Lake Michigan prospect watch: Week 3

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Class of 2013
Antwan Billings  6-3  275  Sr  OL  Muskegon
Muskegon has college talent at every position, and even amidst all that Billings stands out. In the Big Reds’ 40-37 win at Sylvania, OH Southview, they had three 100-yard rushers running behind a mammoth front line anchored by Billings at right tackle. He has been receiving interest from Division I schools, but has yet to win them completely over. With offers on the table from several Division II schools, Billings will improve his stock if he continues to perform at the level he’s demonstrated over the past two weeks. His upside includes good feet and ideal size to play the guard position at the next level.

Andrew Trautman  6-2  215  Sr  LB  Elk Rapids
He’s a three-year starting QB, too — including with the 2010 Lake Michigan Conference title team — but Trautman’s best college position is likely middle linebacker. He has the right mix of size and speed — 4.6s in the 40, 4.3 in the pro shuttle. It looks like Trautman could be a key part of another playoff team. They’re 1-1, with a close loss to undefeated Mancelona then a 35-0 shellacking of Kingsley. There’s another big game this Friday at vanquished Lake Michigan foe Traverse City St. Francis.  Back in their LMC days, before the Glads got the boot, Elk Rapids actually beat them in that 2010 season. St. Francis had gone 55 league games since last dropping one in the Lake Michigan Conference, to Boyne City.

Class of 2014
Marcus Lambert  5-11  175  Jr  RB  Zeeland West
Sure, Lambert has it made in John Shillito’s offense, hidden by two tight ends and with the fullback trap the go-to play. But he’s still gotta hit the hole, still gotta be fast enough to take it to the next level. That hasn’t been a problem. After his 300-yard, 5 TD behemoth effort against Zeeland East, Lambert is the Lake Michigan area’s top rusher with 467 yards and nine TDs. In two games.

2015 watch
After a 9-0 2011 regular season and best-ever 10-1 overall mark, its fearless showing at Cincinnati Moeller, and 2012 state championship aspirations in Division 3, Grand Rapids Christian’s future is now. And with talent spread throughout all four classes, this program isn’t just a Drake Harris moment. Under Don Fellows, GR Christian runs a no-huddle, spread offense that serves as a great showcase for prospects as it’s easy to see their fit into modern college ball. But the athletes aren’t limited to the offensvie side of the ball. Two sophomore starters on D showed flashes against Moeller. 6-2, 215 soph Qi’ante Ewing makes plays on instinct right now. When the underclassman becomes and upperclassman with inside-out knowledge of the system, he’ll be consistently dangerous. Playing next to senior MLB Matthew Hall can only help his learning curve. As a 6-0, 215 soph, Jalen Jarnegen is undersized playing with his hand down in the Eagles’ 3-4, but more than makes up for it with his motor, which enabled him to get up and down the line and into Moeller’s backfield.

2016 watch
More Grand Rapids Christian? Told you they were talented. Fellows calls freshman Luke Thompson a “Drake Harris type football player.” He’ll be making his varsity debut starting at cornerback Friday against 2-0 Kenowa Hills. The Knights have one of the top senior receivers in the Lake Michigan area, Dylan Smith.

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