Offense
QB Jake Swander  6-0  205  Sr  Grayling
OL Colton VanDyke  6-1  245  Sr  Wayland
OL Cameron White  6-4  300  Sr  Saugatuck
OL Cory Carr  6-1  240  Sr  Portage Central
OL Stephen Hanson  6-4  285  Sr  Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
OL Matt Hoover  5-11  285  Sr  Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
TE Kyle Blough  6-3  190  Sr  Lowell
RB Danny Bauder  5-9  185  Sr  Zeeland West
RB Michael Miklusicak  5-9  190  Sr  Wayland
WR Colin Calloway  6-1  185  Sr  East Kentwood
WR Alex Zimmerman  5-11  165  Sr  West Ottawa

Defense
DL Malik Green  5-7  200  Sr  Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
DL Trevor Martin  6-1  265  Sr  Cadillac
DL Buck Tottingham  6-0  220  Sr  Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
DL Ben Walton  6-0  245  Sr  East Jordan
LB Kody Bauswell  6-1  190  Sr  Hudsonville
LB Kameryn Kidder  6-2  220  Sr  Middleville Thornapple-Kellogg
LB Alexander Lake  6-2  225  Sr  Byron Center
LB Odell Miller  6-4  230  Sr  Richland Gull Lake
DB Kennedy Akins  6-0  175  Sr  Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
DB Sam  LaRoche  5-11  180  Sr  Comstock Park
DB Darius Sanderford  5-10  180  Sr  Ann Arbor Pioneer

Darius Sanderford, a 5-10, 180 senior, was the best cover man in camp. The Ann Arbor Pioneer senior’s 4.5-second 40-yard tied him for the fastest in camp. He was physical, aggressive and cocky enough to come back to make plays if he’d been beat the time before. Sanderford had some terrific mathups with Terrill Wilburn, a 5-6, 150 St. Joseph senior who ran a 4.7 40. Tweak the grades a bit, and Sanderford will have some options. Wilfburn, who had three picks in the regular season, was one of two good St. Joe DBs at camp, along with senior Warren Clark.

Yet another of the Ottawa Hills contingent that looked sharp was Kennedy Akins, a 6-0, 175 senior.

“He has greats size,” one of the coaches said. “He’s long and he can run.”

Kyle Blough played tight end for Lowell as a 6-3, 190 senior. Like his versatility, can also split wide or play running back. Typical fundamentals you’d expect from a Red Arrow, Blough made a good target, saw ball and adjusted accordingly and caught it away from his body. Ran a 4.9 40. A similar do-it-all guy who excelled as a pass rusher in the fall but may work best at receiver is Grandville’s Josh Ham, a 6-3, 180 senior.

While he doesn’t play at a big school like Blugh and Ham, Saugatuck senior Joseph Koscielski is a big man at 6-4, 220. He was a running back and linebacker for the Indians, looks like a tight end or H back. Other tight end possibilities are Petoskey’s Anthony Duran, who went both ways for the Northmen and looks the part at 6-2, 220 with a 4.86 40, and  Reed City’s 6-2, 200 Kyle Wright, who caught the ball well all day.

Alex Zimmerman was consistent and dialed in every play, going either way. He’s a 5-11, 165 receiver and defensive back. Sure-handed, he was one of the few athletes to excel at the two-ball receiving drill. Ran 4.7. Coached up and consistent.Grades, test scores help his chances. Ionia’s Colin Prominski is a big, physical receiver at 6-1, 200 with a 4.86 40.

There were a number or senior receivers who you wish were a bit faster, but are productive because of routes and hands like 6-1, 185 Colin Calloway from East Kentwood, 5-11, 175 Tyler McClanahan from Grayling, 5-9 155 Dustin Hejka from East Jordan. Same thing on the defensive side for Comstock Park’s pair of 5-11, 180 Sam “Lucky” LaRoche, an All-Lake pick from their undefeated regular season, and 5-10, 165 Jimmy Whalen. Forest Hills Eastern’s record-setting receiver Sam Harrison has similar skills to those guys, but a bit quicker with a 4.78 40 at 6-0, 180.

The camps two top senior QBs were from Northern Michigan, Grayling’s 6-0, 210 Jake Swander and Reed City’s 6-0, 165 Chad Samuels. Swander arrived and departed on crutches and in a boot, but in between put in a couple good hours of work.

“(Swander) reminds me of Mark Brunnell, a lefty. He could make all the throws,” a coach said. “I asked him to do a five-step drop, he did and just let if fly.”

Samuels is a good athlete (scored 37 points in Reed City’s hoops opener), has a winner’s pedigree off two strong Coyotes teams, and throws a nice ball. Slight frame is all that may give coaches pause.

One of the most intriguing players in camp was Lowell’s 6-1, 190 QB Kyler Shurlow. No one had fatter stats in the fall — or a higher GPA. Not a college quarterback, but someone will find a place for him, just a damn good football player, and strong for his size. Hudsonville Unity Christian’s Tyce Dykstra is another QB who may end up someplace else, a good athlete at 6-2, 175.

College coaches aren’t as open-minded when recruiting skill talent from the Lake Area, so there are more highly ranked running backs still on the board for 2014 than linemen. But the next Joe the Show is just waiting to happen. West Michigan’s twoleading rushers both performed at the Senior Exposure Camp, Zeeland West’s 5-9, 185 Danny Bauder and Wayland Union’s 5-9, 190 Michael Miklusicak.

Bauder may have the best resume of any of the Lake Area’s uncommitted seniors, fresh off a state championship with Zeeland West and with a 10.6 electronic 100 meters in the spring. So speed is no concern, though he didn’t get the good start in the 40 like he did at our prior events. What he did during his senior season should alleviate concern that Bauder is just a track guy in a football costume. He’s a player, and competed hard in every rep. Will he be a running back? He caught it well enough in drills you could see Bauder as a slot receiver, or defensively on the corners as he has the build and wheels for it.

It’s not quite the dreaded friend zone, but Miklusicak may be put in the fullback zone because he’s wide, can catch, secure with the ball and ran a 4.9 40. Pass blocking remains to be seen, as that wasn’t too common given Wayland’s dominant running game. Good grades aid the cause.

Two running backs ran 4.5 40s. Thais Grays is Elk Rapids’ answer to Western Michigan’s Dareyon Chance, at 5-5, 180. Like the other running back at 4.5, Grand Rapids Northview’s 5-8, 158 Brandon Lawrence, an out-of-state juco may be the best option.

Shaquille Mobley is a good-looking athlete who came over from Belleville. He was listed as a running back but maybe more natural as a receiver. Lanky and quick at 6-0, 180, was able to high-point the ball and ran a 4.75 40.

Gull Lake’s Odell Miller was the camp’s top linebacker prospect and Byron Center’s Alexander Lake the best pass rusher. They worked out with the defensive linemen so are profiled there. There were some other good ones. 6-1, 190 senior Kody Bauswell was the leading tackler for the Hudsonville team that made a Divisoin 1 playoff run. He has a 30+ ACT and ran a 4.8 40. Middleville’s Kameryn Kidder looked good both on defense or as a tight end. Not just fast with a 4.8 40-yard dash, but was quick at 6-2, 220. A 5-11, 200 senior who ran a 4.9 40, Jahara Phillips was Ottawa Hills’ leading tackler in the fall. Coaches loved the closing speed from 5-10, 200 Evart senior Robert Young-Burge. Easy to see how he led Evart with 14 tackles a game. Ottawa Hills senior Jeffery Hudgins is 6-0, 185 and ran a 4.7 40. It’s hard to pencil him into a position just yet, but Grandville senior Josh Ham can help someone because at 6-2, 180 he plays bigger and tougher, can rush the passer or catch the ball. Otsego’s 6-1, 190 senior McLane May has some possibilities as he can both blitz and cover. He ran a 4.9 40.

A two-way linebacker-running back to remember is Marty Ward, a 5-10, 210 junior from Niles Brandywine.

Combine some descendants of large nationalities in West Michigan; country strong farm stock; good coaching with winning programs; and an ethos that would rather do it than talk about it, not surprisingly the Lake Area consistently produces college and pro offensive linemen. Fittingly, it was a line prospect, Portage Central’s Cory Carr fresh off a state semifinal appearance with Portage Central, who brought a different level of energy to, and left the coaches impressed at, the Senior Exposure Camp. It’s easy to see how he was a core two-way player for one of the best teams in school history. Sometimes it sounded like they were in pads when Carr hit em. He’s an athletic, tough guard at 6-1, 240. Physical, naturally strong kid, Carr won all his one-on-ones, even against one of the day’s dominant defenders, Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills senior Malik Green.

Carr also had some nice matchups with a fellow quick, physical from an undefeated regular season team, Cadillac senior Trevor Martin. Martin moves well at 6-1, 265, tough and finished plays because he kept his balance and feet going through the initial hit. He was a first-team D lineman in the Big North, meaning he has gotten the job done against some of the top O line prospects in the state. He also played some offense for Cadillac, guard in goal line situations. Carr was the top offensive lineman, Martin the best defensive lineman, at camp. Watching them up close, explains a lot about their teams’ success this fall. Justin Liptak was Martin’s senior teammate from the Cadillac team that pushed Comstock Park to the last play of the D4 regionals. It was Liptak’s first healthy season and made a difference for the Vikings. He’s not explosive, but solid and smoothly athletic with a terrific frame, 6-4, 220. Liptak worked out with the tight ends, good target though fought the ball a couple times. With his good grades, D3s should love this kid because he has the size and attitude, work ethic he showed to get back from the shoulder injury, to potentially fill a lot of roles.

Malik Green was amongst a strong contingent of Ottawa Hills seniors, a group that made up for average physical size with energy and speed. Green only ran a 5.3 40 but was very quick at 5-7, 200 and gave the bigger linemen fits. Size will make coaches pause, but this is a player for right fit. Liked the motor and strength on another Ottawa Hills senior Rajamon Watkins, 5-10, 250 with a 5.0 50.  Owen Schafer, from Pewamo-Westphalia, is another guy built like a linebacker who gave bigger guys fits with his quick feet. Ditto Josiah Buys, a 6-1, 185 Lowell senior, with good technique and quick hands, he was hard to get into.

Byron Center senior Alexander Lake didn’t just have an appropriate last name for this camp, he looked like the top pass rusher. Good lean, violent hands at 6-2, 225 and a 5.0 40. Lake is built like a long, outside linebacker, if he can contain consistently becomes that much more valuable.

We’d seen him excel in AAU basketball and were excited to see what Gull Lake senior Odell Miller can do under the helmet. He’s still raw, but with a rebuilt, trim 6-4, 230 chassis and running a 4.9 40, there’s all kinds of utility value with Miller — down or up; middle, strong or outside LB; or maybe tight end. Didn’t always stay low, but when he did showed good quickness and an effective rip move. Frame to put on a lot of college muscle. And he hasn’t lost the hoop touch, scoring 18 in Gull Lake’s opener.

The talent level is rising in the Lake Michigan Conference. Even East Jordan has legit guys, like 6-0, 245 senior Ben Walton. He moonlighted as a fullback rushing for 700 yards, to the eternal jealousy of some of the other D linemen in his drill group. His future is as a 3 technique, he can beat you with the bull rush or his quickness. Keeps driving to occupy his man.

Muskegon Reeths-Puffer had talent at every level during its playoff season, and their seniors well-represented with offensive linemen Stephen Hanson and Matt Hoover, and Big School All-Lake defensive lineman Buck Tottingham. Hanson has some edge to go with his size at 6-4, 285. Much improved over the past year — more agile, smooth and assured — he was the best pure tackle prospect at camp. Good kick and consistently steered his man off path. Hoover was Reeths-Puffer’s other tackle. You wish he were taller at 5-11, 285, but love the initial push and how regularly he gets his hands in there. He’ll have to play on the interior and while he has the pop as a blocker, may not have the speed to pull. Maybe center? Wayland’s 6-1, 245 senior Colton VanDyke was the top center in camp. He’s another who won’t impress in a 40, but is explosive in short spaces. A bit undersized, but competitive, blue-collar blocker.

From two of the smallest schools, both in the SWAC North, came two of the camp’s biggest, strongest players, 6-4, 300 Saugatuck senior Cameron White and 6-1, 255 senior Adam Harris. Both have added value as long snappers. Harris is physically solid, did as well as any of the offensive lineman at consistently staying in his cylinder in pass protect and won the leverage game. From the other side of the Metropolitan Holland area, West Ottawa senior Cody VanTubergen was one of the pleasant surprises at camp. He was a 6-4, 235 defensive end for the Panthers, with surprising 4.9 speed. Quick off his stance for a big kid. Good frame just not in 100-percent shape but easy to fix.

When we had him at our Big Rapids combine, the local kid Brandon Hutson worked out primarily on defense. Now he’s plying his trade on the offensive line. Even when he was thinking things through, footwork was pretty smooth. A project but will mix it up at 6-1, 240, similar in size and ability to Cory Carr, just not at his level with technique and consistency.

Intriguing because he’s only a junior is Greenville’s 6-4, 255 senior Steve Eipper. He plays like Grand Rapids South Christian’s Todd Postma, big, wide and strong at the point of attack.

College football teams are made in December, as teams fill their recruiting classes leading up to the February 5 National Signing Day. With that date looming, for the second year the Lake Michigan Football Report’s Senior Exposure Camp gives college coaches the chance to observe and meet over 100 prospects in one spot. The event will be held 5 pm Sunday, Dec. 8 at Woodland Sportsplex in Grand Rapids.

Note: Online registration is now closed, but on-site registration will be available for walk-up participants.

No one plays better football than in the Lake Area, so there will be ample talent, local and beyond, competing. Here are 15 seniors that the college coaches are excited to see Sunday in Grand Rapids.

Danny Bauder  5-9  190  Sr  RB/DB  Zeeland West
He’s long been an LMFR cult hero for his ability to rip off 4.4 40s like they’re dollar bills. The entire state got to see what the Bauder Buzz was about during Zeeland West’s trek to the Division 3 state title. For the year he rushed for 1,796 yards and 28 TDs.

Jake Bush  5-11  175  Sr  RB  Comstock Park
He’s part of a strong Comstock Park camp contingent which also includes DBs Sam LaRoche and Jimmy Whalen. As a senior Bush had 1,875 yards and 28 TDs running and catching.

Cory Carr  6-1  240  Sr  DL/OL  Portage Central
Portage Central had a lot going for it, going undefeated until the Division 2 semifinals. Even amidst a talented group, Carr stood out with his motor, enthusiasm and old school football gene.

Stephen Hanson  6-4  285  Sr  OL  Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
Reeths-Puffer had one of the Lake Area’s toughest lines, and both tackles will be in the house Sunday, Hanson and 5-11, 285 Matt Hoover.

Sam Harrison  6-0  180  Sr  WR  Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern
The QBs should get to know Harrison early. He’ll make them look good after a prolific career at Forest Hills Eastern, where he and another camp participant, David Andrusiak, helped the FHE become one of the Lake Area’s most improved teams in the Lake Area in coach Eddie Ostopow’s first season.

Joseph Koscielski  6-4  220  Sr  ATH  Saugatuck
A similarly-sized running back with the physical tools to project all over, and hailing from a Class C Lake Michigan resort town, Harbor Springs’ David Walker is one of the state’s top prospects in 2014. It will be interesting to see how the big fella runs.

Alexander Lake  6-2  225  Sr  LB  Byron Center
Should help himself in this environment, as Lake looks the part out of his pads. Major league pass rush threat from one of the Lake Area’s surprise playoff teams.

Justin Liptak  6-4  220  Sr  TE  Cadillac
The Lake Area’s best Northern Michigan team will have a couple of its main cogs taking the trip down 131, Liptak and lineman Trevor Martin.

Tyler McClanahan  5-11  175  Sr  WR  Grayling
The Lake Area’s most productive pitch-catch combo will be putting it up in Grand Rapids, with McClanahan and Grayling QB Jake Swander. McClanahan led the Lake area with 80 catches for 1,223 yards and 18 TDs.

Michael Miklusicak  5-9  190  Sr  RB  Wayland
There’s a strong running back contingent headed for the camp, and Milusicak takes a backseat to none of them after rushing for 1,821 yards and 14 TDs.

Odell Miller  6-4  230  Sr  LB/TE  Gull Lake
Miller reconstructed his body, and with increased mobility excelled as a stand-up linebacker, leading Gull Lake in tackes.

Jahara Phillips  5-11  200  Sr  LB  Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills
There’s a large camp contingent from Ottawa Hills, which had its first winning season since 2009. Phillips was their leading tackler.

Kyler Shurlow  6-1  190  Sr  QB/DB  Lowell
He’s always done well in combine environments. Oh, not to mention the football field, where as a senior Shurlow threw for 1,944 yards and 28 TDs and ruan for 889 yards and 18 TDs. A lot going for him as a recruit, as an athlete and student.

Ben Walton  6-0  245  Sr  DL/RB  East Jordan
The Lake Michigan Conference was as strong at it has been, for having college-quality talent and not just stockpiled at one or two schools. Walton is indicative of that positive trend, a powerhouse at nose tackle or fullback.

Alex Zimmerman  5-11  165  Sr  WR/DB  West Ottawa
We liked him back at our July combine at Stevensville Lakeshore, and Zimmerman didn’t disappoint once the pads went on, leading WO in receiving against a rugged schedule.

• Division 3: Zeeland West

• Division 5: Grand Rapids West Catholic

• Division 8: Muskegon Catholic Central