Dowagiac senior Caleb Murphy does it on both sides of the ball for the Chieftans.

Class of 2018

Jacob Ager  6-1  230  Sr  LB  Boyne City: Old school, run stuffing, sideline-to-sideline mike linebacker. Fundamental tackler who delivers a wallop and can tell he’s well-coached because he plays hard and with an edge but is still a clean hitter. Plays with the toughness of the former offensive lineman that he was, with the legs of a tight end and fullback where Ager can also contribute. Had 100 tackles as a junior and has now led Boyne City to a 4-0 start. Similar to but better than another recent small-school Up North linebacker St. Francis’ Byron Bullough.

Jamar Bennett  6-0  225  Sr  RB  Godwin Heights: Doesn’t have the breakaway TD runs that tend to get backs noticed on the local news highlights, but is a solid all-around complement to star QB Susu Davenport in the Wolverines’ backfield. Patient between-the-tackles runner who can make the first guy miss and runs falling forward. Can catch the ball and has the size to be an impact blocker. Versatile rotation back at the next level. Some may like him as a linebacker as well.

Seth Hoonhorst  6-2  280  Sr  DL  Hudsonville: Hard worker who has added weight and strength and turned himself into a recruitable player thanks to his versatility on the D line. Moves from tackle to ends and in four- or three-man fronts. Probably more at home from the interior as he’s quick in short spaces and doesn’t mind locking horns and brawling. His rate of improvement and competence at a scarce position just increase the value and intrigue.

Max Lundeen  6-4  225  Sr  DL  East Grand Rapids: Has produced against quality competition, including wins against Farmington Hills Harrison, Forest Hills Northern and Lowell for 4-0 EGR. Lines up off two feet and is quick beating tackles inside or outside. Aggressive with a motor, throws his body around in pursuit. Plays upright, which doesn’t say linebacker at the next level. Doesn’t need to add that much more weight to play his natural position with his hand down and be a pass rush threat at the D2 level.

Caleb Murphy  6-4  210  ATH  Dowagiac: Just overmatches teams physically at times, running a 4.5 with that frame. Does so much for Dowagiac, rushing the passer, dropping back in coverage, vertical and reach for tough receptions, yac, wildcat, end arounds or against a tough running team like Edwardsburg just going old school smashmouth in the middle. Kind of small-town athlete who ends up starting in the MAC or all-league in the GLIAC.

Class of 2019

Tate Hallock  6-3  175  Jr  WR/DB  Forest Hills Central: He and another Rangers lacrosse player Bryce Clay provide two serious playmakers for a 4-0 FHC team scoring over 40 a game — at a level where Hallock looks like he could be a top 10 Lake Area recruit in the 2019 class. Creative route runner who uses his size to extend over defenders and has some separation speed. Shows physicality and toughness as a blocker and tackler. Similar to Jacorey Sullivan, the two-way Muskegon standout now at CMU.