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
- Ryheem Stokes 5-10 170 Sr Grand Rapids Catholic Central
- Corey Willis 5-10 170 Sr Holland Central Michigan
- Ryan Verhelst 6-1 175 Sr West Ottawa
- Houston Glass 6-1 185 Sr East Kentwood Buffalo
- Heath Hoogerhyde 6-1 215 Sr Caledonia
- KC Zenner 6-0 190 Sr Rockford
- Dontel Highsmith 6-2 195 Sr Dowagiac Northern Illinois-basketball
- Jake Gaunder 5-9 190 Sr Stevensville Lakeshore
- Gary Jones 6-2 190 Sr Allegan
- Davaris Collier 5-10 175 Sr Grand Rapids Christian
- Corey Pierce 5-9 170 Sr Muskegon Orchard View
- Mac Elliott 5-11 175 Sr Buchanan
- Chad Sterk 5-10 160 Sr Grand Rapids South Christian
- Andon Ware 5-11 170 Sr Baldwin
- DeJuan James 5-7 170 Sr Portage Central
- Collin McCaw 6-1 180 Sr Vicksburg
- Trevor Sweeney 5-9 170 Sr Mattawan
- Braden Werley 5-11 195 Sr Zeeland West
- Josh Blauwkamp 5-10 175 Sr Zeeland East
- Jon Pung 5-10 175 Sr Zeeland West
- Jason Miller 6-1 170 Sr Grand Rapids South Christian
- Justin Krueger 5-9 165 Sr Caledonia
- TJ Schepperly 5-8 175 Sr Traverse City Central
- Mitch Bancroft 5-11 160 Sr Stevensville Lakeshore
- Zach Hill 5-11 180 Sr Kalkaska
Class of 2014
- Doug Freeman 6-0 210 Jr Buchanan
- Jalen Brooks 6-3 185 Jr Cadillac
- Deshaun Thrower 5-11 180 Jr Muskegon
- Asantay Brown 6-1 175 Jr Mona Shores
- Dwayne Barfield 6-2 170 Jr Grand Rapids Christian
Prospect Rankings: Upperclassman Receivers
Class of 2013
- Brandon Moore 6-3 195 Sr Montague
- Trent Karcher 6-1 185 Sr Chippewa Hills
- Corey Willis 5-10 170 Sr Holland Central Michigan
- Ryan Verhelst 6-1 175 Sr West Ottawa
- Dylan Smith 6-2 180 Sr Kenowa Hills
- Gary Jones 6-2 190 Sr Allegan
- Dontel Highsmith 6-2 195 Sr Dowagiac Northern Illinois-basketball
- Ato Condole 6-1 180 Sr West Ottawa
- Chad Walton 6-3 180 Sr Grand Rapids Northview
- Harold Wiggins 6-3 190 Sr Stevensville Lakeshore
- Bishop Robinson 6-2 170 Sr Kalamazoo Loy-Norrix
- David Kuzma 6-3 175 Sr Grand Rapids West Catholic
- Marcus Smith 5-10 175 Sr Muskegon
- Andon Ware 5-11 170 Sr Baldwin
- Collin McCaw 6-1 180 Sr Vicksburg
- Spencer Nehls 6-1 185 Sr Forest Hills Central
- Sherman Hodges 6-0 170 Sr Muskegon
- Donny Cizek 6-0 185 Sr Traverse City West
- Austin Diekevers 5-10 170 Sr Grand Rapids South Christian
- John Mrosewski 6-1 185 Sr Three Rivers
- Jon Pung 5-10 175 Sr Zeeland West
- Jason Miller 6-1 170 Sr Grand Rapids South Christian
- Jerome Hunter 6-3 180 Sr Ogemaw Heights
- Andrew Woodfin 5-11 170 Sr Grandville Calvin Christian
- Sam Powell 6-3 190 Sr North Muskegon
Class of 2014
- Drake Harris 6-4 180 Jr Grand Rapids Christian Michigan State
- Kyle Steigenga 6-4 180 Jr Holland Christian
- Dwayne Barfield 6-2 170 Jr Grand Rapids Christian
- Asantay Brown 6-1 175 Jr Mona Shores
- Zach Hill 5-11 170 Jr Zeeland East
Prospect Rankings: QBs 2013-14-15
Class of 2013
- Michael Custer 6-2 175 Sr Zeeland East
- Trevor Van Tubbergen 6-3 180 Sr West Ottawa
- Alex VanDeVusse 6-1 185 Sr Grand Rapids Christian
- Sam Shutes 6-4 210 Sr Three Rivers
- Jake Brown 6-0 205 Sr Comstock Park
- Jake Cowsert 6-1 175 Sr Watervliet
- Justin Chopp 6-1 180 Sr Forest Hills Central
- Ross Schreuer 6-0 190 Sr Holland Christian
- Jon Marosi 6-5 190 Sr Grand Rapids Catholic Central
- Brady Badder 6-2 185 Sr Belding
Class of 2014
- Jalen Brooks 6-3 195 Jr Cadillac
- Drew Marion 6-2 190 Jr Lake City
- Nick Swore 6-2 185 Jr Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian
- Jake Swander 5-11 175 Jr Grayling
- Haiden Majewski 5-11 165 Jr Allendale
Class of 2015
- Jon Wassink 6-2 175 So Grand Rapids South Christian
- Tyree Jackson 6-1 170 So Mona Shores
- Travis Russell 6-1 160 So Grand Rapids West Catholic
- Corey Redman 6-4 170 So Boyne City CMU-basketball
- 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.
- Drake Harris 6-4 180 Jr WR Grand Rapids Christian MSU
- Spencer Viening 6-0 215 Jr ATH Zeeland East
- Jordan VanDort 6-6 290 Jr ATH Zeeland West
- Tommy Doles 6-4 240 Jr OL Grand Rapids Christian
- Chris Hendricks 6-5 270 Jr OL Fruitport
- Marcus Lambert 5-11 185 Jr RB Zeeland West
- Zach Crouch 6-5 255 Sr TE Grand Rapids Christian CMU
- Michael Custer 6-2 175 Sr QB Zeeland East
- Amilio Flores 6-4 255 Sr DL Fruitport
- Dwayne Barfield 6-1 175 Jr DB Grand Rapids Christian
- Alex VanDeVusse 6-2 185 Sr QB Grand Rapids Christian
- Matthew Hall 6-1 200 Sr LB Grand Rapids Christian
- Alex Korhorn 6-2 275 Sr DL/OL Grand Rapids Christian
- Braden Werley 5-11 195 Sr RB Zeeland West
- Josh Blauwkamp 5-10 175 Sr ATH Zeeland East
- Zach Hill 5-11 170 Jr WR Zeeland East
- Patrick Banks 5-10 320 DL Zeeland East
- Tyler Smith 6-4 210 Sr DL Zeeland East
- Joel Schipper 5-11 180 Sr K Grand Rapids Christian
- Tyler Fehler 6-0 165 Sr ATH Fruitport
- Jordon Lambert 5-11 185 Jr ATH Zeeland West
- Jon Pung 5-10 175 Sr DB Zeeland West
- Davaris Collier 5-10 175 Sr WR Grand Rapids Christian
- Dakota Gordon 5-8 150 Sr RB Fruitport
- Sam Kuiper 5-9 155 Jr RB Grand Rapids Christian
Prospect Rankings: Upperclassman Defensive Linemen
Class of 2013
- Tyler White 6-6 225 Sr Plainwell Illinois
- Jake Bull 6-7 230 Sr Hudsonville
- Daniel Green 6-0 290 Sr Grand Rapids West Catholic
- Blake Mazur 6-3 250 Sr Comstock Park
- Adam Walma 6-4 220 Sr Caledonia
- Jake Daugherty 6-3 275 Sr Big Rapids
- Amilio Flores 6-4 255 Sr Fruitport
- Keane Belcher 6-3 225 Sr Grand Rapids Catholic Central
- Patrick Banks 5-10 320 Sr Zeeland East
- Ronald Jenkins 6-4 255 Sr Muskegon
- Alex Korhorn 6-2 275 Sr Grand Rapids Christian
- Colt Harrington 6-1 230 Sr Greenville
- Tyler Smith 6-4 210 Sr Zeeland East
- Nate Williams 6-3 260 Sr East Kentwood
- Bobby Drew 6-4 285 Sr Saugatuck (enrolled, not playing)
- Cari Campbell 6-2 220 Sr Muskegon Catholic Central
- Dillon Ankey 6-2 235 Sr Shelby
- Mike O’Brien 6-3 210 Sr Maple City Glen Lake
- Matt Kolean 6-3 220 Sr Hamilton
- Cole Felice 6-1 305 Sr Ogemaw Heights
- Shomari Tate 6-2 200 Sr Grand Rapids Catholic Central
- Jacob Shepherd 5-11 245 Sr Muskegon Oakridge
- Joe McKenna 5-11 230 Sr Ravenna
- Anthony Perrier 6-4 215 Sr Grand Haven
- Chance Murphy 6-2 280 Sr Traverse City West
Class of 2014
- Kenneth Finley 6-4 265 Jr Muskegon
- Jordan VanDort 6-6 290 Jr Zeeland West
- Zach Evans 6-3 235 Jr Kenowa Hills
- Jake Khoury 6-3 265 Jr Traverse City St. Francis
- 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
- Riley Norman 6-7 315 Sr Cadillac Michigan State-track & field
- Jack Ford 6-6 270 Sr Cadillac Central Michigan
- Nate Jeppesen 6-4 260 Sr Portage Central Toledo
- Antwan Billings 6-3 275 Sr Muskegon
- Tyler Gildersleeve 6-7 270 Sr Traverse City Central
- Quincy Crosby 6-3 280 Sr Muskegon
- Matt Modreske 6-7 300 Sr Hopkins
- David Mann 6-7 230 Sr Kalamazoo Loy-Norrix
- Cal Beck 6-4 295 Sr Paw Paw
- Chandar Ricks 6-4 290 Sr Muskegon
- Alex Korhorn 6-2 275 Sr Grand Rapids Christian
- Daniel Brown 6-4 288 Sr Otsego
- Dalton Sulz 6-2 255 Sr Mancelona
- Dan Dyer 6-2 240 Sr Lowell
- Noah Tozer 6-0 265 Sr Muskegon
- Andy Ruperts 6-0 230 Sr Rockford
- Zach Murphy 6-4 240 Sr Muskegon Oakridge
- Brandon Gue 6-2 265 Sr Mona Shores
- Adam Klage 6-2 295 Sr Mattawan
- Matt Mulcahy 6-0 210 Sr Grand Haven
- Cody Oracz 6-3 230 Sr Caledonia
- Kyle McGrew 6-2 275 Sr Shelby
- Dustin Cole 6-3 300 Sr Hudsonville
- Cooper Gast 6-1 298 Sr Bridgman
- Matt Omerza 6-2 290 Sr Maple City Glen Lake
Class of 2014
- Jordan VanDort 6-6 290 Jr Zeeland West
- Malik King 6-4 275 Jr Muskegon
- Tommy Doles 6-5 240 Jr Grand Rapids Christian
- Alec Stevens 6-4 265 Jr Ogemaw Heights
- Connor Hayes 6-3 290 Jr Traverse City West
Prospect Rankings: Upperclassman running backs
Class of 2013
- Trevor Sweeney 5-9 170 Sr Mattawan
- Tristan Eickenroth 6-1 200 Sr Kingsley
- Jahaan Brown 5-10 190 Sr East Grand Rapids
- Geovante Weston 5-11 190 Sr Kalamazoo Hackett
- Andon Ware 5-11 170 Sr Baldwin
- Payton White 6-2 230 Sr Constantine
- Brandan Campbell 6-0 220 Sr Otsego
- John King 5-10 190 Sr Muskegon
- Braden Werley 5-11 195 Sr Zeeland West
- Josh Blauwkamp 5-10 175 Sr Zeeland East
- Adam Vosburg 6-2 185 Sr Gobles
- Wyatt Derrer 5-10 180 Sr Mancelona
- DeJuan James 5-7 170 Sr Portage Central
- Corry Brown 5-11 175 Sr Three Rivers
- Gareth MacMillan 5-11 190 Sr Hartford
- Jesse Ring Bangor 5-9 160 Sr Bangor
- Jon Pung 5-10 175 Sr Zeeland West
- TJ Schepperly 5-8 175 Sr Traverse City Central
- Brandon Benac 5-7 180 Sr West Branch Ogemaw Heights
- Zach Hill 5-11 180 Sr Kalkaska
Class of 2014
- Spencer Viening 6-0 215 Jr Zeeland East
- Marcus Lambert 5-11 185 Jr Zeeland West
- Ryan Britton 5-10 165 Jr Plainwell
- Benny Clark 5-5 145 Jr Schoolcraft
- 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.