Category Archives: Rankings

Signing Day Countdown: Top 100 Prospects

1. Corey Willis  5-10  170  ATH  Holland  Central Michigan
2. Jake Daugherty  6-3  275  OL/DL  Big Rapids  Ferris State 
3. Jake Bull  6-7  240  TE/OL  Hudsonville  Hillsdale
4. Brandon Moore 6-4 190 WR Montague Ferris State
5. Riley Norman  6-7  305  OL  Cadillac  MSU (track and field)
6. Jack Ford 6-6 270 OL Cadillac Central Michigan
7. Tyler White 6-6 230 DL Plainwell Illinois
8. Daniel Green 6-0 290 DL Grand Rapids West Catholic Iowa Western
9. Nate Jeppesen 6-4 270 OL Portage Central Toledo
10. Heath Hoogerhyde  6-2  215  ATH  Caledonia  Grand Valley State
11. Brandan Campbell  5-11  215  RB  Otsego
12. Jahaan Brown  6-0  180  RB  East Grand Rapids  Ferris State 
13. Gary Jones 6-2  200  ATH Allegan Central Michigan
14. Ryan Verhelst 6-1 185 DB/WR West Ottawa Saginaw Valley State
15. Antwan Billings 6-3 270 OL Muskegon Saginaw Valley State
16. Bobby Drew 6-3 265 DL Saugatuck Wayne State
17. KC Zenner 6-0 190 DB Rockford Ferris State
18. Houston Glass  6-1  190  DB  East Kentwood  Buffalo
19. Tyler Gildersleeve 6-7 280 OL Traverse City Central Michigan Tech
20. Ryheem Stokes  5-10  175  ATH  Grand Rapids Catholic Central  Ferris State
21. Zach Crouch 6-5 240 TE Grand Rapids Christian Central Michigan
22. Trevor Sweeney 5-9 170 RB Mattawan Western Michigan
23. Blake Mazur 6-2 255 DL Comstock Park Wayne State
24. Alex Korhorn 6-2 275 OL/DL Grand Rapids Christian Saginaw Valley State
25. Nic Lamica 6-4 210 LB Forest Hills Central Robert Morris
26. Matthew Hall 6-1 210 LB Grand Rapids Christian Hillsdale
27. Derrick Diver  6-3  215  LB  Traverse City West  Michigan Tech
28. Pierce Watson 6-0 190 LB Lowell
29. Ato Condole 6-1 180 WR/DB West Ottawa Ferris State
30. Joel Schipper 5-11 180 K Grand Rapids Christian  Grand Valley State
31. Collin Schlosser 6-0 215 LB Forest Hills Central Grand Valley State
32. Greg Krusniak 6-7 235 TE Greenville Ferris State
33. Jack Jennings 6-2 215 LB Paw Paw Saginaw Valley State
34. Jake Brown 6-0 200 QB Comstock Park Michigan Tech
35. Matt Modreske  6-7  300  OL  Hopkins  Northwood
36. Tristan Eickenroth 6-1 210 ATH Kingsley Ferris State
37. Dylan Smith 6-2 180 WR Kenowa Hills Northwood
38. Marcus Smith 5-10 175 ATH Muskegon Northern Michigan
39. Brett Scanlon  6-0  190  K  Dowagiac
40. Seth VanEngen 6-5 215 UTL Grand Rapids South Christian
41. Trevor VanTubbergen 6-3 180 QB West Ottawa Wayne State
42. Hunter Folkerstsma 6-6 230 TE Forest Hills Central Bowling Green
43. Trent Karcher  6-1  185  Sr  WR  Chippewa Hills
44. Seth McIntosh 5-9 195 RB Grand Rapids Christian  Siena Heights
45. TJ Schepperly  5-9  175  ATH  Traverse Central  Northwood
46. Keane Belcher 6-3 220 DL Grand Rapids Catholic Central Grand Valley State
47. Andon Ware 6-1 175 ATH Baldwin Notre Dame (Ohio)
48. Spencer Nehls 6-1 185 ATH Forest Hills Central Hillsdale
49. John King 5-11 205 RB Muskegon
50. Joe Craven 5-11 210 LB Grand Rapids Catholic Central Saginaw Valley State
51. Quincy Crosby 6-3 290 OL Muskegon
52. David Mann 6-6 255 OL Kalamazoo Loy-Norrix Ferris State
53. Michael Custer 6-2 175 QB Zeeland East
54. Ronald Jenkins 6-1 255 DL Muskegon
55. Mike O’Brien 6-3 215 TE/DL Maple City Glen Lake
56. Nick Keizer  6-5  220  TE  Portage Northern  Grand Valley State
57. Chandar Ricks 6-4 290 OL Muskegon Northwood
58. Andrew Trautman 6-2 215 LB Elk Rapids Dayton
59. Chris Bradford 5-8 165 DB Mona Shores Ferris State
60. Adam Walma 6-4 220 DL/TE Caledonia
61. Ethan Buresh 6-2 215 LB Hamilton
62. Quinton Pulley 6-1 225 Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills Northwood
63. Alex Vandevusse  6-1  185  Sr  Grand Rapids Christian  Ferris State
64. Zach Decker 6-5 210 TE Schoolcraft
65. Reed Stormzand 6-2 215 ATH Lowell Siena Heights
66. Josh Dentler  6-6  265  OLPortage Northern Grand Valley State
67. Trevor Lutke 6-3 260 OL/DL McBain Northwood
68. Casey Mesbergen 6-2 215 DL Zeeland West
69. Kyle Short 6-2 185 QB Rockford Grand Valley State
70. Chad Walton  6-2  170  WR  Grand Rapids Northview  Michigan Tech
71. Landon Kresnak 6-3 235 DL Mona Shores Saginaw Valley State
72. Colin McCaw 6-1 180 WR/DB Vicksburg Western Michigan
73. Geovante Weston 5-11 185 RB Kalamazoo Hackett
74. Luke VanEssen 6-4 210 TE Kenowa Hills Northwood
75. Deven Scott-Stith 6-3 190 WR Grand Rapids Catholic Central Saginaw Valley State
76. DeJuan James 5-7 170 DB/RB Portage Central
77. Cal Beck  6-4  295  OL  Paw Paw
78. Nathan Pupel 6-0 205 LB Traverse City Central Siena Heights
79. John Donazzolo  6-2  245  OL  Sparta  Michigan Tech
80. Harold Wiggins 6-3 190 Stevensville Lakeshore
81. Lincoln Mulder 6-2 215 UTL Holland Christian Ferris State
82. Brian Holmes  5-10  185  K  West Ottawa  Yale 
83. Adam Klage 6-2 295 OL Mattawan
84. Amilio Flores  6-4  265  DL  Fruitport  Northwood
85. Jake Cowsert 6-0 175 QB Watervliet
86. Braden Werley 5-11 190 RB/DB Zeeland West
87. Marquese Livers 6-3 220 TE Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
88. Derek Woltjer 5-11 165 ATH Grand Rapids South Christian
89. David Kuzma 6-2 175 WR Grand Rapids West Catholic
90. Patrick Banks 5-10 320 DL Zeeland East  Central Lakes (Minn.)
91. Sherman Hodges 6-1 160 WR/DB Muskegon Northern Michigan
92. Colt Harrington 6-2  250 DL Greenville  Northwood
93. Wyatt Derrer 5-9 180 RB Mancelona Siena Heights
94. Nate Williams  6-3  245  DL  East Kentwood  Northwood
95. Brandon DeWitt 6-6 305 OL Three Rivers
96. Nicholas Zoerhof 6-3 320 DL Hudsonville Unity Christian
97. Billy Schaeffer 6-3 235 OL Grand Rapids West Catholic  Elmhurst
98. Nick Kronemeyer  6-1  185  QB  Hamilton
99. Zach Hill  6-1  185  RB/DB  Kalkaska
100. Dalton Sultz 6-2 240 OL Mancelona Albion

Prospect Rankings: Upperclassmen defensive backs

Class of 2013

  1. Ryheem Stokes  5-10  170  Sr  Grand Rapids Catholic Central
  2. Corey Willis  5-10  170  Sr  Holland  Central Michigan
  3. Ryan Verhelst  6-1  175  Sr  West Ottawa
  4. Houston Glass  6-1  185  Sr  East Kentwood  Buffalo
  5. Heath Hoogerhyde  6-1  215  Sr  Caledonia
  6. KC Zenner  6-0  190  Sr  Rockford
  7. Dontel Highsmith  6-2  195  Sr  Dowagiac  Northern Illinois-basketball
  8. Jake Gaunder  5-9  190  Sr  Stevensville Lakeshore
  9. Gary Jones  6-2  190  Sr  Allegan
  10. Davaris Collier  5-10  175  Sr  Grand Rapids Christian
  11. Corey Pierce  5-9  170  Sr  Muskegon Orchard View
  12. Mac Elliott  5-11  175  Sr  Buchanan
  13. Chad Sterk  5-10  160  Sr  Grand Rapids South Christian
  14. Andon Ware  5-11  170  Sr  Baldwin
  15. DeJuan James  5-7  170  Sr  Portage Central
  16. Collin McCaw  6-1  180  Sr  Vicksburg
  17. Trevor Sweeney  5-9  170  Sr  Mattawan
  18. Braden Werley  5-11  195  Sr  Zeeland West
  19. Josh Blauwkamp  5-10  175  Sr  Zeeland East
  20. Jon Pung  5-10  175  Sr  Zeeland West
  21. Jason Miller  6-1  170  Sr  Grand Rapids South Christian
  22. Justin Krueger  5-9  165  Sr  Caledonia
  23. TJ Schepperly  5-8  175  Sr  Traverse City Central
  24. Mitch Bancroft  5-11  160  Sr  Stevensville Lakeshore
  25. Zach Hill  5-11  180  Sr  Kalkaska

Class of 2014

  1. Doug Freeman  6-0  210  Jr  Buchanan
  2. Jalen Brooks  6-3  185  Jr  Cadillac
  3. Deshaun Thrower  5-11  180  Jr  Muskegon
  4. Asantay Brown  6-1  175  Jr  Mona Shores
  5. Dwayne Barfield  6-2  170  Jr  Grand Rapids Christian

Prospect Rankings: Upperclassman Receivers

Class of 2013

  1. Brandon Moore  6-3  195  Sr  Montague
  2. Trent Karcher  6-1  185  Sr  Chippewa Hills
  3. Corey Willis  5-10  170  Sr  Holland  Central Michigan
  4. Ryan Verhelst  6-1  175  Sr  West Ottawa
  5. Dylan Smith  6-2  180  Sr  Kenowa Hills
  6. Gary Jones  6-2  190  Sr  Allegan
  7. Dontel Highsmith  6-2  195  Sr  Dowagiac  Northern Illinois-basketball
  8. Ato Condole  6-1  180  Sr  West Ottawa
  9. Chad Walton  6-3  180  Sr  Grand Rapids Northview
  10. Harold Wiggins  6-3  190  Sr  Stevensville Lakeshore
  11. Bishop Robinson  6-2  170  Sr  Kalamazoo Loy-Norrix
  12. David Kuzma  6-3  175  Sr  Grand Rapids West Catholic
  13. Marcus Smith  5-10  175  Sr  Muskegon
  14. Andon Ware  5-11  170  Sr  Baldwin
  15. Collin McCaw  6-1  180  Sr  Vicksburg
  16. Spencer Nehls  6-1  185  Sr  Forest Hills Central
  17. Sherman Hodges  6-0  170  Sr  Muskegon
  18. Donny Cizek  6-0  185  Sr  Traverse City West
  19. Austin Diekevers  5-10  170  Sr  Grand Rapids South Christian
  20. John Mrosewski  6-1  185  Sr  Three Rivers
  21. Jon Pung  5-10  175  Sr  Zeeland West
  22. Jason Miller  6-1  170  Sr  Grand Rapids South Christian
  23. Jerome Hunter  6-3  180  Sr  Ogemaw Heights
  24. Andrew Woodfin  5-11  170  Sr  Grandville Calvin Christian
  25. Sam Powell  6-3  190  Sr  North Muskegon

Class of 2014

  1. Drake Harris  6-4  180  Jr  Grand Rapids Christian  Michigan State
  2. Kyle Steigenga  6-4  180  Jr  Holland Christian
  3. Dwayne Barfield  6-2  170  Jr  Grand Rapids Christian
  4. Asantay Brown  6-1  175  Jr  Mona Shores
  5. Zach Hill  5-11  170  Jr  Zeeland East

Prospect Rankings: QBs 2013-14-15

Class of 2013

  1. Michael Custer  6-2  175  Sr  Zeeland East
  2. Trevor Van Tubbergen  6-3  180  Sr  West Ottawa
  3. Alex VanDeVusse  6-1  185  Sr  Grand Rapids Christian
  4. Sam Shutes  6-4  210  Sr  Three Rivers
  5. Jake Brown  6-0  205  Sr  Comstock Park
  6. Jake Cowsert  6-1  175  Sr  Watervliet
  7. Justin Chopp  6-1  180  Sr  Forest Hills Central
  8. Ross Schreuer  6-0  190  Sr  Holland Christian
  9. Jon Marosi  6-5  190  Sr  Grand Rapids Catholic Central
  10. Brady Badder  6-2  185  Sr  Belding

Class of 2014

  1. Jalen Brooks  6-3  195  Jr  Cadillac
  2. Drew Marion  6-2  190  Jr  Lake City
  3. Nick Swore  6-2  185  Jr  Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian
  4. Jake Swander  5-11  175  Jr  Grayling
  5. Haiden Majewski  5-11  165  Jr  Allendale

Class of 2015

  1. Jon Wassink  6-2  175  So  Grand Rapids South Christian
  2. Tyree Jackson  6-1  170  So  Mona Shores
  3. Travis Russell  6-1  160  So  Grand Rapids West Catholic
  4. Corey Redman  6-4  170  So  Boyne City  CMU-basketball
  5. Brandon Childress  6-2  165  So  Baldwin

Division 3, Region 2, District 1: College Recruit Central

Home to the two best teams in Division 3, 8-1 Grand Rapids Christian and 9-0 Zeeland East, 2011 Division 4 champion Zeeland West and an 8-1 Fruitport squad, when it comes to sheer talent, no district in the Lake Michigan area compares to D3/R2/D1. There are at least five BCS level prospects among the first five upperclassmen, and here are the  top 25 overall college recruits from Friday’s opening round games of Fruitport at GR Christian and Zeeland West at Zeeland East.

  1. Drake Harris  6-4  180  Jr  WR  Grand Rapids Christian  MSU
  2. Spencer Viening  6-0  215  Jr  ATH  Zeeland East
  3. Jordan VanDort  6-6  290  Jr  ATH  Zeeland West
  4. Tommy Doles  6-4  240  Jr  OL  Grand Rapids Christian
  5. Chris Hendricks  6-5  270  Jr  OL  Fruitport
  6. Marcus Lambert  5-11  185  Jr  RB  Zeeland West
  7. Zach Crouch  6-5  255  Sr  TE  Grand Rapids Christian  CMU
  8. Michael Custer  6-2  175  Sr  QB  Zeeland East
  9. Amilio Flores  6-4  255  Sr  DL  Fruitport
  10. Dwayne Barfield  6-1  175  Jr  DB  Grand Rapids Christian
  11. Alex VanDeVusse  6-2  185  Sr  QB  Grand Rapids Christian
  12. Matthew Hall  6-1  200  Sr  LB  Grand Rapids Christian
  13. Alex Korhorn  6-2  275  Sr  DL/OL  Grand Rapids Christian
  14. Braden Werley  5-11  195  Sr  RB  Zeeland West
  15. Josh Blauwkamp  5-10  175  Sr  ATH  Zeeland East
  16. Zach Hill  5-11  170  Jr  WR  Zeeland East
  17. Patrick Banks  5-10  320  DL  Zeeland East
  18. Tyler Smith  6-4  210  Sr  DL  Zeeland East
  19. Joel Schipper  5-11  180  Sr  K  Grand Rapids Christian
  20. Tyler Fehler  6-0  165  Sr  ATH  Fruitport
  21. Jordon Lambert  5-11  185  Jr  ATH  Zeeland West
  22. Jon Pung  5-10  175  Sr  DB  Zeeland West
  23. Davaris Collier  5-10  175  Sr  WR  Grand Rapids Christian
  24. Dakota Gordon  5-8  150  Sr  RB  Fruitport
  25. Sam Kuiper  5-9  155  Jr  RB  Grand Rapids Christian

Prospect Rankings: Upperclassman Defensive Linemen

Class of 2013

  1. Tyler White  6-6  225  Sr  Plainwell  Illinois
  2. Jake Bull  6-7  230  Sr  Hudsonville
  3. Daniel Green  6-0  290  Sr  Grand Rapids West Catholic
  4. Blake Mazur  6-3  250  Sr  Comstock Park
  5. Adam Walma  6-4  220  Sr  Caledonia
  6. Jake Daugherty  6-3  275  Sr  Big Rapids
  7. Amilio Flores  6-4  255  Sr  Fruitport
  8. Keane Belcher  6-3  225  Sr  Grand Rapids Catholic Central
  9. Patrick Banks  5-10  320  Sr  Zeeland East
  10. Ronald Jenkins  6-4  255  Sr  Muskegon
  11. Alex Korhorn  6-2  275  Sr  Grand Rapids Christian
  12. Colt Harrington  6-1  230  Sr  Greenville
  13. Tyler Smith  6-4  210  Sr  Zeeland East
  14. Nate Williams  6-3  260  Sr  East Kentwood
  15. Bobby Drew  6-4  285  Sr  Saugatuck (enrolled, not playing)
  16. Cari Campbell  6-2  220  Sr  Muskegon Catholic Central
  17. Dillon Ankey  6-2  235  Sr  Shelby
  18. Mike O’Brien  6-3  210  Sr  Maple City Glen Lake
  19. Matt Kolean  6-3  220  Sr  Hamilton
  20. Cole Felice  6-1  305  Sr  Ogemaw Heights
  21. Shomari Tate  6-2  200  Sr  Grand Rapids Catholic Central
  22. Jacob Shepherd  5-11  245  Sr  Muskegon Oakridge
  23. Joe McKenna  5-11  230  Sr  Ravenna
  24. Anthony Perrier  6-4  215  Sr  Grand Haven
  25. Chance Murphy  6-2  280  Sr  Traverse City West

Class of 2014

  1. Kenneth Finley  6-4  265  Jr  Muskegon
  2. Jordan VanDort  6-6  290  Jr  Zeeland West
  3. Zach Evans  6-3  235  Jr  Kenowa Hills
  4. Jake Khoury  6-3  265  Jr  Traverse City St. Francis
  5. Mitchell Stanitzek  6-3  215  Jr  Grand Rapids West Catholic

Final Lake Michigan Team Rankings

Division 1
1. Rockford  7-2
2. West Ottawa  7-2
3. Traverse City West  6-3
4. East Kentwood  4-5
5. Grandville  4-5
6. Hudsonville  2-7
7. Grand Haven  3-6
8. Kalamazoo Central  1-8

Division 2
1. Muskegon  8-1
2. Lowell  7-2
3. Mattawan  8-1
4. Traverse City Central  8-1
5. Caledonia  6-3
6. Portage Northern  7-2
7. Forest Hills Central  5-4
8. Grand Rapids Northview  7-2
9. Kenowa Hills  5-4
10. Portage Central  6-3

Division 3
1. Grand Rapids Christian  8-1
2. Zeeland East  9-0
3. Stevensville-Lakeshore  9-0
4. Zeeland West  6-3
5. Fruitport  8-1
6. Cadillac  6-3
7. Plainwell  6-3
8. East Grand Rapids  4-5
9. Hastings  6-3
10. Holland Christian  5-4

Division 4
1. Grand Rapids Catholic Central  9-0
2. Paw Paw  9-0
3. Comstock Park  8-1
4. Allendale  8-1
5. Dowagiac  9-0
6. Ogemaw Heights  6-3
7. Grand Rapids South Christian  6-3
8. Otsego  6-3
9. Chippewa Hills  6-3
10. Three Rivers  6-3

Division 5
1. Muskegon Oakridge  9-0
2. Hopkins  9-0
3. Grand Rapids West Catholic  6-3
4. Grayling  9-0
5. Reed City  9-0
6. Newaygo  7-2
7. Buchanan  7-2
8. Kingsley  6-3
9. Grant  6-3
10. Manistee  6-3

Division 6
1. Schoolcraft  9-0
2. Montague  8-1
3. Shelby  7-2
4. Constantine  7-2
5. Watervliet  8-1
6. Maple City Glen Lake  8-1
7. Boyne City  8-1
8. Niles Brandywine  7-2
9. Grandville Calvin Christian  7-2
10. Kalkaska  7-2

Division 7
1. Mancelona  9-0
2. Lake City  8-1
3. Lawton  8-1
4. Decatur  7-2
5. Hartford  7-2
6. Gobles  7-2
7. Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian  6-3
8. Bridgman  6-3
9. Traverse City St. Francis  4-5
10. Ravenna  4-5

Division 8
1. Beal City  9-0
2. Muskegon Catholic Central  6-3
3. Johannesburg-Lewiston  7-2
4. Lake Michigan Catholic  8-1
5. Baldwin  6-2
6. Central Lake  6-3
7. Marcellus  5-4
8. Manistee Catholic Central  5-4
9. Onaway  5-4
10. Kalamazoo Christian  3-6

Prospect rankings: Upperclassmen offensive linemen

Class of 2013

  1. Riley Norman  6-7  315  Sr  Cadillac  Michigan State-track & field
  2. Jack Ford  6-6  270  Sr  Cadillac  Central Michigan
  3. Nate Jeppesen  6-4  260  Sr  Portage Central  Toledo
  4. Antwan Billings  6-3  275  Sr  Muskegon
  5. Tyler Gildersleeve  6-7  270  Sr  Traverse City Central
  6. Quincy Crosby  6-3  280  Sr  Muskegon
  7. Matt Modreske  6-7  300  Sr  Hopkins
  8. David Mann  6-7  230  Sr  Kalamazoo Loy-Norrix
  9. Cal Beck  6-4  295  Sr  Paw Paw
  10. Chandar Ricks  6-4  290  Sr  Muskegon
  11. Alex Korhorn  6-2  275  Sr  Grand Rapids Christian
  12. Daniel Brown  6-4  288  Sr  Otsego
  13. Dalton Sulz  6-2  255  Sr  Mancelona
  14. Dan Dyer  6-2  240  Sr  Lowell
  15. Noah Tozer  6-0  265  Sr  Muskegon
  16. Andy Ruperts  6-0  230  Sr  Rockford
  17. Zach Murphy  6-4  240 Sr  Muskegon Oakridge
  18. Brandon Gue  6-2  265  Sr  Mona Shores
  19. Adam Klage  6-2  295  Sr  Mattawan
  20. Matt Mulcahy  6-0  210  Sr  Grand Haven
  21. Cody Oracz  6-3  230  Sr  Caledonia
  22. Kyle McGrew  6-2  275  Sr  Shelby
  23. Dustin Cole  6-3  300  Sr  Hudsonville
  24. Cooper Gast  6-1  298  Sr  Bridgman
  25. Matt Omerza  6-2  290  Sr  Maple City Glen Lake

Class of 2014

  1. Jordan VanDort  6-6  290  Jr  Zeeland West
  2. Malik King  6-4  275  Jr  Muskegon
  3. Tommy Doles 6-5  240  Jr  Grand Rapids Christian
  4. Alec Stevens  6-4  265  Jr  Ogemaw Heights
  5. Connor Hayes  6-3  290  Jr  Traverse City West

Prospect Rankings: Upperclassman running backs

Class of 2013

  1. Trevor Sweeney  5-9  170  Sr  Mattawan
  2. Tristan Eickenroth  6-1  200  Sr  Kingsley
  3. Jahaan Brown  5-10  190  Sr  East Grand Rapids
  4. Geovante Weston  5-11  190  Sr  Kalamazoo Hackett
  5. Andon Ware  5-11  170  Sr  Baldwin
  6. Payton White  6-2  230  Sr  Constantine
  7. Brandan Campbell  6-0  220  Sr  Otsego
  8. John King  5-10  190  Sr  Muskegon
  9. Braden Werley  5-11  195  Sr  Zeeland West
  10. Josh Blauwkamp  5-10  175  Sr  Zeeland East
  11. Adam Vosburg  6-2  185  Sr  Gobles
  12. Wyatt Derrer  5-10  180  Sr  Mancelona
  13. DeJuan James  5-7  170  Sr  Portage Central
  14. Corry Brown  5-11  175  Sr  Three Rivers
  15. Gareth MacMillan  5-11  190  Sr  Hartford
  16. Jesse Ring  Bangor  5-9  160  Sr  Bangor
  17. Jon Pung  5-10  175  Sr  Zeeland West
  18. TJ Schepperly  5-8  175  Sr  Traverse City Central
  19. Brandon Benac  5-7  180  Sr  West Branch Ogemaw Heights
  20. Zach Hill  5-11  180  Sr  Kalkaska

Class of 2014

  1. Spencer Viening  6-0  215  Jr  Zeeland East
  2. Marcus Lambert  5-11  185  Jr  Zeeland West
  3. Ryan Britton  5-10  165  Jr  Plainwell
  4. Benny Clark  5-5  145  Jr  Schoolcraft
  5. Zach Stephan  5-10  185  Jr  McBain

Prospect rankings: 2014 update

The following rankings are based on college potential. The designation “ATH” refers to a prospect who projects to at least three possible positions at the next level.

1. Drake Harris  6-4  180  Jr  WR  Grand Rapids Christian  Michigan State
The Drake is the state’s top receiver prospect since Charles Rogers was getting forked at Saginaw, and the showpiece on what at least for the near future is the state’s most recruit-able program, you can keep that Cass Tech talk. Highly ranked receivers don’t always put up the numbers commiserate to their talents, given the circumstances of high school ball, but that’s not the case with Harris. He has caught at least one TD in every game this season, and gone for over 100 yards in all but the opening win against South Christian. He caught 10 balls for 211 yards and four TDs against East Grand Rapids. Even without the game numbers Harris would be recruited by everyone, because he has the body of the top 100 basketball recruit he is, with legit 4.4. speed. And since he can actually catch the ball, MSU probably wishes they had him right now.

2. Kenneth Finley  6-4  265  Jr  DL  Muskegon
Top prospect from a line that has laid the hammer down on the running games of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Rockford and Lowell. We’ve been talking up Finley all season, including yes a Clay Matthews comparison, and apparently aren’t the only ones who have noticed his dominant play. He’s being recruited by Michigan, Michigan State, Florida, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois,Wisconsin, Indiana, Florida State, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Washington, Arizona, Miami, Arizona State, Ohio State, Cincinnati, TCU, Pitt and Rutgers.

3. Spencer Viening  6-0  215  Jr  ATH  Zeeland East
Already a third-year starter for undefeated Zeeland East. The power option in East’s running game, with patience and vision to find the holes and the strong legs and trunk to traverse the garbage and break tackles. During the Chix’ 5-0 start, Viening ran for 669 yards and nine TDs on 109 carries. If not as a running back, Viening could project as a linebacker or safety in college as he’s good in pursuit and can plug holes.

4. Jordan VanDort  6-6  290  Jr  ATH  Zeeland West
U-M, MSU and Wisconsin have shown the most interest in VanDort, who intrigues as a piece of clay that at the next level can be molded in so many ways. A 6-6, 290-pound slab of clay. VanDort is best known as the big kid who made a 64-yard reception in the state finals against Marine City, showing the agility to keep his feet along the sideline, and the wheels to tag on much of the yardage after the catch. His duties have been widespread for the Dux as a junior. VanDort starts at tight end and plays both defensive end and tackle. As a defensive lineman, he looks like the next Tyler Hoover. More upside could be at offensive tackle — a gamble since VanDort hasn’t played the position in live games and never pass blocks in the wing-T. But given his body, fluidity and intelligence, college coaches are going to take that bet.

5. Jalen Brooks  6-3  185  Jr  ATH  Cadillac
The most dangerous skill position player in Northern Michigan. Brooks burst onto the state’s football consciousness with an exclamation point game in week 3 when from quarterback he ran for nearly 300 yards and six TDs in less than three quarters against Petoskey. Good size to speed ratio, running a 4.5 40. He’s already a playmaker as a QB, and continues to grow as a leader and passer. GLIAC schools would love to get him under center, while bigger schools like him as a receiver or defensive back.

6. Malik King  6-4  275  Jr  OL  Muskegon
Muskegon’s offensive line may be the state’s best. King is the only junior starting up front for the Big Reds, part of a unit that’s massive but can move. As more schools scout Muskegon junior defensive linemen Kenneth Finley, look for some to fall in love with King along the way. The word on the street is if he got an MSU offer, it would be all over.

7. Tommy Doles  6-5  240  Jr  OL  Grand Rapids Christian
He goes both ways for loaded GR Christian, projecting to the offensive line in college with offers from Michigan and Iowa State, and plans to be in East Lansing Saturday for the MSU-Ohio State game. Doles is athletic with both quick feet and hands, and balance; excels with technique rather than brute strength. Still, he has a big butt, the frame to add good weight and when he gets his heels can stone bigger linemen.

8. Kyle Steigenga  6-4  185  Jr  WR  Holland Christian
Like Drake Harris, a Christian school kid who first made his name on the hardwood but has blown up in the fall on the grid. Steigenga has scored 11 TDS (and thrown for another) and in each of the Maroons’ last five games and had at least 100 yards receiving. Has a great feel for where the ball is and is able to make plays in the air. Catches a high percentage of his targets and produces despite defenses shading him heavily. Steigenga is both a downfield threat or a guy who can take a short pass play and make things happen. He’s a loping long strider who will be that much more dangerous as his routes sharpen and he sprints like he means it on every play. Could block more, too.

9. Alec Stevens  6-4  265  Jr  OL  West Branch Ogemaw Heights
Stevens isn’t as well-known as some junior linemen statewide, because he was injured and didn’t make the summer camp circuit. He has the physical profile though — big, thick and square, but not fat. Doesn’t get moved off the line. Starting to play with a mean streak which will make him that much more dangerous.

10. Byron Bullough  6-2  195  Jr  LB  Traverse City St. Francis  Michigan State
He’ll be the third Bullough brother, from the third generation of Bulloughs to play for MSU. So it’s not surprising he plays like he was born to be out there. Don’t be fooled though it’s more than the name, he can play. He has great football instincts and is a hard hitter. Also plays running back for the Glads. Bullough has good lateral quickness which will serve him well at the next level, where he should fit in nicely with the Spartans defense as outside linebacker.

11. Nick Padla  6-6  265  Jr  OL  Berrien Springs
Berrien Springs’ move to the Wolverine hasn’t been easy on the field, but Padla has held his own against some bigger schools. Padla has quick feet for his size and is a terrific pulling guard, and also starts at defensive end for Berrien Springs. Unlike some linemen who are happy go lucky big kids, Padla gets nasty when he puts on the pads and will play through the whistle. MSU is the leader, with interest from other BCS schools.

12. Connor Hayes  6-3  290  Jr  OL  Traverse City West
West is having a terrific season, and has to be optimistic for the future with some young skill position guys and their stalwart right guard Hayes coming back. He’s not overly athletic, but he’s a mauler and plays with really good pad level. He could actually play center or stay at his current guard position in college. Hayes already has offers from CMU, Indiana, Syracuse and WMU.

13. Will Hunt  5-11  205  Jr  LB  Muskegon
Hunt is a smart football player that doesn’t stay blocked. He’s never the most athletic player on the field, but makes a lot of big plays. Hunt is a throwback linebacker with great instincts, the kind of kid who eats, sleeps and drinks football. He’s a D1 prospect with Big Ten and MAC interest.

14. Jake Khoury  6-3  285  Jr  DL  Traverse City St. Francis
He’s a powerful defensive tackle that provides great push for TCSF on almost every play. But Khoury is more than just a run stopper. With his speed and quickness he gets to the quarterback often. He’s a master of how to use his hands to get off blocks and once he gets ahold of the ball-carrier it’s lights out. Khoury is a BCS recruit that’s drawing attention from Michigan, MSU, Notre Dame and Wisconsin.

15. Zach Evans  6-3  240  Jr  DL  Kenowa Hills
Started the season on fire before being slowed by a concussion. He’s a second-year varsity starter, but this is Evans’ first with his hand down and he’s excelled at right defensive end (also starts on offense at right tackle), with his motor and 4.8 speed. He’s quick off the ball and can make plays in space. Evans needs to work on his hands and strength to more readily free himself when it gets hectic in there.

16. Chris Hendricks  6-5  270  Jr  OL  Fruitport
He has all the physical tools, and is well-rounded as both a run and pass-blocker. The question from some coaches is, how badly does the former Mona Shores player want it?

17. Marcus Lambert  5-11  185  Jr  RB  Zeeland West
If you’re a running back in the Lake Michigan area, your dream locales are either as Peter Stuursma’s tailback at East Grand Rapids, or John Shillito’s fullback at East Kentwood now Zeeland West. Lambert is fortunate enough to be the latter, though he also shows his natural running ability as a kick returner. No back in the Lake Michigan area breaks the big ones with the frequency of Lambert and his reported 4.5 speed. Through six games he ran 88 times for 1091 yards and 15 TDS. Those come out to average 12 yards per carry for 181 yards and 2.5 TDs per game.

18. Jacob Howe  6-2  240  Jr  LB  Forest Hills Northern
Goes both ways for hard-luck Northern. Whether starting upright from either end or as a middle linebacker, Howe has a way of ending up in the offensive backfield. Moves like a linebacker despite being a junior with college size and could be college fullback because he can catch, has a nose for space and blocks with first-hit explosion. He ran 19 times for 123 yards and a TD against Sparta. Howe is high on the recruiting charts of the in-state MAC schools.

19. Mitchell Wynkoop  6-3  220  LB  Traverse City Central
A veritable unknown we uncovered in Week 2 at Grand Haven, Wynkoop has gone on to be an impact guy for TC Central. He is the type of player that is a coaches’ dream because he plays one way — full speed! Wynkoop is a relentless pass rusher that lets nothing get in his way of getting to the quarterback. With good size, speed and productivity, expect him to start drawing the attetion of college coaches because the cat’s out of the bag: Wynkoop is a big-time playmaker.

20. Asantay Brown  6-1  175  Jr  DB  Mona Shores
The rare Muskegon Heights transfer that didn’t end up at Muskegon High. Brown’s been so good, he would’ve made an impact wherever he ended up. He’s the leading receiver for the best Mona team in over 20 years, and has two games with three interceptions.

21. Mitch Stanitzek  6-3  215  DL  Grand Rapids West Catholic
A two-year starter at defensive end with 4.9 speed who was out with an injured back when we saw West Catholic against South Christian. There’s a good chance Stanitzek will be moving up the rankings.

22. Austin Labus  6-6  285  Jr  OL  Portage Northern
Line play has been a plus for the Huskies, with Labus showing the most upside next to some solid seniors on a unit that has opened the way for three different backs who average over 5 yards per carry.  He’s put on 15 pounds since last season but like Padla, Labus gives a taller, lankier look than the other linemen on the list. Runs a 5.3 40.

23. Jake Kaczynski  6-5  240  Jr  ATH  Ludington
A “jumbo athlete” who plays tight end, H-back and linebacker for Ludington. As such, he’s their leading receiver, leading tackler and third on the team in rushing yards. This kid is a load, and delivers hits both as a tackler and runner. 40 times in the spring could be crucial to the level of college ball he ends up playing.

24. Isaak Newhouse  6-0  185  Jr  WR  Grand Haven
Were Newhouse playing in the Grand Haven offenses of recent vintage, his receiving numbers would be right up there with those of Drake Harris and Kyle Steigenga.  Newhouse also excels in the defensive backfield and as a kick returner, and threw a TD pass against Grandville. Newhouse has been huge on special teams. He had a 75-yard punt return for a TD against Grandville, and against Mona Shores returned a blocked field goal for a score.

25. Drew Marion  6-2  190  Jr  QB  Lake City
He had a terrific sophomore debut when he threw for 1,217 yards and 13 TDs while running for 846 and 13 TDs, and has been even better this time around leading Lake City to a 5-0 mark headed into their Highland showdown with Beal City. Marion’s best game thus far was against Pine River, when he was 16-of-20 for 343 yards and four TDS while running 14 timers for 123 yarsd. College size for his position with 4.8 speed and sometimes looks like a man amongst boys in Class C ball. Plays with four- and five-receiver sets, and has nice touch on his deep ball. Not sure of Marion’s arm strength if he has to zip one in across the field.

26. Dwayne Barfield  6-1  170  Jr  ATH  Grand Rapids Christian
He was off to a great start before being injured in GR Christian’s game at Cincinnati Moeller, and is now back in action. Projects as either a receiver or defensive back. Tough, athletic, coachable kid.

27. Nick Swore  6-2  185  Jr  QB  Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian
He’s been fighting a hand injury, so didn’t play quarterback when we saw NorthPointe play at Hopkins. Swore did play safety though, and looked good with his reads and closing speeds, so add athlete to coach’s son.

28. Lucas Walesky  6-4  265  Jr  OL  Grayling
Grayling is undefeated, and should only get better as QB Jake Swander, like Walesky, is a junior and there are key sophomores also starting for the Vikings. Walesky finished in the top 10 in the bench press at our July combine in Traverse City. He’s a technique guy who can beat his man to pad level. There’s a lot of pass blocking in Grayling’s offense, but Walesky can also drive and grind it out. If he can figure out the trick of improving his speed while putting on weight, Walesky is a scholarship lineman.

29. Tristen Fleet  6-2  275  Jr  OL  Mancelona
A second-year starter for one of the top small school teams in the Lake Michigan area, as Mancelona is on pace for its second-straight undefeated regular season.  The strength of the line is inside with Fleet and center and 6-2, 230 senior Dalon Sulz at guard, helping senior running back Wyatt Derrer put up all-state numbers. While a few linemen on this list could become centers, Fleet is the only one currently at the position.

30. John Hall  6-0  180  Jr  DB  Muskegon
Hall was terrific in the off-season two years ago at Sound Mind, Sound Body, and has translated that to live football as one of the Muskegon Heights transfers who has fit right in and helped the Big Reds return to the championship form of the past decade. Starting in the defensive backfield now, he should have some big running numbers as a senior.