“Boyne Tough” Jacob Ager has emerged as one of the Lake Area’s top 2018 linebacker prospects.

Class of 2017

Phil Paea  6-4  300  Sr  OL/DL  Berrien Springs: It’s never been an easy thing for a Lake Area prospect to get a U-M offer as the program historically favored Detroit and Ohio. For every  glaring exception like Drake Harris, there are those like Desmond Morgan, Ben Braden, David Harris, Rob Renes or Terrance Taylor that have gotten a chance and delivered. Paea is a physically dominant small school prospect who remains somewhat raw but should contribute to the Harbaugh Experience as an upperclassman. Against Berrien Springs schedule, he’s so athletic he looks like an overinflated fullback on offense, and linebacker on defense. A terrific run blocking guard who delivers with power on multiple hits per play.

Chase Tarwacki  6-0  180  Sr  DB  Edwardsburg: He’s missed some time with a groin injury with the undefeated Eddies. They’ll need him for their D3 playoff opener against Hamilton and dangerous sophomore running back Trenton Lane. Tarwacki is good in flow, where he’s able to hit smaller runners, wrap up the bigger ones. Looks more quick than fast, though can pile up yards on kick and interception returns.

Class of 2018

Jacob Ager  6-1  220  Jr  LB  Boyne City: He was all-league on the offensive line as a sophomore, and showed his athleticism and versatility this year starting at mike linebacker and h-back. While not a savant back there like his predecessor 2x All-Lake LB Luke Sage, Ager makes smart reads himself and is a good open field tackler. As you’d expect given his offensive line background, he delivers some nasty hits coming around the ends opening things up downfield for Ramblers runners. Should be a popular GLIAC recruit.

Class of 2019

Logan Miller  6-5  270  So  OL  Allendale: One of two key underclassmen starting for Allendale’s prolific offense, Miller at left guard and freshman Owen Burk at running back. Miller surprises with his quickness and moves well trapping. He had the finishing Block for Burk’s first TD in Allendale’s win over West Catholic to win a share of the O-K Blue title. The Falcons will have both their tackles back next year for their senior season, but could see Miller ending up there eventually. Needs to work on pad level, strength at point of attack.

Bryce Neff  6-2  235  So  OL/DL  Gaylord: There were underclassmen starting at both left tackles in Traverse City West’s win over Gaylord, West’s Andy Schollett and Neff for the Blue Devils. Neff also started at defensive tackle, and was Gaylord’s starting right tackle as just a freshman. On offense, Neff showed his versatility as he was able to get a hand on smaller speed rushers, and in one series when matched up against the Lake Area’s No. 3 2018 lineman got low and moved Ryan Hayes for a nice run gain. He showed decent wheels when pursuing the ball in West’s backfield. Good all-around player who is kind of a tweener now but has time to grow.