Lake Area Prospect Watch 2019: First 50

 

DIr8ORYUQAAFTBr[1]

East Kentwood tackle Logan Brown was the first member of the Lake Area’s 2019 class to commit, pledging Wisconsin.  He’s one of double-digit Power 5 recruits in the junior class.

  1. Anthony Bradford  6-5  350  Jr  OL  Muskegon  LSU
  2. Logan Smith  6-6  290  Jr  OL  East Kentwood  Wisconsin
  3. Adam Berghorst  6-7  250  Jr  DL  Zeeland East  Michigan State
  4. Tate Hallock  6-3  190  Jr  WR/DB  Forest Hills Central  Michigan State
  5. Karsen Barnhart  6-6  280  Jr  OL  Paw Paw  Michigan
  6. Mazi Smith  6-3  300  Jr  DL  Muskegon  Michigan
  7. Ali’vonta Wallace  6-1  220  Jr  LB  Muskegon
  8. Jacob Wahlberg  6-3  215  Jr  LB  Muskegon Mona Shores  Western Michigan
  9. Cody Tierne  5-11  170  Jr  WR  Grand Rapids Northview
  10. Spencer Holstege  6-5  265  Jr  OL  Grand Rapids South Christian  Purdue
  11. Boone Bonnema  6-3  215  Jr  Zeeland East  Western Michigan
  12. Jack Sherwin  6-4  230  Jr  Edge  Traverse City Central  Western Michigan
  13. Damari Roberson  6-2  185  Jr  WR/DB  Muskegon Mona Shores  Western Michigan
  14. Luke Marsh  6-5  240  Jr  DL  Montague
  15. Stuart Kettler  6-5  265  Jr  OL  East Grand Rapids
  16. Jack Haverdink  6-4  255  Jr  OL  Portage Northern
  17. Marshawn Kneeland  6-4  200  Jr  Edge  Wyoming Godwin Heights
  18. Stephan Bracey  5-9  160  Jr  WR/DB  East Kentwood
  19. Anthony Pelton  6-5  240  Jr  DL/TE  Reed City
  20. Tyrese Hunt-Thompson  5-11  160  Jr  ATH  Cassopolis
  21. Peyton Young  6-4  310  Jr  OL  Muskegon Oakridge
  22. Eric Wenzel  6-1  185  Jr  QB  Kalamazoo United
  23. Marquis Cooper  6-2  300  Jr  OL  Muskegon
  24. Jonah Erickson  6-5  305  Jr  OL  Rockford
  25. Luke Harmon  6-5  270  OL  Grand Rapids Catholic Central Bowling Green
  26. Tobin Schwannecke  6-2  180  Jr  QB  Traverse City Central
  27. Ka’sean Sandifer  5-6  150  Jr  DB  Muskegon Mona Shores
  28. Traven VanOss  6-0  200  Jr  LB  Three Rivers
  29. Bryce Stark  5-11  175  Jr  RB  Montague
  30. Chase Brown  5-11  185  Jr  QB  Comstock Park
  31. Colt Stout  6-4  260  Jr  DL  Muskegon Mona Shores
  32. Donavon Webb  6-0  190  Jr  RB  Holland
  33. Michael Sarabyn  6-6  275  Jr  OL  Dowagiac
  34. Peyton Dustin  6-5  250  Jr  DL  Berrien Springs
  35. Sincere Dent  5-11  210  Jr  RB  Muskegon Mona Shores
  36. Hayden VanderWeele  6-4  245  Jr OL  Portage Northern
  37. Heath Baldwin  6-4  180  Jr  WR  Kalamazoo United
  38. Spencer Hulst  6-2  235  Jr  DL  Grand Rapids South Christian
  39. Josh Fusco  5-11  180  Jr  RB  Zeeland East
  40. Art Herndon  5-11  170  Jr  DB  St. Joseph
  41. Isaac Vandyke  6-1  200  Jr  QB  West Ottawa
  42. Matt Bilski  5-11  210  Jr  LB  Grand Rapids West Catholic
  43. Cade Klimczak  6-2  215  Jr  Edge  Rockford
  44. Luke Majick  6-0  180  Jr  QB  Forest Hills Central
  45. Ty Potter  6-2  225  Jr  OL  Hudsonville
  46. Wilson Wirebaugh  6-2  210  Jr  QB  Holland Christian
  47. Shane Baker  5-11  175  Jr  RB  Grandville
  48. Logan Miller  6-5  275  Jr  OL  Allendale
  49. Ross Bolman  6-1  200  Jr  LB  Zeeland West
  50. Tyler Sikkema  6-5  270  Jr  OL  Wayland
Advertisement

Signing Day Top 100

  1. Jalen Mayfield 6-5 275 Sr OL/DL Grand Rapids Catholic Central Michigan
  2. La’darius Jefferson 6-2 210 Sr ATH Muskegon Michigan State
  3. Ryan Hayes 6-7 260 Sr ATH Traverse City West Michigan
  4. Joel Wilson 6-4 205 Sr Edge Petoskey Central Michigan
  5. Xavier Wade 6-3 180 Sr WR West Ottawa Ferris State
  6. Braeden Childress 6-4 215 Sr TE Big Rapids Central Michigan
  7. Nolan Fugate 6-1 190 Sr RB Grand Rapids Catholic Central Davenport
  8. Cade Peterson 6-5 190 Sr QB Maple City Glen Lake Grand Valley State
  9. Jason Whittaker 6-5 200 Sr QB Rockford Northwestern
  10. Antwan Reed 6-7 315 Sr OL Muskegon Western Michigan
  11. Caleb Murphy 6-4 220 Sr Edge Grand Valley State
  12. Eli Jackson 6-0 300 Sr DL Muskegon Alabama A&M
  13. Christian Brooks 6-2 220 LB North Muskegon Grand Valley State
  14. Cody Carone 6-3 295 Sr OL Rockford Ferris State
  15. Dan VanOpstall 6-6 240 Sr OL/DL Jenison Michigan State
  16. Liam Cavanaugh 6-4 210 Sr LB/TE West Ottawa Davenport
  17. Susu Davenport 6-1 175 Sr QB Wyoming Godwin Heights Davenport
  18. CJ Jefferson 6-0 175 Sr ATH Muskegon Ferris State
  19. Willie Shanks 6-2 185 Sr DB Muskegon Ferris State
  20. Marcus Remtema 6-0 185 Sr DB Rockford Grand Valley State
  21. Will Hawkins 6-1 180 Sr WR Forest Hills Northern Grand Valley State
  22. Brandon Anderson 5-10 155 Sr WR/RB Cassopolis Hope
  23. Addison Buckius 6-3 200 DB/WR Lowell Davenport
  24. Seth Hoonhorst 6-3 275 Sr DL Hudsonville Grand Valley State
  25. Matt Stefanski 6-3 315 Sr OL Frankfort Grand Valley State
  26. Cole Schut 6-4 270 Sr OL Holland Grand Valley State
  27. Brett Taylor 5-11 220 Sr LB Comstock Park
  28. Jacob Ager 6-1 230 Sr LB Boyne City Northern Michigan
  29. Tirrell Hausmanis 6-3 235 Sr DL Three Rivers Ferris State
  30. Ethan Ancick 6-6 215 Sr TE Manton
  31. Luke Buckman 6-5 225 Sr TE Holland Michigan
  32. Max Lundeen 6-4 240 Sr Edge East Grand Rapids Cornell
  33. Jacob Kochanny 6-4 270 Sr OL Cadillac Grand Valley State
  34. Brandon Rake 6-7 240 Sr OL Whitehall
  35. Bryant Kieft 6-3 205 Sr ATH Watervliet Northwood
  36. Kyle Dotson 6-2 225 Sr Edge Portage Central Saginaw Valley State
  37. Terry O’Connor  6-3  220 ATH Traverse City Central Michigan State
  38. Griffin Kelly 6-0 185 Sr RB Frankfort Northern Michigan
  39. Thomas Griggs 5-10 210 Sr RB Wyoming Kelloggsville
  40. Keyshaun Summerville 6-0 165 Sr WR/DB Muskegon Mona Shore
  41. Toby Hulst 6-1 220 Sr LB Grand Rapids South Christian Hope
  42. Keontae Watson 6-5 260 Sr OL Muskegon Mona Shores Wayne State
  43. Anthony Ladd 5-10 190 Sr DB Grand Rapids Christian Northern Michigan
  44. Jacob Achteroff 6-4 310 Sr OL North Muskegon Grand Valley State
  45. Darius Pruitt 6-3 185 Sr DB Kalamazoo Central Ferris State
  46. Trevor Dilley 6-4 260 Sr OL/DL St. Joseph Grand Valley State
  47. Jake Jancek 5-10 175 Sr WR Montague
  48. De’Anthony Davis 5-11 175 Sr ATH Muskegon Mona Shores Wayne State
  49. Jayden Day 5-10 175 Sr ATH Muskegon Orchard View
  50. Jace Thornton 6-2 225 Sr LB Forest Hills Central Hope
  51. Joe Scott 6-5 230 Sr DL Montague Ferris State
  52. Connor Bolthouse 5-10 175 DB Grand Rapids West Catholic Northwood
  53. Shane Tagg 6-1 200 Sr RB Byron Center
  54. Nate Nannefeldt 6-0 210 Sr RB Berrien Springs Michigan Tech
  55. Grant Bearss 6-1 250 Sr DL Grand Rapids Catholic Central Northwood
  56. Zack Pickens 5-11 175 Sr QB Watervliet Baker
  57. Jacob Wohlgemuth 6-5 300 Sr DL Wyoming Kelloggsville Lawrence Tech
  58. Adam DeKoster 6-4 275 Sr OL Wyoming Godwin Heights Davenport
  59. Matthew Eerdmans 6-4 250 Sr OL East Grand Rapids
  60. Brandon Kramer 6-3 220 Sr TE Cedar Springs Lawrence Tech
  61. Omar Disla 6-1 265 OL West Ottawa Ferris State
  62. Jo Jo Whitley 5-10 175 Sr RB Comstock Park
  63. David Kruse 6-0 200 Sr ATH Lowell Michigan State
  64. Isaac Dykema 6-2 205 Sr QB Grand Rapids Christian
  65. Chuckie Anthony 6-1 295 Sr OL Muskegon Mona Shores Wayne State
  66. Aidan Burns 6-3 215 Sr Edge Grand Rapids Catholic Central Northwood
  67. Blake Keller 6-3 175 Sr WR Hudsonville Davenport
  68. Calvin Williams 6-3 260 DL Berrien Springs Grand Valley State
  69. Jaier Harden 5-7 190 Sr RB Grand Rapids Ottawa Hills Central Michigan
  70. DeMetrius Harris 6-0 165 Sr WR Muskegon Cornell
  71. Christian Balanda 6-6 275 Sr OL Forest Hills Central Lawrence Tech
  72. Kaleb McMann 6-6 275 Sr OL Muskegon Orchard View Davenport
  73. Casey Rigney 6-3 220 Sr DL Greenville Davenport
  74. Zaavon Scott 5-11 180 Sr WR Grand Rapids West Catholic Northwood
  75. Nick Apsey 6-1 190 Sr LB Maple City Glen Lake
  76. Bryan Johnson 6-5 300 Sr DL West Ottawa Davenport
  77. Matt Kelly 6-0 230 Sr OL Grandville Davenport
  78. Ryan DeHommel 6-1 265 Sr DL Hudsonville Northwood
  79. Nathaniel Mitchell 5-11 200 Sr LB Grand Rapids West Catholic Mount Union
  80. Aaron Sleeman 6-2 215 Sr LB Zeeland West Concordia
  81. Eric Hoogland 6-5 220 Sr ATH Grandville Calvin Christian Davenport
  82. James Vallar 6-0 200 Sr LB Grand Rapids Christian Davenport
  83. Elijah Gurley 6-3 240 Sr DL Forest Hills Central Taylor
  84. Paul Weirich 6-4 265 Sr OL Forest Hills Eastern Davenport
  85. Evan Gast 6-2 285 Sr OL Byron Center
  86. Parker Kingma 6-4 315 Sr OL Grand Haven Carthage
  87. Sam Sherwin 6-4 250 Sr OL Traverse City Central
  88. Cole Julian 6-3 230 Sr Edge Traverse City St. Francis Butler
  89. James Daniel 5-9 175 Sr RB Belding
  90. Khale Showers 5-11 200 Sr RB Rockford
  91. Max Godsil 6-6 260 Sr OL Portage Central
  92. Jake McClain 5-9 175 WR Rockford Grand Valley State
  93. Job Mayhue 6-2 220 Sr LB East Kentwood
  94. Raymond Cunningham 6-2 270 Sr OL/DL Charlevoix
  95. Adam Ginn 6-3 290 Sr OL Allendale Grand Valley State
  96. Damyon Wedge 5-9 160 Sr ATH Allegan Siena Heights
  97. Moise Gurrier 6-0 200 Sr RB Forest Hills Central Saginaw Valley State
  98. Sam Shugars 6-0 195 Sr LB Montague
  99. Nico Leasher 6-3 250 Sr DL Plainwell
  100. Trenton Lane 5-10 150 Sr RB Hamilton

Registration now open for the 2018 Lake Michigan Football Combine!

football-wallpaper-7Calling high school football student-athletes in the Classes of 2019, 2020, and 2021! Join us on Sunday, March 18th, at MSA Woodland (Grand Rapids, MI) for the 2018 Lake Michigan Football Combine! Click the link below for complete details & registration information… this is one event you won’t want to miss!

www.LakeMichiganFootballReport.com/2018lmfrcombine

All-Lake Area: Division 5-6

Offense

  • OL Jacob Achteroff  6-5  295  Sr  North Muskeogn
  • OL Raymond Cunningham  6-3  270  Sr  Charlevoix
  • OL Luke Marsh  6-5  240  Jr  Montague
  • OL Peyton Young  6-4  310  Jr  Muskegon Oakridge
  • OL Stephen Shewan  6-0  205  Jr  Reed City
  • QB Gaetano Vallone  5-10  170  Sr  Grand Rapids West Catholic
  • RB Bryce Stark  5-11  175  Jr Montague
  • RB Leroy Quinn  5-11  220  So  Muskegon Oakridge
  • RB Giovanni Weeks  6-0  170  Jr  Kent City
  • WR Heath Baldwin  6-5  180  Jr  Kalamazoo United
  • WR Jake Jansen  5-11  175  Sr  Montague

Defense

  • DL Anthony Pelton  6-4  240  Jr  Reed City
  • DL Ryan Lints  6-0  225  Sr  Traverse City St. Francis
  • DL Joseph Scott  6-5  230  Jr  Montague
  • DL Billy Koepf  5-9  220  Sr  Chippewa Hills
  • LB Jacob Ager  6-0  230  Sr  Boyne City
  • LB Nathaniel Mitchell  5-11  200  Sr  Grand Rapids West Catholic
  • LB Joey Muzljakovich  6-1  195  Sr  Traverse City St. Francis
  • LB Christian Brooks  6-2  220  Sr  North Muskegon
  • DB Phillip Jones  5-7  160  Jr  Reed City
  • DB Eric Carson  6-1  170  Sr  Boyne City
  • DB Camron Passenioer  6-0  190  Sr  Ravenna

Senior Exposure Camp: Skill position standouts

Brandon Anderson was the fastest player at last springs LMFR Combine, and again showed off his wheels with a camp second-best 4.46-second 40 time. It’s easy to see how the 5-10, 160 senior averaged over 20 yards per catch during the season for Cassopolis. A versatile playmaker who can come out of the backfield, lineup wide, or contribute in the defensive side. Combine that talent with his strong grades, and Anderson remains one of the most recruit-able available prospects in the Lake Area.

The top 40 time belonged to Antonio Postell, a 5-10, 160 senior from Battle Creek Central, befitting an athlete who was his league champion in the 100 and 200 meters last spring.

After their regional playoff game, Ithaca coach Terry Hessbrook said Montague’s Jake Jancek may have got off the line as any receiver they’ve faced, and the Yellowjackets have seen some talent over their decade of dominance. It was quickly apparent why Jancek earned that kind of praise. A smooth, natural receiver who looked like he’d played with the camp quarterbacks all season, not just met 5 minutes prior. The 5-10, 175 senior ran back-to-back 4.6 40s and showed additional athleticism going airborne to corral balls, once snatching the ball off the top of the defensive back’s helmet. Jancek’s 4.0 gpa just sweetens the deal for college coaches.

An ideal complement to smaller, speed guys like Anderson and Jancek is Blake Keller, a 6-3, 175 Hudsonville senior. Also a college baseball prospect, and that hand-eye ability was evident as he caught everything. Uses his size well and high-points the ball. Keller had the most impressive catch of the workout, battling tough defense while going to the ground and bringing home a live 50/50 ball.

Stevensville Lakeshore’s Damien King formed one of the Lake Area’s top receiving duos in the fall with Connor Brawley. King looks the part, a 6-4, 190 long strider. He struggled with some drops at camp, but that shouldn’t be a concern given his track record he had 25 catches and five touchdowns during the regular season. With his frame and 4.9 speed, may project best as a college tight end.

A number of running backs turned in 40 times of 4.7 seconds or less — 5-8, 170 Keggan Benkhardt of Kenowa Hills; 5-10, 190 Jared Evans from Grant; 5-11, 185 Jared Evans of Grant; 6-11, 185 James Paulin of Ionia; and 6-1, 205 Jake Rajala all the way from Houghton.

Defensive backs and receivers coaches liked included 5-9, 170 Nathan Goralski of Romeo; 5-9, 160 Damyon Wedge of Allegan; and 5-11, 175 Aiden Nelson of Morley Standwood.

The receivers at camp benefited greatly from catching balls from a pair of talented quarterbacks. 6-2, 210 senior Jackson Pollack led Williamston to a Division 4 district title in the fall. Even in the interactions with receivers at the camp you could see some of the charisma and leadership qualities inherent to the QB position. Thickand strong college-ready body and threw a tight ball that he was able to place where defenders didn’t have a chance. It can be tough for small school quarterbacks to make the jump to the next level, so it’s understandable that Merrill’s 6-4, 185 senior Jake Knierim also listed himself for coaches as a running back and could contribute on the other side of the ball, but man what an arm. He threw the best deep ball at camp, just like he did at the LMFR Combine last spring.

 

 

All-Lake Area Division 3-4

Offense

OL Brandon Rake  6-7  240  Sr  Whitehall
OL Karsen Barnhart  6-6  280  Jr  Paw Paw
OL Cole Schut  6-4  270  Sr  Holland
OL Antwan Reed  6-6  315  Sr  Muskegon
OL Marquis Cooper  6-2  310  Jr  Muskegon
TE Brandon Kramer  6-3  220  Sr  Cedar Springs
QB Isaac Dykema  6-2  205  Sr  Grand Rapids Christian
RB Thomas Griggs  5-10  210  Sr  Wyoming Kelloggsville
RB James Daniel  5-9  175  Sr  Belding
WR Clinton Jefferson  6-0  175  Sr  Muskegon
WR Hunter Spence  5-9  160  Sr  Comstock Park

Defense

DL Caleb Murphy  6-4  210  Sr  Dowagiac  Grand Valley State
DL Aiden Burns  6-2  215  Sr  Grand Rapids Catholic Central
DL Nico Leasher  6-3  250  Sr  Plainwell
DL Marshawn Kneeland  6-4  200  Jr  Wyoming Godwin Heights
LB Boone Bonnema  6-3  215  Jr  Zeeland East
LB Toby Hulst  6-1  220  Sr  Grand Rapids South Christian
LB Chris Griffin  5-10  200  Sr  Edwardsburg
LB Ross Bolman  6-1  200  Jr  Zeeland West
DB Marvin Harwell  5-10  165  Sr  Muskegon
DB Anthony Ladd  5-10  190  Sr  Grand Rapids Christian
DB Sean Branch  5-10  175  Sr  Stevensville Lakeshore

All-Lake Area Division 1-2

Offense

  • OL Cody Carone  6-4  295  Sr  Rockford  Ferris State
  • OL Dan VanOpstall  6-6  240  Sr  Jenison
  • OL Chuckie Anthony  6-1  295  Sr  Muskegon Mona Shores
  • OL Max Godsil  6-6  260  Sr  Portage Central
  • OL Swayer Perkette  5-10  220  Sr  Traverse City West
  • TE Kyle Nyboer  6-1  225  Sr  Grandville
  • QB Tristan Robbins  5-11  175  Sr  Muskegon Mona Shores
  • RB Sincere Dent  5-11  210  Jr  Muskegon Mona Shores
  • RB Seankeese Townsend  5-10  185  Sr  West Ottawa
  • WR Tate Hallock  6-3  175  Jr  Forest Hills Central
  • WR Keyshawn Summerville  6-0  165  Sr  Muskegon Mona Shores

Defense

  • DL Seth Hoonhorst  6-3  275  Sr  Hudsonville
  • DL Mazi Smith  6-3  305  Jr  East Kentwood
  • DL Elijah Gurley  6-3  240  Sr  Forest Hills Central
  • LB Jace Thornton  6-2  210  Sr  Forest HIlls Central
  • LB DeAnthony Davis  5-10  175  Sr  Muskegon Mona Shores
  • LB Khale Showers  5-11  175  Sr  Rockford
  • LB Gino Romanelli  5-11  200  Sr  Muskegon Reeths-Puffer
  • DB Marcus Remtema  6-0  175  Sr  Rockford  Grand Valley State
  • DB Addison Buckius  6-3  200  Sr  Lowell
  • DB Darius Pruitt  6-3  205  Sr  Kalamazoo Central
  • DB Terry O’Connor  6-3  210  Sr  Traverse City Central

All-Lake Area Defense 2017

wallace

The leading tackler on the Lake Area’s top team, Muskegon junior Ali’vonta Wallace.

Defensive MVP
Ali’Vonta Wallace  6-1  230  Jr  Muskegon: The Lake Area’s No. 1 rated 2019 prospect, ahead of a handful of linemen with Power 5 offers, Wallace justifies his accolades with production on the field. He was the leading tackler for Muskegon, which goes into the Division 2 state final undefeated having shut out the majority of its opponents while allowing an average of just a touchdown per game.

  • DL Eli Jackson  6-0  300  Sr  Muskegon
  • DL Adam Berghorst  6-7  250  Jr  Zeeland East
  • DL Max Lundeen  6-4  240  Sr  East Grand Rapids
  • LB Liam Cavanagh  6-4  210  Sr  West Ottawa
  • LB Nathaniel Mitchell  6-0  245  Sr  Grand Rapids West Catholic
  • LB Joel Wilson  6-4  205  Sr  Petoskey
  • LB Brett Taylor  5-11  225  Sr  Comstock Park
  • DB Willie Shanks  6-2  185  Sr  Muskegon
  • DB Bryce Clay  5-10  190  Sr  Forest Hills Central
  • DB Connor Bolthouse  5-11  190  Sr  Grand Rapids West Catholic
  • DB Matt Martin  5-7  155  Sr  Muskegon Mona Shores

All-Lake Area Offense 2017

 

os-sp-ladarius-jefferson-ucf-commitment-20170521[1]

Senior quarterback La’darius Jefferson led Muskegon undefeated into the Division 3 state final.

Offensive MVP
La’darius Jefferson  6-2  215  Sr  QB  Muskegon: His sophomore season was played in Mississippi, though any SEC quarterbacking roots that may have taken hold would link Jefferson more to Tebow or Prescott than Eli. A powerhouse dual threat behind the state’s top line, a combination that has resulted in the most prolific offense in the history of the state’s winningest program. In leading Muskegon to the D3 state final, Jefferson ran for 1,838 yards and 29 TDs and threw for 1,208 yards and 21 TDs with two interceptions. Those numbers are modest compared to what they could have been had Muskegon not blown out nearly its entire schedule. Jefferson originally committed to undefeated Central Florida but re-opened his recruitment after being offered by resurgent top 25 MSU — though as an “athlete” and not necessarily a QB.

  • OL Jalen Mayfield  6-5  245  Sr  Grand Rapids Catholic Central  Michigan
  • OL Anthony Bradford  6-5  6-5  330  Jr  Muskegon
  • OL Matt Stefanski  6-3  315  Sr  Frankfort
  • OL Spencer Holstege  6-5  265  Jr  Grand Rapids South Christian
  • OL Logan Brown  6-6  285  Jr  East Kentwood  Wisconsin
  • TE Ryan Hayes  6-7  250  Sr  Traverse City West  Michigan
  • QB Susu Davenport  6-1  175  Sr  Wyoming Godwin Heights
  • RB Nolan Fugate  6-1  210  Sr  Grand Rapids Catholic Central
  • RB Jo Jo Whitley  5-10  175  Sr  Comstock Park
  • WR Xavier Wade  6-3  180  Sr  West Ottawa
  • WR Bryant Kieft  6-3  205  Sr  Watervliet

 

Lake Area Prospect Watch: Week 12

Class of 2018

Christian Balanda  6-6  275  Sr  OL/DL  Forest Hills Central: Noteworthy basically for his size alone as a junior, he’s become a legitimate player as a senior, the starting right tackle for an undefeated Rangers team in the D2 state semifinals. Does a good job shooting his hands and keeping them inside. Balanda is a better run blocker than in pass protection where lack of flexibility and quickness show through and he can struggle holding the edge against athletic rushers. Shows decent instincts in stints at defensive tackle. Size and experience against high-end competition will give him a shot at the next level.

Seth Davis  5-9  175  Sr  ATH  Ithaca: Saw him live in the regional at Montague and loved the production and toughness. An edge guy for Ithaca and perfect at it for the high school level, as he’s able to pressure the quarterback or drop back and make plays in coverage. Made big third- and fourth-down stops, had a crucial interception and return, recovered a fumble and had a long reception of his own. Probably safety at the college level.

Cole Schut  6-4  270  Sr  OL  Holland: Like Balanda above, another lineman who made a big jump in improvement as a senior, but is more ready-made and less of a project. Schut is a return starter at left tackle who helped Holland make a playoff appearance. Committed to Grand Valley State over offers from Hillsdale, Drake, Bucknell, Morehead State and Concordia. Quick, aggressive first step as a run blocker. What he lacks in wingspan he makes up for in speed, technique, base/balance and high game IQ working angles and leverage.

Class of 2019 

Preston Johnson  6-3  170  Jr  WR  Reed City: Reed City is going to run it mostly and who can blame them the Coyotes are in the Division 5 semifinals. That makes Johnson often a blocker. But you have to like his physical profile and long, smooth stride. He had a 60-yard TD catch in the regular season against Tri-County.

Class of 2020

Josh Priebe  6-4  265  So  OL  Edwardsburg: Zeeland West is home, but Edwardsburg continues to represent Lake Area wing-T offenses in the playoffs, with a return appearance to the semifinals. Preibe is the right guard on a line that just man-handled Lansing Sexton in the regional, rolling up 353 rushing yards and 52 points. He moves really well for his size and age and is good at creating the horizontal lanes you want from the wing-T. If Priebe wasn’t out-quicking Sexton’s shorter, squatter D linemen to gain pad level advantage, he was pulling or getting into the second level and dwarfing the Big Reds’ linebackers. Plays with some attitude and swagger, which isn’t common among young big guys. One of the Lake Area’s top interior line prospects in the 2020 group.