GVSU commit Heath Hoogerhyde intercepts a pass against Grand Rapids Christian earlier this season. (Photo: Caldad)

Grand Valley State had coaches at the Division 2 semifinal at Hudsonville, where Muskegon held off Caledonia. Everyone there was impressed by how Caledonia senior Heath Hoogerhyde made clutch play after clutch play. Only the Lakers will get to watch him do it for them now, as the 6-1, 215 consensus all-stater has committed to Grand Valley.

Hoogerhyde is a value recruit as either a defensive back with the size and tackling grit of a linebacker; or a linebacker who can run, turn, cover and make plays on the ball. He made 112 tackles and nine interceptions. He also had over 1,400 yards running and catching out of the offensive backfield. He had a number of drive-saving, shoe-lace receptions in that Muskegon game. Hoogerhyde is simply a terrific football player, a man for all eras or systems, and another local coup for GVSU.

Michigan Tech got in on recruiting the Lake Michigan area, bringing in one of the state’s top available offensive tackles, Traverse City Central’s Tyler Gildersleeve. He has the frame and reach that you want at the position at 6-7, 280 pounds. He was a right tackle for the Trojans and likely projects to that side at the next level. He may lack the high-end quickness for left tackle, but has a lot of room to grow physically, with upper body strength, and the final product could be exciting.