Top 10 Offensive Line Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2021

I wish I could do this full time. As usual, that little thing called life interrupted what is truly my love and passion -- high school football in the state of Michigan -- more specifically, blogging about high school football in the Great Lakes State.

It's been over a year since I last sat down to blog. Crazy... Anyhow, watching the two NFL conference championship games today, I felt compelled to put pen to paper, err, I mean, fingertips to keyboard, and write a bit about the offensive line talent in the state of Michigan.

In today's NFL conference title match-ups, there were eight starting offensive tackles combined for the four teams left in the playoffs. Of the eight starting tackles, FOUR were from the state of Michigan. If that fact alone doesn't tell a college football recruiter, especially those from Michigan's five Division I college football-playing programs, the level of offensive line talent in the Great Lakes State, then I don't know what will.

Of the eight starting tackles, four were from the state of Michigan and one each from Pennsylvania, California, Arizona and Illinois. The four tackles from the Great Lakes State were Eric Fisher (6-7, 315, Kansas City Chiefs, CMU, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek), Jared Veldheer (6-8, 320, Green Bay Packers, Hillsdale, Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern), Joe Staley (6-5, 295, San Francisco 49ers, CMU, Rockford) and Jack Conklin (6-6, 310, Tennessee Titans, MSU, Plainwell). The other four starting tackles were Mitchell Schwartz (Kansas City, native of California), Bryan Bulaga (Green Bay, native of Illinois), Mike McGlinchey (San Francisco, native of Pennsylvania) and Taylor Lewan (Tennessee, native of Arizona).

I've said it many times before in this blog, but it is truly mind-boggling how any of Michigan's five D-I college football playing schools could ever have offensive line issues. There is so much high school football offensive line talent in the state of Michigan every single year, it, at best, defies logic or, at worst, a complete ignorance of high school football in the Great Lakes State, that our five D-I college football programs can't have top-notch O-lines each and every season. It's inexcusable and downright unforgivable to those who know high school football in Michigan to watch our five D-I football programs struggle upfront offensively -- ever.

If you look at our five D-I football playing schools, you could make an argument the best offensive lineman in recent years from each program has been a player from the state of Michigan. At WMU, Taylor Moton (6-5, 290, Carolina Panthers current starting offensive tackle, Okemos HS), is a standout, while at CMU, the aforementioned Fisher (Kansas City starting tackle and former No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft), is a star. Over at U-M, Jake Long (6-7, 320, former No. 1 overall selection in the 2008 NFL draft, four-time Pro Bowl pick, first-team All-Pro, played from 2008 through 2016 for Dolphins, Rams, Falcons and Vikings, Lapeer East HS), is one of the greatest ever from the Great Lakes State, while at EMU, T.J. Lang (6-4, 315, two-time Pro Bowl pick, Super Bowl champion, played from 2009 through 2018 for Packers and Lions, Birmingham Brother Rice HS), was one of the NFL's elite offensive guards during his playing days and at MSU, the aforementioned Conklin (Tennessee starting tackle, first round draft pick and first-team All-Pro selection), is currently one of the NFL's best.

On a side note, Andrew Wylie (6-6, 310, EMU. Midland HS) started for the Chiefs all season this year at offensive guard before an injury sidelined him. Along with Lang, Wylie is one of the Eagles' greatest offensive linemen in recent memory. Why Eastern's entire O-line isn't stacked with state of Michigan talent is beyond me.

Anyhow, I'll step off of my soapbox for now. It's just amazing to me when I see our five D-I playing football programs without a dominant state of Michigan presence on each of their O-lines every season. I just shake my head...

Speaking of dominant offensive line presence, the class of 2021 in the state of Michigan is absolutely stacked from top to bottom with O-line talent this upcoming season. Off the top of my head, there are at least 20 to 25 Big Ten-level offensive line prospects in the Great Lakes State for the class of 2021. This upcoming year's O-line class is one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory. I know the rest of the country recruits the state of Michigan hard for its high school football talent every year, but it's still no excuse for our five D-I-playing programs to not sign four or five O-linemen from the Great Lakes State every season -- especially this upcoming year.

Here are the Top 10 offensive line prospects for Michigan's class of 2021 --

1. Garrett Dellinger -6-6, 280-OT-OG- Clarkston-Will be four-year starter for one of the Midwest's top high school football programs. Outstanding athlete. Played hoops for Wolves' top-ranked basketball team. Has all the tools. Good feet, long arms, coordination, solid knee and waist bend and good strength. Verbal to LSU
2. Rocco Spindler-6-4, 290-OT-OG-Clarkston-Might be the best two-way player in the state of Michigan, if not the Midwest. Father Marc played defensive tackle in the NFL for the Detroit Lions. Like his father, Rocco is also a high-level D-Tackle prospect. Intense, physical and powerful, Spindler is a man among boys at times. Teams with Garrett Dellinger to form arguably the best 1-2 lineman combo in the nation. Verbal to Notre Dame
3. Giovanni El-Hadi-6-6, 285-OT-Sterling Heights Stevenson-Smooth, efficient offensive tackle for the Titans. Behind El-Hadi, Stevenson reached the Division 1 (big school) state semifinals last season. Long arms, excellent pass protector, but also a strong run-blocker for Titans. Verbal to U-M
4. Raheem Anderson-6-3, 285-C-Detroit Cass Tech-The state of Michigan's No. 1-ranked center prospect. When Anderson locks on to a defensive lineman, it's all over. A strong, bull of a young man, Anderson is also a top recruit along the defensive line. Verbal to U-M
5. Josh Thompson-6-4, 295-OG-C-Fenton-Maybe the most physical, powerful, road-grader of an offensive lineman in the Great Lakes State. Still raw, like most of these players, but Thompson's upside is off the charts. I love his size and brute strength. I see him being a 6-4, 320-pound beast of a center/guard at the next level. Verbal to Northwestern
6. Caleb Tiernan-6-8, 265-OT-Detroit Country Day-Incredible prospect. A bell-cow-type player on both sides of the line of scrimmage for Country Day, last year's Division 4 state runner-up. Good range, long arms, solid balance and a physical, intense nature have made Tiernan a Big Ten-level recruit. Verbal to Northwestern
7. Cole Pape-6-6, 315-OT-Delton-Kellogg-So unbelievably under-recruited. Will be a three-year starter for southwest Michigan program that has sent two linemen to Division I college football programs in the past few seasons. I love this kid's potential. A big, mean, small-town, farm-boy-type physical giant, Pape is also one of his area's top basketball players. Not just a big kid, Pape is an athlete with exceptional feet and coordination. His ceiling is as high or higher than any player on this list.
8. Terrence Enos Jr.-6-5, 310-OT-OG-Detroit Cass Tech-From one of the nation's top programs, Enos Jr. is a physical brute of an offensive lineman. I see him being 6-5, 330-pounds at the next level and playing inside as a run-blocker of the highest order. Verbal to Pittsburgh
9. Ramier Lewis-6-7, 295-OT-Belleville-A massive young man from one of the country's top programs. Raw, but has all the physical tools. After four or five years at a high-level college football program, Lewis could be playing on Sundays. U-M, Kansas, Iowa State, Kentucky offers
10. (tie) Dalton Dueweke-6-4, 290-OG-C-Utica Eisenhower-Physical, strong O-Lineman from suburban Detroit school. Plays some of the best competition each and every week the state of Michigan has to offer in the Macomb Area Conference, Dueweke would make a nice guard or center at the next level. Verbal to WMU, Michael McAninch-6-4, 295-OG-C-Jackson County Parma Western-I love this kid. Never stops. Good motor. Strong lean/bend and terrific run-blocker. Might be the best overall run-blocker of any offensive linemen in the state of Michigan. Named to the Jackson Citizen-Patriot Dream Team last season as a junior. Like Josh Thompson and Cole Pape, McAninch is highly under-recruited, in my opinion. It's baffling to me. Big Ten, where are you on this kid?

Other top offensive line prospects in Michigan's class of 2021 (this list is fluid and will be filled in with additional prospects as the year progresses) -- Brandon Honorable-6-7, 295-OT-Detroit King (Verbal to Pittsburgh), Davion Weatherspoon-6-2, 285-C-OG-Harper Woods (Verbal to Ohio), Carson Briggs-6-5, 270-OT-OG-Traverse City Central (Verbal to WMU), Charlie Sims-6-5, 320-OG-Detroit Cass Tech (Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri offers), Weston Jones-6-5, 265-OT-Romeo (Verbal to Brigham Young), Carter DeGraaf-6-5, 290-OT-OG-Hudsonville (CMU, WMU offers), Carter Cushman-6-4, 250-OT-Plainwell, Kyle Main-6-4, 285-OT-Frankenmuth, Brayden Swartout-6-7, 285-OT-Essexville-Garber (Verbal to CMU), Ethan Boyd-6-7, 285-OT-East Lansing (Verbal to Michigan State), Walker Martin-6-2, 280-C-Montague (Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team), Lucas Edgar-6-2, 280-OG-C-Davison (Flint Journal Dream Team), Max Munn-6-5, 265-OT-Ludington, Matt Valleries-6-5, 325-OT-Walled Lake Western, Conner Compton-6-4, 290-OT-Lake Orion, Jonathan Scott-6-3, 325-OG-Detroit Mumford, Alex Lanzon-6-3, 285-OG-C-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (will be three-year starter for Division 1 powerhouse program), Ben Simmons-6-6, 240-OT-Birmingham Groves, Trevor Jones-6-4, 265-OG-Ypsilanti Lincoln (Verbal to CMU), Tayvid Elmore-6-1, 280-OG-C-Muskegon (Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team), Logan Fuller-6-5, 305-OT-Hudson, Will Felts-6-3, 280-C-Clinton, Jackson Marsh-6-4, 290-OT-Sand Creek, Dalton Hart-6-1, 280-C-Jackson Lumen Christi, Josh Kipp-6-3, 265-OT-OG-Coleman (Midland Daily News Dream Team selection, one of northern Michigan's top prospects), Grant Porter-6-4, 295-OG-C-Howell (350 bench, 5.2 40), Ben Haas-6-4, 250-OG-Clarkston, Landon VanBeek-6-5, 230-OT-Grand Haven (Muskegon Chronicle Dream Team), Jalen Johnson-6-3, 310-OG-River Rouge (Verbal to Ball State), Chance Moore-6-4, 315-OT-River Rouge (Verbal to Morgan State), -- **the following players are two-way big-time D-I prospects who could play on either side of the ball at the next level -- they are in my Top 10 for defensive line in Michigan** -- Damon Payne-6-4, 295-OG-DT-Belleville (Verbal to Alabama), Derrick Harmon-6-3, 320-OG-DT-Detroit Loyola (Verbal to Michigan State), RuQuan Buckley-6-6, 260-OT-DE-Wyoming Godwin Heights (U-M, Iowa State, Florida State, Kentucky, Nebraska offers), Kyle Fugedi-6-6, 270-OT-DE-Livonia Franklin (Verbal to Miami (OH)), Caleb Banks-6-6, 255-OT-DE-Southfield A & T (Verbal to Arizona State), Rayshaun Benny-6-5, 270-OT-DE-Oak Park (MSU, U-M, LSU, Ohio State, Auburn, Texas A & M, Iowa, Florida State, Oregon, Purdue, Arkansas, Nebraska offers).

PHOTO -- Detroit Cass Tech junior Raheem Anderson (6-foot-3, 285 pounds) is the No. 4-ranked offensive line prospect overall and the No. 1 center prospect for the state of Michigan's class of 2021. Anderson is also a big-time defensive tackle recruit. Verbal to U-M.

PHOTO -- Clarkston junior Garrett Dellinger (6-foot-6, 280 pounds) is the state of Michigan's No. 1-ranked offensive line prospect for the class of 2021. Dellinger, also a skilled basketball player, is an all-around athlete and one of the top O-line recruits in the nation. Verbal to LSU.

PHOTO -- Detroit Country Day junior offensive tackle Caleb Tiernan (6-foot-8, 265 pounds) is a towering presence on both sides of the football for the Yellowjackets. Tiernan, who helped lead Country Day to a Division 4 state runner-up finish last season, is the No. 6-ranked offensive line prospect for Michigan's class of 2021. Verbal to Northwestern.

Top 10 Offensive Line Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2020

There truly is no better state in the Midwest for offensive line recruiting than Michigan. Year in and year out, the Great Lakes State churns out high-level, big-time Division I O-line talent. The class of 2020 is no exception, with nationally ranked players and Big Ten-level blockers throughout the state of Michigan. This list is fluid and players will be added as the months go by and we near the kickoff of the 2019 high school football season. That being said, here are the Great Lakes State's top 10 offensive line recruits/prospects for the class of 2020 --

Michigan's Top 10 Offensive Linemen for the Class of 2020 -- 

1. Justin Rogers--6-4, 305-OT-OG-C-Oak Park -- For the class of 2019, the state of Michigan had two offensive linemen (Devontae Dobbs-6-4, 295-Belleville-verbal to MSU and Logan Brown-6-7, 310-East Kentwood-verbal to Wisconsin) ranked in the nation's top five. For the Great Lakes State's class of 2020, Rogers is also widely regarded as a top five offensive line prospect nationally. Just goes to show what an incredible state Michigan is when it comes to developing and churning out big-time Division I-level offensive line recruits every year. Rogers, in my opinion, could play any line position at the next level and excel. Aggressive, powerful and skilled technique-wise and footwork-wise, Rogers is the total package. He's also a top recruit on the defensive side of the football as a D-tackle. Has offers from basically every college program in the country including Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan State, Ohio State, Iowa, Michigan, Auburn, Texas, USC, Penn State, LSU, Oklahoma, Florida and Florida State.
2. Keegan Smith-6-4, 285-OT-OG-C-Jackson Lumen Christi -- While Rogers grabs all the highlights and publicity nationally and within the state of Michigan (as he should), my personal favorite O-lineman in the Great Lakes State is Smith. A starter as a sophomore on the Titans' Division 6 state championship squad last season, Smith is arguably the best run-blocker in the Midwest. Lumen Christi is a power-running team and Smith is a pancake-block highlight reel. Physical, intense, relentless and highly-skilled as a blocker, Smith, like Rogers, in my opinion, could play any position along the offensive line at the next level. Comes from one of the top mid-sized football programs in the nation, Smith is a Big Ten-level guy, who right now is under-recruited, which puzzles me to no end. Only offer so far is Bowling Green State. C'mon, Big Ten, are you kidding me?
3. Tate Mackenzie-6-7, 305-OT-Ypsilanti Lincoln -- I've been high on this guy since his sophomore season. Though NFL-size now, Mackenzie is an incredible athlete with basketball feet and run-blocking skills uncanny for a player his height and weight. A varsity basketball player as a sophomore, at a school with a strong hoops program, Mackenzie is an ideal left tackle prospect as a pass blocker, but also as a powerful run blocker. So far, Toledo offer. Do I need to say it? Big Ten...??
4. Grant Toutant-6-7, 290-OT-Warren DeLaSalle -- Another kid who has stood out since he was a sophomore (and not just because of his mammoth size). Like Mackenzie, Toutant has excellent, athletic feet for a big man and uses his gigantic wingspan effectively in pass blocking. Plays for perennial state powerhouse Warren DeLaSalle, the defending Division 2 state champion, and competes week in and week out against some of the best high school football programs in the country in the Detroit Catholic League. Penn State, Pittsburgh, Wisconsin offers.
5. Evan Egan-6-8, 325-OT-Durand -- Another kid that isn't receiving much publicity statewide, in my opinion. A guy from a small town just west of Flint, Egan is a big man with good feet and mobility. Runs a 5.1 40. Plays basketball for Durand. Though no offers yet, MSU, CMU are recruiting.
6. Dallas Fincher-6-4, 280-OG-East Kentwood -- A bruising, physical blocker in the trenches for East Kentwood, Fincher is ranked in the top 10 nationally at his position. Fincher's father played at Michigan State as an offensive lineman in the 1980s. Fincher has offers from MSU, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, U-M, Minnesota, Ohio State, Pittsburgh, Purdue among many others.
7. Deondre Buford-6-5, 265-OT-Detroit King -- I love this kid. Will be a three-year starter at national powerhouse King. Good mobility for an offensive lineman, Buford has long arms and good athleticism. Buford's ceiling is as high (or higher) than any player on this top 10 list. Has offers from Iowa, Purdue, Kentucky, Pittsburgh, Iowa State, West Virginia.
8. Jake Swirple-6-2, 275-C-Livonia Franklin- A starter at center for last season's Division 2 state runner-up, Swirple is a natural talent in the middle for the Patriots. With a sturdy, wide base and strong feet and power, Swirple moves whoever is in front of him. Swirple plays with excellent bend, balance and leverage. Also one of the state's top heavyweight wrestlers, Swirple placed eighth at last year's D-I (big school) state meet. He ended up with a 49-10 overall record.
9. Connor Wolfgang-6-4, 275-OT-OG-Macomb Dakota -- Powerful and explosive, Wolfgang is a high-level prospect for Dakota, one of suburban Detroit's top high school football programs. A dominating run blocker, Wolfgang is a bit under the radar at the moment, but I believe he will soon start receiving more recruiting buzz. A left tackle for the Cougars, Wolfgang could also play guard at the next level.
10. (TIE) Josh Priebe-6-5, 285-OT-OG-Edwardsburg -- Priebe will be a four-year starter for the Eddies, one of the best mid-sized football programs in Michigan, if not the Midwest. With Priebe in the starting line-up, Edwardsburg, a small town in the southwest corner of Michigan near the Indiana border, has an overall record of 34-3 the past three years. Last season, behind Priebe, the Eddies finished as Division 4 state runner-up. A talented, all-around lineman, Priebe can play any position up front for Edwardsburg. Currently has offers from CMU and Toledo. Priebe is a Big Ten talent and is also receiving interest from Michigan State, Michigan, Nebraska and Northwestern, along with Notre Dame. Kyle Rose-6-3, 275-OG-C-Vicksburg- Though playing left tackle for Vicksburg, a small town just south of Kalamazoo in southwest Michigan, I see Rose as a pulling guard or center at the D-I level. Like a lot of the players on this list, Rose is an outstanding, all-around athlete. A starter on the Bulldogs' varsity basketball team as a sophomore, Rose was so good on the court, the Kalamazoo Gazette named him one of the area's top underclassmen hoops players last season. On the football field, Rose uses that basketball quickness and footwork to dominate opposing defensive linemen. I project Rose to be a 6-3, 315 interior lineman at the next level, with a quickness and strength combination not seen by many players his size. Under recruited at the moment, but Big Ten all the way.

Other Top Offensive Linemen for Michigan's Class of 2020 (all are D-I recruits) -- 
Seth Keipert-6-7, 275-OT-Roscommon, Grant Smith-6-6, 290-OT-Walled Lake Northern, Luke Newman-6-4, 255-OT-Birmingham Brother Rice, James Toles-6-3, 315-OG-Detroit Mumford, Tanner Breitwisch-6-3, 265-OG-Hart, Zane Jaska-6-4, 250-OT-Sterling Heights Parkway Christian, Brady Osburn-6-6, 250-OT-Tecumseh, Diesel Rose-6-3, 270-OG-Grant, Kellen Morrison-6-3, 290-OG-Warren Woods-Tower, Alex Holmes-6-2, 285-OG-C-Corunna, D'Andre Mills-Ellis-6-1, 300-C-Muskegon, Scott Spicer-6-4, 240-OT-Concord, Sherrod Green-6-1, 310-OG-Belleville (Morgan State offer), Caleb Outman-6-7, 285-OT-McBain, Nolan Garrard-6-6, 280-OT-Niles.

PHOTO -- Livonia Franklin junior center Jake Swirple (6-2, 275) is one of the top offensive line prospects in the state of Michigan for the class of 2020. Last season, as a sophomore, Swirple, ranked the No. 8 offensive lineman in the Great Lakes State for his class year, helped lead the Patriots to a Division 2 state runner-up finish.

PHOTO -- Jackson Lumen Christi junior tackle Keegan Smith (6-4, 285) is the No. 2-ranked offensive line prospect in the state of Michigan for the class of 2020. Behind Smith, a starter as a sophomore, the Titans captured the Division 6 state championship last season.

PHOTO -- Warren DeLaSalle junior offensive tackle Grant Toutant (6-7, 290) towers over his teammates during action this season. The No. 4-ranked offensive lineman in the state of Michigan for the class of 2020, Toutant currently holds offers from Penn State, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin.

Michigan's Top 10 Kickers and Punters for the Class of 2019

The state of Michigan has always been one of the country's best when it comes to producing and developing top place-kicking and punting talent. From former NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowl kickers and punters such as Chester Marcol (Imlay City, Hillsdale, NFL), Pete Stoyanovich (Dearborn Heights Crestwood, Indiana, NFL) and Ralf Mojsiejenko (Bridgman, MSU, NFL) to current D-I kickers Quinn Nordin (Rockford, U-M), Pierson Cooke (Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook-Kingswood, Vanderbilt), Cam Shook (Grosse Pointe South, Navy), Ryan Tice (Saline, CMU), Jake Moody (Northville, U-M), Ben Fee (Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Navy) and Tyler Hunt (Gobles, MSU), the Great Lakes State is stocked full with skillful kickers. Year in and year out, the state of Michigan churns out multiple Division I-level kickers and punters -- the class of 2019 is no different. Here are the top 10 kickers and punters for Michigan's class of 2019.

Top 10 kickers and punters for Michigan's class of 2019 (all are D-I-level players) -- 

1. Jackson Griskie-5-11, 185-Macomb Lutheran North-Two-time Detroit All-Catholic League selection.  
2. Luke Elzinga-6-4, 200-Grand Rapids Christian- Named to the AP Division 1-2 All-State first team and the Grand Rapids Press Dream Team as a junior, averaging 46 yards per punt. Ranked the No. 8 punter in the nation.
3. Evan Morris-6-5, 195-Ovid-Elsie-Named to AP Division 5-6 All-State first team as a junior. Made 12-of-16 FGs, including a long of 50 yards, made 22 PATs and recorded 24 touchbacks on kickoffs last year. Verbal to Michigan State
4. Drew Alsobrooks-6-1, 180-Livonia Churchill-Outstanding all-around athlete for Chargers. One of the top kickers in Michigan, but will play baseball in Mid-American Conference for CMU.
5. Tristan Mattson-5-11, 170-Clarkston-Has kicked 45- and 42-yard field goals this season for the Wolves. Verbal to Buffalo
6. Micah Sonnenberg-6-0, 180-Brooklyn Columbia Central- A dual sport star, Sonnenberg could play Division I college soccer or football. Sonnenberg has 59 goals this season on the soccer field (ninth all-time for one season in state history) and 160 goals in his career (sixth all-time). On the football field this year he kicked a school record 48-yard field goal.
7. Ethan Martysz-6-0, 185-Marquette- Besides being a strong kicker, Martysz is also one of the best wide receivers in the state. Last season, Martysz was named to the All-Upper Peninsula Dream Team as both a receiver and kicker.
8. Alec Thelen-5-11, 175-Pewamo-Westphalia-Truly one of the best kickers in the Midwest, Thelen is a small school standout with a big leg. Helped lead P-W to the Division 7 state championship last season. This year, while playing quarterback for the top-ranked Pirates, Thelen also handles the kicking duties. This season he has kicked a school-record 50-yard field goal and a 49-yarder, while punting for a 46-yard average. Last year, Thelen was selected to the AP Division 7-8 All-State team.
9. Jayce Bourcier-6-5, 190-Freeland- Has one of the strongest legs in the country. Last season, Bourcier boomed a 79-yard punt (seventh longest in state history) and a 58-yard punt. A rugby-style punter, Bourcier averaged 46 yards per punt as a junior. He had nine punts placed inside the opponents' 20-yard line last season en route to AP Division 5-6 All-State honors.
10. Marshall Fox-5-10, 195-Elk Rapids- Four-year starter for Elk Rapids as a kicker. Last season, Fox was named to the Traverse City Record-Eagle All-Region squad, making 28-of-29 PATs and 7-of-10 FGs, including a long of 42 yards. Seventy-one percent of Fox's kickoffs reached the end zone last year.  (TIE) Josh Castillo-5-10, 180-Wyandotte-Last season, Castillo was 44-of-47 on PATs and 7-of-10 on FGs, including a long of 39 yards.

Other top kicker and punters for Michigan's class of 2019 (all are D-I prospects) -- 
Jeremy Wiersman-5-10, 160-Allendale, Gabe Doree-5-10, 190-Trenton, J.T. Turner-5-11, 165-Saline, Dayne Weldy-6-1, 185-Grand Rapids Christian, Antonio Buhrfiend-5-9, 175-St. Joseph, Josh Gilmour-5-9, 160-Plymouth Salem, Cody Fick-5-9, 185-Lapeer (has kicked 49-yard FG this season).

PHOTO -- Pewamo-Westphalia senior Alec Thelen (5-11, 175) is one of the top kickers/punters in the state of Michigan, if not the Midwest. Also the Pirates' quarterback, this season Thelen, ranked No. 8 in the Great Lakes State, has kicked a school-record 50-yard field goal, while punting for a 46-yard average. Last year, Thelen helped lead P-W to the Division 7 state championship.


-- Up next, I'll start listing my top 10 position rankings for the state of Michigan's class of 2020 and class of 2021.

Michigan's Top 10 Defensive Back Recruits for the Class of 2019

Well. as usual, life happened and I've been away from my blog. Anyhow, let's get back to it now. Here are the top 10 defensive backs for the class of 2019 in the state of Michigan. The Great Lakes State every year produces big-time, high-level Division I college football talent in the secondary. Besides the offensive line and wide receiver, I think the position group where the state of Michigan produces the most talent each and every season is in the secondary.

Just off the top of my head, current NFL defensive backs from the Great Lakes State include Avonte Maddox (Detroit King, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia Eagles), Kavon Frazier (Grand Rapids Christian, CMU, Dallas Cowboys), Jeff Heath (Lake Orion, Saginaw Valley State, Dallas Cowboys), Darius Phillips (Dearborn Heights Robichaud, WMU, Cincinnati Bengals), Jourdan Lewis (Detroit Cass Tech, U-M, Dallas Cowboys), Desmond King (Detroit East English Village/Detroit Crockett, Iowa, Los Angeles Chargers), Josh Jones (Walled Lake Western, North Carolina State, Green Bay Packers), Delano Hill (Detroit Cass Tech, U-M, Seattle Seahawks) and Brandon Carr (Flint Carman-Ainsworth, Grand Valley State, Baltimore Ravens). Tony Lippett (Detroit East English Village/Detroit Crockett, MSU, Miami Dolphins) was a starter for the Dolphins at cornerback before suffering an injury last season.

Of course, throughout the decades, the state of Michigan has produced some of the game's greatest defensive backs including, Randy Logan (Detroit Northern, U-M, Pro Bowl safety for the Philadelphia Eagles), Bill Simpson (Royal Oak Shrine, MSU, Pro Bowl safety for the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills), Mike Bass (Ypsilanti, U-M, led the NFC in interceptions with eight in 1971, returned a fumble for a TD for a record 49 yards in Super Bowl VII and was named one of the 70 greatest Washington Redskins of all-time), Mike Harden (Detroit Central, U-M, captain of the Denver Broncos' famed "Orange Crush" defense, picked off 38 passes during his career, returning four for touchdowns), Todd Lyght (Flint Powers Catholic, Notre Dame, All-Pro cornerback with Los Angeles Rams, won a Super Bowl and collegiate national championship, current DB coach for the Fighting Irish), Dave Whitsell (Shelby, Indiana, All-Pro cornerback, led NFL in interceptions with 10 in 1967 while playing for the New Orleans Saints, member of the New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame), Terry McDaniel (Saginaw, Tennessee, five-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time All-Pro, 35 career interceptions, returned six interceptions for TDs) and Paul Krause (Burton-Bendle, Iowa, started four Super Bowls for the Minnesota Vikings, holds NFL record for interceptions in a career with 81, arguably the greatest safety to ever play the game, eight-time Pro Bowl selection, enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame).

All that being said, here are the next generation of outstanding defensive backs from the state of Michigan. Here are the Great Lakes State's top 10 defensive back prospects for the class of 2019.

Michigan's top 10 defensive back recruits for the class of 2019 -- 

1. Julian Barnett-6-2, 195-Belleville -- He's also my No. 1 wide receiver prospect for Michigan's class of 2019. Arguably the best two-way talent in the Midwest, Barnett could play either WR or DB at the next level. With 4.5 speed and a tough, physical nature, Barnett is a handful on either side of the football. I can see Barnett gaining 20-25 pounds in college and lining up as a hybrid linebacker/strong safety-type guy and being extremely effective as a pass defender, run-stopper or a devastating pass rusher. He's an outstanding all-around football player. Verbal to Michigan State.
2. Marvin Grant-6-2, 205-Detroit King -- One of my favorite players in the state of Michigan. This kid just has "it." Maybe the best all-around, natural football talent in the Great Lakes State, Grant is a smooth, skillful player for the Crusaders. A bone-crushing tackler and ball hawk at safety, Grant is a three-year starter for national powerhouse King. Was hoping he'd stay in-state, but he's Big Ten all the way nonetheless. Verbal to Purdue. 
3. Rod Heard-5-10, 180-Farmington Hills Harrison -- Three-year starter at legendary Harrison program, Heard is also an explosive tailback prospects. A lockdown-type cornerback, Heard could also play safety at the next level. Led the Hawks to a Division 3 state runner-up finish last season. Has 4.5 speed and excellent vision, quickness and instincts. Verbal to Northwestern. 
4. M.J. Griffin-6-2, 185-Saline -- Great size and speed combination, Griffin is a three-year starter for the Hornets, a program which has produced plenty of D-I talent as of late (Josh Jackson-QB-Va Tech, Bryce Wolma-TE-Arizona, Dimitri Douglas-OL-Michigan State). Also a sure-handed, deep-threat receiver for Saline, Griffin uses his 4.5 speed and height to overwhelm opponents, especially on the defensive side of the football. He's a Big Ten talent for sure, but opted to play out of the conference. Verbal to Temple. 
5. Josh DeBerry-6-1, 175-Warren DeLaSalle -- Spark plug and catalyst for DeLaSalle on both sides of scrimmage. Exciting, explosive skill-set, DeBerry is a home run-type wide receiver for the Pilots and an "opponents just don't throw his way"-type cornerback. I like him as a shutdown cornerback at the next level. Good hands and burst, DeBerry led DeLaSalle to the Division 2 state championship last season. Michigan, Michigan State where are you on this guy? Holds offers from Northwestern, Wake Forest, Boston College, Colorado State, Iowa, Kentucky, Iowa State.
6. Aidan Harrison-6-3, 190-New Lothrop -- One of the best players nobody seems to be talking about. Harrison is a tremendous athlete, first and foremost. A basketball and track and field standout, Harrison has high jumped 6-foot-6. With his long strides, Harrison can cover a lot of ground quickly as a safety and, of course, out-leap most, if not all, opponents for 50-50 balls in the air. Verbal to Missouri.
7. Kobe Myers-6-2, 185-Waterford Mott -- A long, rangy cornerback for the Corsairs. Very fluid athlete who also is a standout wide receiver. Like many on this list, has good height/weight for a defensive back and will only get bigger and stronger at the next level. Has offers from Iowa and Syracuse among many others.
8. Kortez Toles-6-3, 185-Grand Blanc -- Overwhelming force at cornerback for the Bobcats. Uses height and length to smother opposing receivers. Has quickness and ball skills of a high-level DB prospect. As a corner, Toles reminds me of Tony Lippett (Detroit native, started at corner for the Miami Dolphins), at least with his height and mobility. At the moment, not receiving the recruiting publicity I believe he deserves. Has offers from Bowling Green State, Central Michigan, Cornell and Morgan State. Indiana, Maryland, Illinois, Rutgers, etc. where are you on this kid?
9. Jordan Anderson-5-11, 190-Harper Woods -- Was named first-team All-Detroit by the Detroit News last season while playing for Detroit East English Village. Had 43 tackles and six interceptions as a cornerback and rushed for 1,210 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. A game-changer on either side of the football, Anderson is just a "football player." He could be successful as a RB at the next level, but I like him as a press cover, in-your-face cornerback. Verbal to Bowling Green State.
10. Daraun McKinney-5-10, 185-River Rouge -- The ultimate playmaker, McKinney is lightning in a bottle and one of the most explosive and exciting players in the state of Michigan. McKinney makes plays in all three phases of the game. A sticky cornerback and sure-handed receiver, McKinney is truly gifted as a kick and punt returner. Last season, McKinney returned seven kickoffs for touchdowns and five punts for touchdowns setting state records for both. Though the Big Ten wanted him (Indiana offer), McKinney will play in the Mid-American Conference. Verbal to Northern Illinois. 

Other top DB recruits for Michigan's class of 2019 (all are D-I prospects at some level) -- 
Art Herndon-5-11, 170-St. Joseph, Bradley Dunn-6-0, 175-Saugatuck (Division 7-8 All-State first team as junior, led Indians to D-7 state runner-up finish last season) , Tyrese Hunt-Thompson-5-11, 170-Cassopolis, Jaden Thelen-6-3, 190-Haslett (Lansing State Journal Dream Team pick as junior, three-sport star, four-year varsity football player), Jalen Broussard-6-1, 185-East Grand Rapids, Stephen Bracey-5-9, 165-East Kentwood (Verbal to WMU), Deamonte Clark, 5-9, 170-Wyoming Godwin Heights, Devante Bedford-6-1, 180-Montrose, Josh Kramer-6-0, 185-Lansing Catholic (Lansing State Journal Dream Team and Division 5-6 All-State selection as junior, six interceptions, 50 tackles last year), Noah Smith-6-0, 175-Lansing Everett, Nick Thomas-5-11, 190-Jackson Lumen Christi, Kobe Hayward-6-0, 185-East Lansing, Marcus Fuqua-6-1, 195-Southfield A & T (Verbal to Buffalo), Khalil Dawsey-5-10, 175-Birmingham Groves (Verbal to Harvard), Derrick Hinton-5-10, 170-Auburn Hills Avondale, Xavier Goldsmith-5-9, 170-Farmington Hills Harrison (Verbal to Colorado State), Elija Griffin-5-11, 185-Harper Woods (Verbal to Toledo), Nic Jones-6-1, 170-Southfield A & T (Verbal to Ball State), Javon Kimpson-5-11, 195-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (Verbal to Miami, OH), Kamal Hadden-6-1, 165-River Rouge (Verbal to CMU), DaRon Gilbert-6-2, 195-Birmingham Brother Rice, Josiah Curry-6-0, 190-Mount Morris, Aaron Herron-6-3, 185-Holton (finished second in D-4 state track and field final in 110-meter hurdles in 14.95 and placed eighth in 100 meters in 11.44), Tahj Chatman-6-1, 185-Ypsilanti Lincoln, Michael Harper-5-11, 180-Anchor Bay, Ormondell Dingle-6-1, 190-Detroit Cass Tech (Verbal to CMU), Koleman Wall-6-3, 200-Muskegon Oakridge, T.J. VanKoevening-6-4, 205-Hudsonville Unity-Christian, Ahmad Gardner-6-2, 175-Detroit King (Verbal to Cincinnati), Jason Fairfield-6-0, 175-Holland West Ottawa (Holland Sentinel All-Area as junior, set school record with seven interceptions last season), Keimonnee Fields-5-9, 175-Waterford Mott, Hunter Delor-6-2, 205-Marysville, Tim Stallworth-6-1, 190-Dearborn Fordson, Rayvon Williamson-6-0, 175-Detroit Community (six interceptions, two returned for touchdowns this season), Zonterio Weekley-5-10, 170-Kalamazoo Central.

PHOTO -- Belleville senior Julian Barnett (6-2, 195) is arguably the best two-way player in the Midwest. A high-level Division I college football prospect at defensive back or wide receiver, Barnett is the No. 1-ranked recruit at both positions in the state of Michigan for the class of 2019. With 4.5 speed, Barnett is a tough, physical competitor on either side of the football. Barnett has verbally committed to Michigan State.

Michigan's Top 10 Linebacker Recruits for the Class of 2019

Once again, the state of Michigan is loaded with linebacker studs either at the inside or outside positions. Michigan's class of 2019 crop of linebackers is dripping with talent from all over the Great Lakes State. From the Upper Peninsula, to the Lake Michigan coastline, to the urban streets of Detroit, the state of Michigan is a must-visit for any resourceful, hard-working Division I college football coach or recruiter looking for impact players at the linebacker spot. Here are the Great Lakes State's top 10 linebacker prospects for the class of 2019 --

Michigan's Top 10 Linebacker Prospects for the Class of 2019 (all are D-I recruits) -- 

1. Jaren Mangham-6-2, 225-MLB-Detroit Cass Tech -- Arguably one of the best two-way prospects in the country, Mangham is also my No. 1-ranked RB recruit for the state of Michigan. I believe if he played LB at the next level he'd be a superstar. But, he's also a game-breaker at RB for the national powerhouse Technicians. A complete football player, Mangham has 4.5 40 speed. Verbal to Colorado. 
2. Lance Dixon-6-2, 210-OLB-West Bloomfield -- A true difference-maker from the linebacker position, Dixon is one of the top players in the Midwest, if not the nation. Blazing fast, Dixon runs a 4.5 40 and finished seventh in the Division 1 (big school) track and field state meet last June in the 200 meters with a time of 22.03. Verbal to Penn State.
3. Ali'Vonta Wallace-6-1, 230-MLB-Muskegon -- I love this kid. A three-year starter for one of the Midwest's top programs, Wallace is seemingly everywhere on the football field. He makes tackles from sideline-to-sideline, using his speed and natural instincts, Wallace is one of the finest overall players in the state of Michigan. Toledo, CMU, WMU, Alabama A & M, EMU offers. Big Ten, where are you on this guy? Kentucky? Pitt? Tennessee?
4. Jacob Wahlberg-6-4, 225-OLB-Muskegon Mona Shores -- Three-year starter for west Michigan power program. With long strides and good speed, Wahlberg is a top-flight athlete. Also a TE prospect, Wahlberg is Big Ten-level, but will play in the MAC. Verbal to WMU.
5. Marcel Lewis-6-1, 220-OLB-Clinton Township Chippewa Valley -- Instinctive, natural football player for suburban Detroit school Chippewa Valley. Running a 4.6 40, Lewis makes plays all over the field for the Big Reds. Verbal to Michigan State. 
6. Marvin Ham-6-2, 225-MLB-Belleville -- Ham is a standout defensive player for a Belleville squad full of high-level D-I recruits. Intense and fast, Ham hits like a freight train. Runs a 4.6 40. Verbal to Boston College. 
7. Boone Bonnema-6-3, 215-OLB-Zeeland East -- Holland Sentinel Defensive Player of the Year as a junior, Bonnema is an outstanding all-around football player. Besides being a tackling machine at linebacker for Zeeland East, Bonnema is also a skilled HB-TE on offense. Last season, he had 103 tackles, including 16 TFL and two blocked punts. Verbal to WMU.
8. Brock Horne-6-2, 225-MLB-Romeo -- An old-school middle linebacker, Horne is a hard-hitting, sure tackler for Romeo, a large school in Detroit's northern suburbs. A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Horne is a high-level D-I recruit. Iowa State, Princeton, Harvard, Dartmouth, Bowling Green State, Buffalo, CMU offers.
9. Leonard Henry-6-4, 215-OLB-Grand Blanc -- A physical, rugged player at LB for the Flint-area Bobcats, Henry is an imposing physical specimen on the football field. Long and lengthy with good speed, Henry is a guy I project to 6-4, 230 at the next level. Cincinnati offer.
10. (tie)  Logan Guthrie-6-2, 220-OLB-Alpena -- Super-athletic two-way star for Alpena. One of northern Michigan's top D-I prospects, Guthrie runs a 4.6 40. Verbal to CMU. Luke Terrian-6-3, 220-OLB-Kingsford -- Named to the Upper Peninsula Dream Team as a junior, Terrian is my No. 2-ranked overall prospect in the Upper Peninsula and the top-ranked LB recruit above the Mackinac Bridge. Also Kingsford's QB, Terrian is a three-sport star, standing out also in basketball and baseball for the Flivvers. Maurice Hutchinson-6-2, 215-MLB-Sterling Heights Parkway Christian -- A bit of a sleeper in Michigan, Hutchinson is the best player out of suburban Detroit's Parkway Christian since the late RB Zurlon Tipton (CMU, NFL). A big-time thumper from the linebacker position, Hutchinson is also a powerful, bruising running back. A definite high-level D-I recruit, Hutchinson could play either LB or RB at the next level.

Other Top Linebacker Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2019 (all are D-I recruits) --
Micah Cretsinger-6-1, 225-OLB-Jackson (tough to keep out of the Top 10, combines size and speed and is a high-level D-I prospect), Traven Van Oss-6-0, 210-MLB-Three Rivers (runs a 4.6 40, four-year starter, 315 bench press, 55 tackles, 13 TFL, two sacks last year), James Ester-6-3, 230-MLB-Detroit Cass Tech, Devin Nicholson-6-3, 210-OLB-Detroit Cass Tech (Verbal to EMU), Odin Soffredine-6-1, 210-MLB-Traverse City Central, Hugh Brand-6-3, 235-OLB-Harrison, Clarence Gasket-6-0, 210-OLB-Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Rich Miller-6-1, 215-MLB-Detroit King (Detroit News first team All-Detroit last year, 69 tackles, 10 TFL last season as junior, Verbal to Buffalo), Dayone Smith-6-1, 235-MLB-Detroit Western (Detroit News second team All-Detroit as junior), Devin Campbell-6-1, 220-MLB-Warren DeLaSalle (Detroit News first team All-East as junior, 81 tackles last year, helped lead DeLaSalle to D-2 state championship last season), Timmy Eising-6-2, 220-OLB-Berrien Springs, Bryce Pelko-6-4, 215-OLB-Sterling Heights Parkway Christian (also talented TE prospect, top hoops player, as well), James Miller-6-1, 220-MLB-Gaylord, Curtis Vogel-6-0, 220-MLB-Deckerville (AP 8-man All-State first team as junior, 99 tackles, five sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception, led Deckerville to 8-man Division 1 state runner-up spot last season), Miles Mcleod-6-1, 210-MLB--Lake City, Boomer Perry-5-11, 205-MLB-Michigan Center (four-year varsity player), Ross Bolman-6-1, 215-MLB-Zeeland West (Holland Sentinel All-Area as junior, 16 TFL last season), Matt Bilski-5-10, 215-MLB-Grand Rapids West Catholic, Aiden Tate-6-0, 230-MLB-Ann Arbor Skyline (three-year starter, 325 squat, 225 bench press), Nate Stone-6-2, 220-MLB-Frankenmuth, Ricky Williamson-6-0, 215-OLB-Carrollton, Jeremiah Major-6-1, 245-MLB-Macomb Dakota, Garrett Plate-6-2, 220-MLB-Jackson County Parma Western, Ben Zardus-6-2, 215-MLB-Birmingham Brother Rice.

PHOTO -- West Bloomfield's Lance Dixon (6-2, 210) is the No. 2-ranked linebacker prospect in the state of Michigan for the class of 2019. With 4.5 speed and a nonstop motor, Dixon helped lead the Lakers to a Division 1 state runner-up finish last season. Dixon is verbally committed to Penn State. Photo by Tanya Moutzalias/MLive.com.

Michigan's Top 10 Defensive Line Prospects for the Class of 2019

Like the offensive line, the defensive line group in Michigan's class of 2019 is one of the best in the nation. Every player on this list is an explosive, impactful, disruptive force with Big Ten-level size and talent. When the No. 5-ranked (yes, No. 5-ranked) defensive lineman in the Great Lakes State is verbally committed to national power Clemson, you know the D-line talent level in the state of Michigan for 2019 is stacked with elite players from top to bottom. Here are the state of Michigan's top 10 defensive line prospects for the class of 2019 --


Top 10 Defensive Linemen for Michigan's Class of 2019 -- (all are D-I recruits)

1. Michael Fletcher-6-6, 245-Flint Carman-Ainsworth-Incredible athletic talent, with elite explosiveness off the edge. Fletcher received Division I offers in both football and basketball. Very driven young man, who comes from an athletic family. Brother Dustin (6-3, 210) is, in my opinion, the state of Michigan's No. 1-ranked QB for the class of 2020. Fletcher is a sack-machine for the Cavaliers. I project Fletcher to be 6-6, 270-275 and, with his long wingspan, basketball feet, coordination and quickness, to be an absolute beast coming off the edge at the next level. Verbal to Michigan State.
2. Mazi Smith-6-3, 305-East Kentwood- A run-plugger of the highest order. Smith has a strong motor for a player his size and is practically unblockable at the point of attack when the lights go on. Good agility for a big kid, Smith has the look and feel of former Alabama All-American and current Detroit Lion DT A'Shawn Robinson. Verbal to Michigan.
3. Spencer Brown-6-6, 290-Walled Lake Western- Brown is my No. 5-ranked offensive lineman for Michigan's class of 2019, but he's also D-I-level good on the defensive side of the ball -- so I'm mentioning him on both of my lists. In fact, I like Brown better on the defensive side of scrimmage. I see him fleshing out to 6-7, 330 in college and being a difference-maker at DT. Despite his overall girth and size, Brown is incredibly nimble-footed and athletic. Big-time talent. Verbal to Michigan State.
4. Adam Berghorst-6-7, 270-Zeeland East-Like Spencer Brown, Berghorst is my No. 4-ranked offensive line prospect for Michigan's class of 2019, but he's also a high-level defensive line recruit. Brown and Berghorst are, without a doubt, two of the best two-way linemen prospects in the country. I go back and forth where I see Berghorst playing at the next level. He's a three-sport star (basketball and baseball) so he has excellent feet and athleticism, which would make for an ideal left tackle, but he also has outstanding length and intensity, which would make him an outstanding DE, or if he adds enough weight, an impactful DT. Verbal to Michigan State.
5. Ruke Orhorhoro-6-5, 245-River Rouge- Raw talent, but Orhorhoro's upside could be higher than any player on this list. In deference to the original, NFL running back Christian Okoye, Orhorhoro is also known as the "Nigerian Nightmare." Fluid, athletic player with good, thick size, Orhorhoro, who had 19 sacks a season ago, is an exciting recruit. Suits up for a program which has sent multiple players to D-I schools recently, Orhorhoro projects out to a 6-5, 275 rush defensive end at the next level. Verbal to Clemson.
6. Darius Robinson-6-6, 250-Canton-Most years, Robinson would be ranked a top three D-lineman in Michigan, but with such a stacked class, he's No. 6 on my defensive line list this year. A basketball player, as well, Robinson, like Michael Fletcher, brings that added level of skill, footwork and coordination to the football field because of his talent on the hardwood. With room to grow and add weight at the next level, Robinson is a Big Ten-type prospect. Michigan State, Purdue, Maryland, Rutgers offers inside the Big Ten, while outside the conference, offers include Virginia, Boston College, Colorado and Iowa State.
7. Jalen Hunt-6-3, 235-Belleville- Maybe the most explosive defensive line prospect in the state of Michigan this season. Could play linebacker at the next level because of his speed and agility. Outstanding pass rusher, who with low pad level, gets around taller and slower opposing offensive linemen. Hunt is a one-on-one match-up problem for any pass blocker assigned to stop him from getting to the quarterback. Verbal to Iowa.
8. Devin Baldwin-6-4, 265-Southfield A & T-Strong two-way prospect for Southfield A & T. Also a talented TE, Baldwin, like so many on this list, has excellent athleticism and movement for a player his size. I feel he's a Big Ten-level talent, however, he's decided to compete in the MAC. Verbal to WMU. 
9. Tyrece Woods-6-2, 250-Belleville- I love this kid. He excels in the classroom as much as he does on the gridiron. Could play LB at the next level because of his overall football acumen and quickness. After starting for two years at national powerhouse Detroit King, Woods transferred to Belleville -- another power program in the Great Lakes State. Teams with Jalen Hunt to form arguably the best bookened defensive ends in Michigan, if not the Midwest. Sure tackler with pass rush ability, Woods is just a football player. Verbal to Michigan.
10. (tie) Luke Marsh-6-4, 290-Montague-Will be four-year starter at Montague, a mid-sized school state power, just outside of Muskegon. Could also play center or guard at the next level. Rugged, hard-nosed player on either side of the ball, I like Marsh as a defensive tackle in college. I see him projecting out to a 6-4, 315 D-tackle. Marsh would be a good find/fit for a Big Ten school like Minnesota, Purdue, Rutgers, Illinois or Indiana. Maverick Hansen-6-5, 270-Farmington Hills Harrison- From storied suburban Detroit program, Hansen is another player skilled on both sides of the football. A starter on last season's D-3 state runner-up squad, Hansen is strong as an ox and has the intensity and power to match. Offers from Iowa State and Syracuse, but will play in the MAC. Verbal to CMU. Nathan Ellenbaas-6-3, 240-Williamston-One of the top sleepers in the state of Michigan, Ellenbaas is one of the most disruptive defensive players in the Great Lakes State. A Lansing State Journal Dream Team pick and AP Division 3-4 All-State selection as a junior, Ellenbaas recorded 110 tackles, 21 TFL and 12 sacks last season for the Hornets. This kid is a high-level D-I recruit, in my opinion, and, at the moment, grossly under-recruited. Big Ten? West Virginia? Kansas? Pitt? Where are you guys? Take a look at this kid.

Other Top Defensive Linemen for Michigan's Class of 2019 (all are D-I level, high, mid, low) -- DaShaun Williams-6-4, 285-DT-Ottawa Lake-Whiteford (hard to keep out of the top 10, starter on last year's D-8 state championship team, big-time talent), Dorian Wesley-6-4, 290-DT-Woodhaven, (like DaShaun Williams, Wesley was tough to keep out of the top 10, a rock in the middle for Woodhaven), Donovan King-6-5, 265-DE-Farmington, Max Saylor-6-3, 230-DE-Birmingham Brother Rice (Verbal to CMU), Anthony Pelton-6-4, 245-DE-Reed City (AP Division 5-6 All-State as junior, also talented TE prospect), Jacob Price-6-2, 240-DE-Pinckney (named the preseason No. 1 overall player in Livingston County), Viquente Sandifer-6-4, 240-DT-Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills (a bit of a sleeper statewide, but drawing considerable D-I interest), Markus Bevier-6-2, 285-DT-Ypsilanti, Cole Stout-6-5, 265-DT-Muskegon Mona Shores, Payton Dustin-6-5, 250-DE-Berrien Springs, Azonte Burks-6-2, 245-DE-Flint Beecher, William Jenema-6-2, 240-DE-Marion (AP 8-Man All-State as junior, 73 tackles, 34 TFL, 21 sacks), Ben Geno-6-5, 260-DT-Battle Creek Pennfield (Battle Creek Enquirer All-City first team as junior, 40 tackles, also top-flight OT), Chauncey Ernst-6-1, 240-DE-Madison Heights Madison (AP Division 7-8 All-State as junior), Jared Christian-6-3, 280-DT-Ionia (will be three-year starter), Cole Mitchell-6-2, 260-DT-Rochester Adams (also bruising fullback), Kendall Howard-6-1, 245-DE-Detroit Western (Detroit News All-Detroit second team as junior), Grant Peer-6-2, 295-DT-Gibraltar Carlson, Damond Duncan-6-1, 245-DE-St. Clair Shores Lakeview (Detroit News All-East first team as junior, will be three-year starter), Alex Overla-6-2, 265-DT-Caledonia (top heavyweight wrestler), Spencer Hulst-6-2. 260-DT-Grand Rapids South Christian, Dennis Simmons-6-2, 225-DE-Ann Arbor Pioneer, Ethan Mckenzie-6-2, 240-DE-Whitehall, Dylan Avalos-6-2, 270-DT-Saugatuck (Holland Sentinel All-Area as junior, 65 tackles, eight TFL), McKinley Underwood-6-1, 285-DT-Kalamazoo Central, Davon Sear-6-3, 265-DT-Center Line, Jaylen Henderson-6-5, 260-DE-River Rouge (Kent State offer), Blake Coffell-6-3, 285-DT-Goodrich, Dominique Davidson-6-6, 225-DE-Lansing Everett, Hunter Smith-6-2, 265-DT-Breckenridge, Cade Klimczak-6-2, 235-DE-Rockford, Brett Beyer-6-4, 230-DE-Bay City Central, Brad Wisniewski-6-4, 225-DE-Saline, Danny Files-6-3, 305-DT-Bloomfield Cranbrook-Kingswood (three-sport athlete for Cranbrook, excellent feet for a big kid), Aaron Latham-6-2, 230-DE-Dearborn Divine Child, Mohamed Basma-6-3, 240-DE-Dearborn Fordson, Justin Hudson-6-5, 290-DT-Detroit Delta Prep, Mouhammad Mehdi-6-3, 275-DT-Dearborn Fordson, Jalen Bell-5-11, 285-DT-Belleville (Verbal to Akron), Carson Currie-6-2, 220-DE-Lapeer, Kane Quinlan-6-2, 255-DE-Birmingham Brother Rice, Jaren Johnson-6-4, 260-DT-Warren Lincoln.

PHOTO -- River Rouge defensive end Ruke Orhorhoro (6-5, 245) is a quarterback's worst nightmare. Last season, Orhorhoro, ranked the No. 5 defensive line prospect in the state of Michigan, recorded 19 sacks. With explosive strength and quickness, Orhorhoro is a big-time talent. Orhorhoro is verbally committed to Clemson.

Top 10 Offensive Line Prospects for Michigan's Class of 2019

Wow...all I can say is -- wow. That's it, I'm done. No other words need be said. No, this is my blog so I reckon I should say a little bit more about this year's offensive line class. This upcoming season's crop of offensive line prospects is truly one of the best ever from the state of Michigan -- and that's saying something, since the Great Lakes State is perennially one of the best places to recruit high-level O-linemen in the country. Every single year, the state of Michigan is a hotbed of offensive line recruiting, but this season just might be a step above most other years. And the scary, or well, fantastic thing, if you're one of Michigan's five Division I-playing college football programs, is that next season looks just as good, if not better. I'm not going to step too high onto my proverbial soapbox, but Michigan State, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Michigan and Eastern Michigan have absolutely ZERO excuses NOT to have outstanding offensive lines every season with the depth of talent at the position in the Great Lakes State. It's truly one position area where all five schools should ALWAYS have the upper hand in their respective conferences simply because of the wealth of talent outside their collective front doors.

Will you please indulge me for a minute? Before I list the top 10 O-line prospects for Michigan's class of 2019, let's take a quick look at, if recruiting in this state was up to par, what MSU's and U-M's offensive lines could/should/would look like in four years or so (including last season's outstanding offensive line class, as well). Granted some of these players could also play defensive line, but the focus here is on offense, so that's the point of emphasis.

Michigan -- (projected heights/weights and schools they eventually signed with or have verbally committed to)

RT-Ryan Hayes-Sr.-6-7, 315-Traverse City, MI -- U-M
RG-Marquan McCall-Sr.-6-4, 330-Oak Park, MI -- Kentucky
C-Tyrone Sampson-Sr.-6-4, 315-Detroit, MI -- Fresno State
LG-Michael Furtney-Sr.-6-5, 315-Sr.-Milan, MI -- Wisconsin
LT-Logan Brown-Jr.-6-7, 320-Jr.-East Kentwood, MI -- Wisconsin

-- And I know Jalen Mayfield-Sr.-6-5, 305-Grand Rapids, MI is at U-M, but I just see him as a D-linemen. Plus, if these guys above were in the Wolverine program, Michigan wouldn't need him on the O-line (at least in my humble opinion).

Michigan State -- (projected heights/weights and schools they eventually signed with or have verbally committed to)

RT-Antwan Reed-Sr.-6-7, 325-Muskegon, MI -- WMU
RG-Anthony Bradford-Jr.-6-5, 340-Muskegon, MI -- LSU
C-Devontae Dobbs-Jr.-6-4, 315-Belleville, MI -- MSU
LG-Spencer Brown-Jr.-6-6, 325-Walled Lake, MI -- MSU
LT-Adam Berghorst-Jr.-6-7, 310-Zeeland, MI -- MSU

Both of these lines, in my opinion, are not only Big Ten championship-level, but national championship-level. If these guys received the proper coaching/teaching, etc., in four years both lines would be out-of-this-world good. Look at the right side of MSU's line -- are you kidding me? Those two guys grew up playing together and would be such a powerful twosome, destroying any defenders in their paths. Hand the ball off to their former Muskegon High teammate, Ladarius Jefferson (6-2, 225-Sr., projected) and as MSU coach Mark Dantonio once so eloquently said, "We grinded meat." Exactly -- that's what would eventually happen to every Spartan opponent if this line were intact in East Lansing. "Beast" Lansing, indeed. Is it any wonder Muskegon was unbeaten, ranked in the top 15 nationally and won a D-3 state title last season with those three guys? Why couldn't they have been recruited and signed together to one of our state's programs?

PHOTO -- In a perfect world, Muskegon's Anthony Bradford (left) and Antwan Reed would line up next to each other at one of Michigan's five Division I college football playing programs. Instead, Bradford is verbally committed to LSU, while Reed is a freshman at WMU. Photo by Jason Goorman/Local Sports Journal.

And how about those two tackles at Michigan? Both guys are elite pass protectors with long arms and athletic feet. Quarterbacks Sam Johnson (6-4, 210-Jr-Walled Lake, MI) or Bryce Veasley (6-4, 235-Sr.-West Bloomfield, MI), if they would've been enticed to sign with U-M, would have plenty of time and a nice pocket to pass the ball to (potential) receivers A. J. Abbott (6-2, 200-Sr.-West Bloomfield, MI), Taj Mustapha (6-1, 185-Sr.-West Bloomfield, MI) and Abdur-Rahmaan Yaseen (6-2, 195-Jr.-Walled Lake, MI and Johnson's high school teammate). Behind this explosive threesome (Veasley, Abbott and Mustapha), West Bloomfield finished as D-1 (big school) state runner-up last season. Why couldn't this West Bloomfield threesome have been recruited as a package deal and signed together to the Big Ten university 30 minutes or so away from their high school? Let alone, the fact their high school head coach was a Wolverine wide receiver back in the day, as well. Why didn't this happen? It seemed to have been "written in the stars," if only our D-I college football programs had their "you know what" together when it comes to recruiting in this state. Okay, I climbed up on my soapbox a little, sorry...

And with that off my chest, here, without further adieu, are the state of Michigan's top 10 offensive line prospects for the class of 2019 --

Top 10 Offensive Line Recruits for Michigan's Class of 2019 (all are high-level D-I prospects) -- 

1. Devontae Dobbs-6-4, 295-Belleville -- Widely regarded as the top offensive line prospect in the nation. Outstanding balance, feet and technique already as a high school player. I believe he could play any line position and be dominant. Belleville, located between Detroit and Ann Arbor, has a a storied football history with former NFL Pro Bowl players DT Kris Jenkins (Maryland) and LB Ian Gold (U-M) and Super Bowl champion DT Cullen Jenkins (CMU) all once wearing Tiger Orange and Black. Verbal to Michigan State.
2. Logan Brown-6-7, 310-East Kentwood -- Also widely regarded as a top five offensive line recruit nationally. The Great Lakes State has two "Top Five"-level nationally O-linemen for the class of 2019. That should tell you something about the talent at the position in Michigan. Brown is still a bit raw, but his potential ceiling is through the roof. Long arms, size, athleticism -- Brown, from East Kentwood, which is a suburb of Grand Rapids, has it all as a future All-American and NFL guy. Verbal to Wisconsin.
3. Anthony Bradford-6-5, 330-Muskegon -- Almost every year, in any other state, Bradford would be a No. 1-type offensive line recruit, but this season, in Michigan, he's ranked No. 3. That's truly amazing because Bradford is a total stud in the trenches. I see him as a physical, punishing road grader of the highest degree at the next level. He's a bit raw, but man, once he tightens up and gets coached up in college, look out -- I pity the defensive lineman assigned to square up against him and try to push him back. Verbal to LSU.
4. Adam Berghorst-6-7, 270-Zeeland East -- Berghorst might be the finest all-around lineman prospect in Michigan, if not the Midwest (though Flint Carman-Ainsworth DE Michael Fletcher, a MSU verbal, has D-I offers for football and basketball, might have something to say about that idea). Also a dominating DE, Berghorst could find himself at that position or moving inside to DT at the next level. A three-sport star for Zeeland East, located near Grand Rapids, Berghorst is a top basketball and baseball player, as well. He is an All-State pitcher for the Chix and will have the opportunity to compete in both sports at MSU. Verbal to Michigan State.
5. Spencer Brown-6-6, 290-Walled Lake Western -- Right there, neck and neck, with Adam Berghorst as Michigan's, if not the Midwest's, top two-way lineman, Brown is a terror on both sides of scrimmage for Western, located in the Detroit suburbs. I personally like him as a 6-6, 320-pound defensive tackle at the next level, but he could be just as skilled and impactful on the offensive line. An overwhelming force in the trenches, Brown has great leverage and quickness for a player his size. Verbal to Michigan State. 
6. Karsen Barnhart-6-5, 285-Paw Paw -- From same small southwest Michigan school and town as NFL Pro Bowl DE Jason Babin (Paw Paw, WMU, NFL), Barnhart is another offensive lineman that, in previous years or in most other states, would be either No. 1- or No. 2-ranked. In Michigan, for the class of 2019, Barnhart is my No. 6-ranked offensive line prospect. An outstanding hoops player for his size, Barnhart has big-time athletic ability and has even played tight end in the past for the Redskins. Like Devontae Dobbs, I believe Barnhart can play any position on the offensive line and succeed. I can see him being an "Alex Mack"-type center at the next level or a pulling guard or a left tackle with his nimble feet and overall athleticism. Verbal to Michigan.
7. Brock Jordan-6-3, 285-Okemos -- The top, pure center in the state of Michigan. Jordan simply nullifies any defender in front of him. With strong feet and balance, Jordan projects out to 6-3, 310-315 at the next level. The best D-I prospect from Okemos, a Lansing suburb, since NFL offensive tackle Taylor Moton (WMU, a second round NFL draft pick in 2017 and currently, after two preseason games, starting at tackle for the Carolina Panthers). Jordan is a Big Ten-level athlete and line recruit. Indiana, Purdue, Michigan State, etc. where are you on this guy?
8. P. J. Brown-6-4, 290-Monroe -- Okay, here's another guy I simply cannot understand why he isn't on every Big Ten or even MAC school's radar? A three-year starter for Monroe, located near the Michigan-Ohio border, in football and a varsity basketball player as a freshman, Brown has feet and athleticism second to no one on this list. I think it's somewhere online, but there's a video of Brown dunking a basketball. How many 6-4, 290-pound kids do you know who can dunk a basketball and play varsity hoops as a freshman at a large Michigan high school. Brown bench presses 345 pounds and squats 525 pounds. From same school as former NFL players LB Audie Cole (North Carolina State), DT Eric Wilson (co-captain at U-M) and WR Carl Ford (Toledo). I see Brown as an athletic, highly-coordinated 6-4, 310-pound center or guard at the next level.
9. Spencer Holstege-6-5, 285-Grand Rapids South Christian -- Just another player who should be ranked higher, but the talent level this upcoming season in Michigan is so deep and skilled, Holstege is ranked No. 9. Another athletic big kid, Holstege for many seasons played tight end for the Sailors. With a good base, strong balance, elite athletic ability, Holstege is not your typical offensive lineman. One of the best athletes at South Christian, Holstege is Big Ten bound -- as he should be. Verbal to Purdue. 
10. Keegan Vaughn-6-5, 315-Westland John Glenn- The best O-lineman prospect from Westland John Glenn, located in the Detroit suburbs, since Jeff Graham (starter at center for Michigan State in the 1990s), Vaughn is so big and strong. Thick-legged and powerful, Vaughn is already Big Ten-sized. He will be a three-year varsity starter (he played at Livonia Stevenson as a sophomore). Vaughn is a rugged, physical specimen in the trenches. I project him as a 6-5, 330 offensive guard. From same school as recent NFL players WR Keshawn Martin (Michigan State) and RB Jeremy Langford (Michigan State).

Other top offensive linemen for Michigan's class of 2019 (all are D-I prospects at some level) --
Jack Haverdink-6-4, 270-OT-Portage Northern (Dad Kevin played OT in the NFL), Hayden VanderWeele-6-4, 265-OT-Portage Northern, Michael Sarabyn-6-6, 290-OT-Dowagiac, Bruin French-6-4, 295-OG-Clare, Zach Carpenter-6-6, 280-OT-Farwell (also starts at center on basketball team), Bryant Schram-6-3, 285-OG-C-Iron River West Iron County (Upper Peninsula Dream Team selection as junior, U.P. Division 2 shot put state champion-48-1, third in discus-119-11), Bryce Neff-6-4, 270-Gaylord, Stuart Kettler-6-6, 270-OT-East Grand Rapids (Ball State, Bowling Green State, Miami (OH), Toledo offers), Jonah Erickson-6-5, 285-OT-OG-C-Rockford (three-year starter), Tyler Sikkema-6-5, 270-OT-Wayland, Peyton Young-6-5, 300-OT-Muskegon Oakridge (three-year starter), Marquis Cooper-6-3, 320-OG-Muskegon, William Racely-6-4, 270-OG-C-Flushing (Verbal to EMU), Jake Esckilsen-6-5, 305-OT-Hemlock (310 bench press), Jayson Tunstall-6-3, 265-OG-C-New Lothrop (Division 7-8 All-State selection as junior), Jacob Dean-6-9, 315-OT-Walled Lake Western (Iowa State, U-M, WMU, Kent State, Ohio offers), Mahdi Hazime-6-3, 290-OG-C-Dearborn Fordson (Morehead State, Morgan State offers), Ali Jaber-6-7, 335-OT-Dearborn Fordson, Mohamed Saad-6-5, 285-OT-Dearborn, Zach Conti-6-7, 300-OT-Trenton, Evan Orme-6-6, 255-OT-Riverview Gabriel Richard (also top hoops player), Trevon Roberts-6-2, 290-OG-C-Detroit Central (Detroit News first-team All-Detroit honors as junior), Allen Jones-6-5, 315-OT-Detroit Cass Tech, Christian Dudley-6-2, 280-OG-Detroit Cass Tech, Rachon Gulley-6-4, 325-OG-Detroit East English Village (Detroit News second-team All-Detroit selection as junior), Deshawn Ingram-6-5, 285-OT-Detroit King (Verbal to Howard), Danny Motowski-6-2, 270-C-Warren DeLaSalle (Verbal to CMU), Chris Cominos-6-3, 265-OG-Warren DeLaSalle (will be three-year starter for defending D-2 state champions), Mikey LaFontsee-6-3, 240-OG-C-Newaygo, Tyler Oxley-6-2, 250-C-Jackson County Parma Western (three-year starter, 300 bench press), Connor Krauss-6-2, 300-C-Grandville, Kyle Wojczynski-6-3, 260-OG-Grand Rapids Forest Hills Central, Jarrett Short-6-3, 245-OG-Grand Blanc, Logan Miller-6-5, 315-OG-Allendale, Joe Boehmer-6-2, 275-OG-Traverse City St. Francis, Brandon Gross-6-3, 280-OG-Montrose (three-year starter), Brandon Silvers-6-3, 245-C-Charlotte (three-year starter), Hayden Blair-6-6, 260-OT-Bay City Western.

PHOTO -- Paw Paw's Karsen Barnhart (6-5, 285), ranked the No. 6 offensive line prospect for the state of Michigan's class of 2019, is an all-around athlete for the Redskins. A standout in both football and basketball, Barnhart has next-level quickness and athleticism for a player his size. In college, Barnhart, with his coordination and footwork, could project to any position along the offensive line. Barnhart is verbally committed to Michigan.