OL Phil Paea  6-4  285  Sr  Berrien Springs: He was recruited to Michigan as a defensive tackle. But Paea, the Lake Area’s No. 1 ranked prospect in 2017, is also the best guard in our coverage area. He chose U-M over the likes of MSU, USC and Notre Dame.

OL Jalen Mayfield  6-5  245  Jr  Grand Rapids Catholic Central: He has added 20 pounds since starting as a sophomore at tackle, all while staying fit with AAU basketball. Mayfield already has an offer from Central Michigan.

OL Turner Ruby  6-4  280  Sr  East Kentwood: Overshadowed by fellow tackle Trenton Fincher last season, and there are underclassman getting buzz for the Falcons this year. But Ruby is the steady holdover who is versatile enough to lay up and down the line — he projects as a guard in college, while occasionally lining up at tight end for EK.

OL Mason Shirrell  6-5  220  Sr  Muskegon Orchard View: He may not be as heavy as a lot of upperclassman linemen, but Shirrell wins with technique, athleticism and has the frame to put on significant good weight at the next level.

OL Erik Ditzhazy  6-5  270  Sr  Forest Hills Northern: He moved from center to tackle as a junior and the rest, as they say, is history, as he showed the athletic potential to be offered and accept a scholarship from Central Michigan.

TE  Keegan Cossou  6-5  225  Sr  Greenville: A Central Michigan commitment, last season Cossou made 40 catches for 582 yards and five TDs.

QB Jason Whittaker  6-5  200  Jr  Rockford: Already a high percentage passer as an underclassman, look for Whittaker’s numbers to be up from the 784 yards and 11 TDs in just eight games he threw for in 2015. He has all the physical tools as a pro-style QB and is the Lake Area’s top prospect at the position since Kirk Cousins was at Holland Christian.

RB Nick Isley  6-2  200  Sr  Rockford: He was Rockford’s leading rusher as a junior and should have more opportunities now that all-time Rams great Tyler Bradfield has graduated. Isley has sub-4.5 speed at 200 pounds.

RB LaTommy Scott  5-7  160  Sr  Muskegon Catholic Central: One of the Crusaders’ talented trio of backs with fellow seniors Walker Christoffersen and Logan Helton who are trying to lead them to a fourth-straight Division 8 state title.  Scott ran for 1,235 yards and 23 TDs in 2015.

WR Drew Couturier  5-10  145  Sr  Allendale: The most prolific returning receiver in the Lake Area. As a junior Couturier made 73 receptions for 1,362 and 15 TDs. He also had five interceptions.

ATH Kalil Pimpleton  5-7  150  Sr  Muskegon: A standout quarterback last season, Pimpleton, a Virginia Tech commitment, is expected to contribute as a playmaker from various spots as a senior. He both ran and threw for over 1,000 yards in 2015.