stick his nose into the fray along the line of scrimmage to make a tackle. Has 4.5 40 speed.

K-Cam Shook-6-1, 185-Grosse Pointe South

DE-Gio Kizer-6-6, 235-Warren Fitzgerald- This guy...Big Ten?? Where are you? I don't know what about 6-6, 235 and running a 4.6 40 is so unattractive to recruiters. Kizer is definitely one of the state of Michigan's biggest "sleepers" when it comes to being a high-level D-I recruit. Kizer has elite athleticism, explosiveness and coordination, so much so, that this past season he used his height and talent to intercept two passes and return both for touchdowns. How many D-ends can do that?
DT-Dwayne Lewis-6-4, 325-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley -- Big, heavy, thick immovable player in the middle for Chippewa Valley. One of the best defensive tackles in the state, in my opinion. Also a top heavyweight wrestler.
DT-Tremaine Dent-6-3, 235-Warren Lincoln
DE-Kofe Limbrell-6-4, 225-Port Huron Northern
      Colton McKiernan-6-6, 220-Richmond- A skilled wrestler for one of Michigan's best programs, McKiernan could be a terrific player as a DE, TE or even an OT at the next level, if he decided to go that route.
LB-Kelvin Jones-6-2, 210-Harper Woods- Jones is a quick linebacker, with explosive ability, who can play in space.
      JaMichael Johnson-6-2, 215-St. Clair Shores South Lake
LB-Taylor Purnell-6-2, 225-Grosse Pointe North
LB-Henry Janeway-6-4, 220-Utica Eisenhower- Tall, rangy prospect who could bulk up and play defensive end at the collegiate level.
DB-Jaylen Branch-6-2, 170-Warren Michigan Collegiate
       Nick Folkerts-6-2, 175-Algonac
DB-Jajuan Lovejoy-6-1, 170-Warren Woods-Tower
DB-Cardell Snorton-6-1, 190-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley- Three-year starter for Chippewa Valley, one of the state's best programs. Snorton has the size and football skill to make an excellent safety at the next level.
DB-Gleo Wade-5-11, 215-Clinton Township Clintondale- I love this kid. He's a top-flight running back, linebacker, safety for Clintondale. Despite his height, I believe he's a D-I recruit as a linebacker. He has running back speed and footwork, but a linebacker's physical, intense demeanor. I see him growing to 5-11, 235 and being a terrific all-around player for some smart, dedicated D-I coach/recruiter.

Macomb County Top Underclassmen (all are D-I level prospects) -- 

LB-Brock Horne-6-2, 215-Romeo-Jr.
DB-Josh DeBerry-6-0, 175-Warren DeLaSalle-Jr.
LB-Marcel Lewis-6-1, 205-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Jr.
OL-Danny Motowski-6-2, 250-Warren DeLaSalle-Jr.
DE-Damond Duncan-6-1, 245-St. Clair Shores Lakeview-Jr.
OL-Chris Cominos-6-3, 260-Warren DeLaSalle-Jr.
QB-Tommy Schuster-6-1, 185-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Jr.
RB-Theo Ellis-5-10, 190-Port Huron Northern-Soph.
PK-Jackson Griskie-5-11, 185-Macomb Lutheran North-Jr.
DB-Ja'von Kimpson-5-11, 180-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Jr.
WR-Evan Vaillancourt-5-10, 190-Warren DeLaSalle-Jr.
LB-RB-Maurice Hutchinson-6-2, 215-Sterling Heights Parkway Christian-Jr.
DT-Jaren Johnson-6-3, 260-Warren Lincoln-Jr.
P-Brady Zarschler-6-1, 170-Macomb Dakota-Soph.
OL-Grant Toutant-6-6, 270-Warren DeLaSalle-Soph.
TE-Erik Fraeyman-6-4, 235-Romeo-Jr.
WR-David Ellis-6-0, 190-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley-Jr.