Class of 2010: Drew Dileo verbals to Michigan

Michigan just landed a verbal from Louisiana slot prospect Drew Dileo.  Here  is what I have on Dileo in my database:

Drew Dileo     WR/DB/RB    5′10     175      4.50     Baton Rouge Parkview Baptist  Louisiana

Verbal:  Michigan

Offers:  MICH, STAN, TULANE, RICE

Junior Rankings/Honors:  42-Juniors-Louisiana (February 2009;  Dandy Don);  1-LSWA-3A-AS (RET);  1-Baton Rouge Advocate-3A-2A-1A-Metro (KR)

One of the top skill athletes in Louisiana………..He committed to Michigan in April………………Junior starter at RB and CB, and he had 102 carries for 760 yards (7.5ypc) and 9 TDs, 21 receptions for 315 yards and 4 TDs, averaged 42.2 yards on 10 KRs and had 237 yards in punt returns……………….Sophomore starter at RB and CB on a strong 15-0 3A team and he had 87 carries for 540 yards (6.2ypc) and 4 TDs, 17 receptions for 305 yards and 3 TDs, and had 154 yards in PRs and 657 yards (31.3 avg) in KRs……..He was the MVP of the 2007 Class 3A state championship game…………. Projected sophomore starter at DB on a 7-4 3A team…………….Best projects as a slot or CB in college…………….Really excels in space with his great quickness and elusiveness.  Does a great job of making people miss.  Very athletic.  Just a slippery player and also very tough.  Also an exciting return man……………Great character……………. 3.75 GPA, 20 ACT……………Also stars in baseball………………Michigan his childhood fave

Class of 2010: Michigan lands Texan Tony Drake

Sometimes commitments happen out-of-the-blue.  So it was whn Dallas Skyline junior all-purpose-back committed to Michigan earlier today.  He is yet another slotback who should be an idel fit into Michigan’s offensive scheme.

Here is some info on the latest Michigan verbal commitment, Tony Drake.

Tony Drake WR/RB 5′9 170 4.35 Dallas Skyline Texas Michigan

Offers: Michigan

2007 honors: 2-District 11-5A (WR)

One of the top junior all-purpose backs in Texas………….As a junior back-up RB to senior James White (Iowa State signee), he was second on the team in rushing with 55 carries for 429 yards (7.8ypc) and 3 TDs. He added 7 receptions for 73 yards………..As a sophomore starter at WR he was a second team All-district choice and had 260 yards receiving……………Skyline’s second and third-leading receivers, juniors Mike Davis (469 yards, 4 TDs) and Tony Drake (260 yards) are back as well…………..5ATexasFootball.com: “Several backfield weapons return in addition to Hall and Frazier. Senior RB James White (5’9 175), junior RB-LB Domonique Patterson, and junior all-purpose talent Tony Drake (5’9 165) combined for 1,857 rushing yards and 30 rushing touchdowns last season. White and Hampton combined for the majority of that production. All of the Skyline backs are good receivers out of the backfield. Junior Mike Davis (6’1 170) led Skyline in receiving as a sophomore and is a dangerous deep threat. Last season, Davis averaged 20.4 yards per reception. Junior Tony Drake, mentioned above, was Skyline’s second leading receiver a year ago. Drake combined for 605 rushing and receiving yards as a sophomore, and averaged 10.5 yards per touch. Senior Jonathan Rivers is another returning letterman that should make a contribution. A real burner.”………….Projects as a slotback in college…………….. Overshadowed by several D-I prospects at Skyline, including receivers Mike Davis (LSU) and Joe Powell (Oklahoma), but a legit big-time talent……………Vype Top 20 DFW Metroplex RBs (Summer 2008): “13. Tony Drake, Skyline The Raiders are in a situation where they are producing multiple Division I recruits each season, and Drake will be another. He only rushed for 300 yards last season, but remember again like White, he had limited opportunities because Skyline has so many talented skill players. Drake is another back with 4.4 speed.”

Class of 2010: University of Michigan Recruiting Update

It was a solid week-end for Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez and his staff as he pulled in three verbal commitments, from blue-chip quarterback Devin Gardner (albeit a somewhat silent verbal, the cat is out of the bag). And Ohioans D.J. Williamson and Antonio Kinard.

I’m not going to go into detail describing the Michigan verbals. Hard-core Michigan recruit-nicks already know pretty much all they need to know about them. Instead, I’m going to provide you with some analysis and facts that you will not find elsewhere. Here goes!

Early Verbals

First, we are going to take a look at the trend for more and more early verbals over the past few years. The recruiting process in college football is accelerating, and Michigan is following that trend, going from two to four to six early verbals the past three years at approximately the same time. Below is the breakdown.

March 16, 2009

Six early verbals: Devin Gardner (be he silent or public), Ricardo Milller, Jeremy Jackson, Jerald Robinson, D.J. Williamson and Antonio Kinard

April 1, 2008

Four early verbals: Will Campbell, Teric Jones, Isaiah Bell, J.T. Turner

April 7, 2008

Two early verbals: Boubacar Cissiko, Dann O’Neill

Early Offers

Now we are going to take a look at the reported verbals that Michigan has extended over the past three years. As you can see below, Michigan is well ahead of the then-record pace established by Coach Lloyd Carr and his staff during their final recruiting spring in 2007.

It’s also interesting to note how the new coaching staff obviously got off to a relatively slow start in extending offers a year ago. I would not be surprised to see the staff almost double last years early offer total by April 1.

March 16, 2009

Quartebacks 6

Running Backs 11

Wide Receivers 14

Tight Ends 2

Offensive Linemen 13

Defensive Linemen 12

Linebackers 14

Defensive Backs 15

Total 87

April 1, 2008

Quartebacks 6

Running Backs 8

Wide Receivers 9

Tight Ends 1

Offensive Linemen 7

Defensive Linemen 10

Linebackers 4

Defensive Backs 11

Total 56

April 7, 2008

Quartebacks 2

Running Backs 4

Wide Receivers 8

Tight Ends 7

Offensive Linemen 15

Defensive Linemen 5

Linebackers 17

Defensive Backs 13

Total 71

Re-establishing a Presence in Michigan

Landing Jeremy Jackson was to be expected as he is the son of Michigan assistant coach Fred Jackson.

The early decision on the part of Devin Gardner, however, was a pleasant surprise. Not only is he potentially the top overall prospect in the state, but he could well also be the top dual-threat QB in the nation, making him an ideal fit for Michigan’s spread offense.

The biggest bonus in landing Gardner is that as a marquee quarterback recruit he will be a magnet in helping to attract other in-state and some top out-of-state prospects to Michigan. Here are the in-state prospects either have already received a Michigan offer or who I believe have the best chances of eventually receiving an offer:

Robert Bolden QB/DB 6′3 191 4.61 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Michigan

Bolden has a Michigan offer, however it is unlikely he will end up at Michigan with Gardner on board.

Austin White RB/DB 6′0 184 4.46 Livonia Stevenson Michigan

White is the most highly touted Rb in the state and runs with good speed and cutback ability. He has a Michigan offer, but two brothers attend his fathers’s alma mater, Michigan state. That beibng said, some feel that this could come down to a Michigan-Illinois battle. He is a good friend of Devin Gardner.

Nick Hill RB 5′7 179 4.38 Chelsea Michigan

Hill is a short but very quick, fast and powerful back who reminds some of Mike Hart. He runs with a low center of gravity and is a sprinter in track. Michigan has yet to offer but there have been rumblings that he could receive one either in the spring or during summer camp. If so, I would expect him to commit.

Tony Jones WR 5′11 162 4.52 Grand Blanc Michigan

Sleeper in-stater (at least to Michigan fans) who the coaching staff should evaluate. Played this past season with two of the top sophs in the state (Ryan Morley and Justice Hayes), so buildintg a relationship with him and the Grand Blanc coaching staff can’t hurt. He is very quick. As a junior he had 69 receptions for 1,065 yards and 7 TDs and 9 KRs for 414 yards and 1 TD. He visited Michigan for the Illinois game and already has offers from Northwestern and Indiana.

Kazeem “C.J.” Olaniyan TE/DL/LB 6′5 235 Warren Mott Michigan

Had a huge junior season and is a legit big-timer. Macomb County not known for putting out a lot of Michigan-caliber talent but it is the strongest year since the Allen Jefferson/Bud Gereg/John Vitale era for prospects out of Warren, and Kazeem is the best of the bunch.

Paul Jorgenson OL/DL 6′7 253 5.32 DeWitt Michigan

It is not a very good year for offensive linemen in Michigan, but Jorgenson is a legit high-level BCS prospect. The problem for the Wolverines is that he is from the Lansuing ara and may be tough to pry away from the Spartans.

William Gholston DL/TE 6′8 237 4.82 Detroit Southeastern Michigan

Gholston is arguably the top overall prospect in the state and a spending DE. He has a Michigan offer but is considered to be a strong Michigan State lean.

Johnathan Hankins DL/OL 6′3 326 5.10 Detroit Southeastern Michigan

Hankins isn’t quite the prospect as his teammate Gholston, however he is a real space-eater who could potentially earn himself an offer.

Austin Gray LB 6′2 203 4.60 Warren Fitzgerald Michigan

Another talentd prospect out of Warren who has yet to receive a Michigan offer but already has some solid Big Ten offers. He really likes Michigan, but how long is he willing to wait?

Ishmael Thomas LB 6′4 200 4.62 Detroit Renaissance Michigan

One of the top prospects out of the Detroit PSL is a bit on the raw side but is a tall, rangy and athletic ‘backer with a great frame that could easily add 30 pounds. Comes from a program with some stud underclassmen.

Dior Mathis CB 5′9 160 4.31 Detroit Cass Tech Michigan

The latest blue-chipper to emerge out of Cass Tech. He has an early Michigan offer and Michigan has made a push to emerge as the prohibitive favorite over former leader Miami and several others.

Daniel Easterly DB/WR/LB 6′5 193 4.40 Detroit Cass Tech Michigan

Cass Tech has several quality skill athletes this year, but Easterly is the one to most likely join Mathis as a high-BCS level prospect. A tall safety reminiscent of another former PSL star in terms of his stature - Earnest Shazor. Yet to receive a Michigan offer but one could materialize sometime before summer.

Mylan Hicks DB 5′11 175 4.42 Detroit Renaissance Michigan

A very good year for DBs in the PSL and Hicks is another kid who could eventually earn himself a Michigan offer. As a junior RB/DB on a 5-4 team, he had 104 carries for 685 yards (6.59ypc) and 4 TDs, 3 receptions for 28 yards, 9 tackles, 6 assists, 15 PBUs and 1 INT………As a sophomore on a 6-4 team, he started at DB and at RB had 23 carries for 211 yards (9.17 ypc) and 2 TDs, 2 tackles, 2 assists…….Could be a RB or CB in college, with CB being his best projected spot due t his quickness and closing speed……..Very quick and athletic. At RB he runs tough and has a quick burst through the line. Very elusive.

Earnest Thomas S 6′2 200 Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Michigan

From a program that ued to be a Michigan pipeline. Prep LB who projects as a safety in college. Has some early Big Ten offers, but not from Michigan…………..Junior starter at LB and he recorded 85 tackles, 4 sacks and 1 INT ……………Sophomore starter at LB on a powerful 10-3……………A nice-sized safety who can run, cover and come up and hit you

Pipeline Schools

Every program depends on a select handful of pipeline programs to send them their blue-ship prospects on a regular basis. Ohio State has Cleveland Glenville, Florida State has Tallahassee Lincoln, Miami (Florida) has Miami Northwestern. These are just a few examples of the many “college pipeline” programs across the nation.

Sometimes after a few years pipelines run dry. It could be because of a change of coaching staff at either the high school or college, a lack of D-I talent continuing to emerge from the high school or simply because a few players to head down the road less taken.

Indianapolis (IN) Warren Central, Cincinnati (OH) Colerain, Villa Angela (OH) St. Joseph, Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary are exemples of former Michigan pipeline schools.

Back in the 1970s, Cass Tech was a pipeline school, sending such greats as Harlan Huckleby, Curtis Greer, Tom Seabron and Roosevelt Smith to Michigan. Things then dried up for a quite a few years at the school (excepting Clarence Williams back in the 90s) until recently with the likes of Boubacar Cissiko, Will Campbell, Thomas Gordon and Teric Jones all signing with Michigan and the possibility of another couple joining the fold next February.

Who are some of the other potential Michigan pipeline programs? Here are a few.

Inkster

Michigan landed WR/LB prospects Cameron Gordon in February and has a verbal from blue-chip QB Devin Gardner for next year. Several of Gardner’s teammates joined him this past weekend at Michigan for “Junior Day”, but I doubt that they will receive Michigan offers. There are however a couple of underclassmen to watch out for in the years ahead:

Donovan Lindsay DB 5′11 180 Inkster

Lindsay will be ojne of the top overall Class of 2011 prospects in the state. He started as a sophomore for a state runner-up team and is an athletic, physical, tough and instinctive safety prospect with great upside

Marquise Wallace OL 6′3 255 Inkster Michigan

Wallace has scary potential and is my top-rated freshman lineman in the state. He started as a freshman for the powerful Inkster team. A name to remember. Scary potential.

Pahokee

Martavious Odoms in 2008, Vincent Smith and Brandin Hawhtorn in 2009. In 2010, Pahokee could have their deepest group of D-I prospects in several years. ALL of the prospects listed below are legitimate BCS-level scholarship prospects. Som already have big-time offers.

Johnson has a Michigan offer and is the most highly rated of the bunch. The Florida “Big Threeiorda Big Three” have all offered”.

Pickett recently transferred from neighboring power Glades Cental to join his cousin Johnson at Pahokee. Florida State and West Virginia have already offered.

Willis has reported early offers from Oregon and UCLA. Ford from West Virginia and FIU. Allen from Miami, Rutgers and West Virginia.

Noel has come on like gangbusters at winter combines and passing camps and is looking more and more like qa big-time corner. It is downright scary how talented and deep this group is. Don’t be surprised to see Michigan end up offering three or four of these youngsters. Too bad the Pahokee run will soon be coming to an end as the sugar comp any that basically employs most of the people in the town will be closing down as part of a government deal to preserve the Everglades.

DeJoshua Johnson WR 5′11 143 4.38 Pahokee Florida

Fred Pickett WR 5′10 167 4.58 Pahokee Florida

Dennis Hall WR 5′9 163 4.65 Pahokee Florida

Willis Bowles OL 6′3 285 5.20 Pahokee Florida

Doral Willis OL/DL 6′0 328 5.83 Pahokee Florida

Antonio Ford DL/OL 6′4 265 5.00 Pahokee Florida

Richard Ash DL/OL 6′4 260 Pahokee Florida

Zachary Allen LB/DL 6′2 200 4.60 Pahokee Florida

Corey Hill LB/RB 5′10 190 Pahokee Florida

Merrill Noel DB 5′10 180 4.37 Pahokee Florida

Trotwood-Madison

Michigan landed three prospects out of this Ohio program in 2008 (Ray Roundtree, Brandon Moore and Michael Shaw), but did not offer anybody in 2009 (Chris Freeman was the op prospect). The 2010 class has about nine D-I prospects (Willie Ballard-QB, Anthony Render-OL/DL, Alvin Hall-WR, Justin Favors-TE, Rodney Peters-WR/TE, Greg Gainey-TE, Darion Delaney-OL, Anthony Gibson-OLB, Jordan Paschal-DB), however at this point none of these prospects appear close to receiving a Michigan offer. Things may change, however, after summer camp. Hall, Gibson, Render, Favors and Paschal are the most likely to garner late attention.

The school does have several blue-chip underclassmen including two DEFINITE Michigan offer types in Class of 2011 WR A.J. Jordan (6-3, 190, 4.41; As a sophomore WR, he caught 30 passes for 500 yards and 4 TDs) and Class of 2012 DB George Bradley (6-1, 195; rare freshman starter). Class of 2011 Marcus Graham is also a very talented dual-threat QB to watch out for.

Class of 2011: Some Ohio State Prospects

Here is an early look at some Class of 2011 prospects for Ohio State fans to keep an eye on. The list is by no means comprehensive, but should give you a flavor of some of the young prospects on Ohio State’s radar.

Nick O’Leary TE 6′4 215 Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer Florida

2008 Honors: 2-South Florida Sun Sentinel-Palm Beach County-6A-5A-4A (TE)

One of the top sophomore TE prospects in Florida………..Sophomore starter at TE for a 4A team and during the regular season he had 18 receptions for 351 yards (19.5 avg) and 5 TDs…………Has good size………Grandson of golf great Jack Nicklaus

Chris Rock TE/DL 6′5 245 Columbus St. Francis de Sales Ohio

One of the top sophomores in Ohio………….Sophomore starter at TE and DL……………He transferred from Worthington to DeSales for his sophomore year………………..Freshman starter at TE………..Great frame, very athletic……..A major talent who will pick up offers early, very early…………….Several programs including Ohio State are looking at Rock early.

Braxton Miller QB/DB/WR 6′1 174 4.47 Huber Heights Wayne Ohio

Honors: MaxPreps 100 Sophomores to Watch (Summer 2008); Top 12 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008); 2-GWOC Central (QB)

One of the top sophomore skill athletes in the nation…………As a sophomore he was injured in late September but was expected to return later in the season. He had completed 59 of 113 passes for 642 yards and 5 touchdowns while also rushing 54 times for 234 yards and 6 scores…….Freshman stats Passing: 93-152-10 INTs, 1,048 yards, 9 TDs; Rushing: 93-303 yards, 5 TDs …………….Cousin of ex-Ohio State receiver Dee Miller…………..Will end up as a four-year starter at Wayne……….Great physical skills, possessing good height, size and quickness…….In his first start as a freshman he completed 10 of 15 passes for 149 yards and 2 INTs…….With his great athleticism he could make a fine college safety down the road, but he has a very stong arm as a QB and throws a nice deep ball. Possible heir-apparent to Terrelle Pryor at Ohio State, his big fave…………..Also playing varsity basketball as a freshman…………Offered by Cincinnati in March of his freshman year and by Ohio State as a sophomore………..Very impressive at the 2008 Ohio State summer camp…………Second Team All-Combine at 2008 Cincinnati Under Armour/Scout.com Combine…………First Team Cincinnati Under Armour/Scout.com Underclass All-Combine (May 2008)…………..Very impressive at the May 2008 Cincinnati Under Armour/Scout.com Combine (4.47 forty, 35 vertical jump, 4.30 shuttle)

Robert Walton RB 5′10 190 Cleveland Glenville Ohio

One of the top sophomores in Ohio……….Sophomore starter at RB………….Has a great combination of power and speed……………….Had 20 carries for 134 yards in his sophomore season-opener against powerful Pittsburgh Thomas Jefferson……………Part of a loaded sophomore class at Glenville

Trayion Durham RB 6′0 200 Cincinnati Colerain Ohio

One of the top overall sophomore prospects in Ohio………….Sophomore starter at FB and through 4 games he had rushed for 515 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Cardinals……………………A powerful downhill runner with surprising speed and quick feet. His nickname is “The Bull

Tyler Williams RB/WR 5′7 155 4.75 Cincinnati Colerain Ohio

2008 Honors; HM-ONN/Ohio High-Ohio (RB)

2007 Honors: Top 12 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008)

One of the top sophomore RBs in Ohio…………. Through 3 games of the 2008 season: In the backfield, sophomore running back Tyler Williams has 29 rushes for 343 yards and four touchdowns. Sophomore fullback Trayion Durham has 48 rushes for 294 yards and two touchdowns……………..Very quick, has the speed to get around the corner and can cut on a dime. Would make a nice slot receiver in college……………He had one of the top freshman SPARQ scores in the nation (4.75 forty, 4.12sh, 3100 KPB, 31.2vert, 150 MASS, 79.56 SPARQ)…………His older brother, Trammell, plays at Cincinnati

A.J. Jordan WR 6′3 190 4.41 Trotwood-Madison Ohio

2008 Honors: MaxPreps 100 Sophomores to Watch (Summer 2008)

2007 Honors: 1-Conference Top 12 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008)

One of the top sophomores in Ohio………………As a sophomore WR, he caught 30 passes for 500 yards and 4 TDs…………..The only freshman on a talent-laden team and he had 1 reception for 8 yards…………One of the top hurdlers in the nation……Runs crisp routes, has an excelent burst and is very fast……………His coach says that he should eventually receive an offer from Ohio State

James Lucas WR/LB 6′2 205 Canton South Ohio

One of the top sophomores in Ohio……………Sophomore starter at WR…………….He has a great combination of size and speed and the ability to make acrobatic catches…………..In the season-opener of his sophomore season he caught 4 passes for 74 yards

Shane Wynn WR/RB 5′8 165 4.43 Cleveland Glenville Ohio

2008 Honors: MaxPreps 100 Sophomores to Watch (Summer 2008)

2007 Honors: Top 50 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008)

One of the top sophomores in Ohio……….Sophomore starter at WR…………..Saw varsity playing time at RB as a freshman for the most talented program in Ohio…………………Very quick. Compares favorably to former Tarblooder Raymond Small at the same stage……………Excels as a return man……….Being compared to former Glenville and current Ohio State player Ray Small………….4.29 shuttle as a freshman

Jamare Mills TE/DL 6′4 240 5.43 Dublin Scioto Ohio

2007 Honors: Top 12 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008

One of the top sophomores in Ohio………..Sophomore starter……………….The only freshman on the varsity roster and he had 2 receptions for 29 yards……TE/DE…………….2.75 GPA…………..Ohio State his big fave

Ray Hamilton TE 6′4 215 Strongsville Ohio

2007 Honors: Top 12 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008)

One of the top sophomores in Ohio………The top underclassman to watch as a sophomore on a 6-4 team (TE)

Aundrey Walker OL/DL 6′5 305 Cleveland Glenville Ohio

One of the top sophomores in Ohio and linemen in the nation…………..Sophomore starter at OT………………….Really put together well – all muscles. Remarkable for a sophomore. Has the potential to be better than Marcus Hall.

Steve Miller DL/LB 6′4 200 Canton McKinley Ohio

One of the top sophomores in Ohio and DE prospects in the nation………….Sophomore starter at DE…………Tall and rangy DE who has a great motor, is a terror on the edge and has excellent pursuit skills. Very instinctive but needs to develop technique, especially in pass rushing. A special prospect

Bryan Baird DL/LB 6′4 211 4.74 Bellbrook Ohio

One of the top freshmen in Ohio…………He was one of the top performers at the June 2008 NUC Ultimate100 Freshman East Camp: “Bryan Baird Bellbrook HS, OH 9th DL Baird, 6’4 211, was crowned the big man combine king and won the DL MVP award. Bair displayed great athletic abilities for a lineman as he had a 31 inch jump-stand vertical, and an 8’8 broad jump. He also bench pressed 155 lbs 18 times (4.85 forty, 4.91 shuttle, 31 vertical)”……………Very impressive at the morning session of the April 2008 Columbus NUC (6-foot-3 ½, 205-pounds, 31.5-inch vertical jump, 4.74 40 and an impressive 4.5 shuttle time), winning the Freshman Combine King award………..Has a great frame and runs well……Has a big-time future

Chris Boles DL/OL 6′3 300 5.06 Toledo Central Catholic Ohio

One of the top sophomore linemen in Ohio………….Impressive at the April 12, 2008 Columbus NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC (Great 5.06 forty)

Kenny Hays DL/TE 6′5 220 Toledo Whitmer Ohio

2007 Honors: Top 12 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008)

One of the top sophomore linemen in Ohio………….Sophomore two-way starter……Great frame and very athletic.

Ben Duffie DL 6′1 270 5.45 Eaton Ohio

One of the top sophomore DT prospects in Ohio………………A very physical DT…………He was one of the top performers at the June 2008 NUC Ultimate100 Freshman East Camp……….Impressive at the May 18, 2008 Cleveland NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC: “Ben Duffie Eaton HS OH 9th DL Duffie, 6’0 265 was the winner of the DL MVP. Duffie impressed coaches during his 1 on 1 drills and is a monster of the midway due to his size.”

Andre Sturdivant LB 6′3 230 Cleveland Glenville Ohio

One of the top sophomores in Ohio……….Sophomore starter at MLB for a talent-laden program…………..Part of a remarkable sophomore class at Glenville………………Really put together well, very physical, tough and aggressive, has a great frame and is dominant as a mere sophomore against the run. A national recruit, no doubt about it

Steven Daniels LB 6′1 220 Cincinnati St. Xavier Ohio

2008 Honors: MaxPreps 100 Sophomores to Watch (Summer 2008)

One of the top overall sophomore prospects in Ohio………Sophomore starter at LB……………..Will start at LB as a sophomore on a 15-0 Division I state champion team……………Started on the freshman team, averaging over 10 tackles per game………Great combination of size, speed and athleticism.

Ryan Schneiber OL 6′3 265 Cincinnati St. Xavier Ohio

One of the top sophomore OL prospects in Ohio………Will possibly start on the OL as a sophomore on a 15-0 Division I state champion team

Anthony Pruitt OL/DL 6′4 308 Columbus Mifflin Ohio

One of the top sophomore OL prospects in Ohio…………..Was a freshman starter on the line

Brandon Ferguson OL/DL 6′7 240 Beloit West Branch Ohio

One of the top sophomore OT prospects ion Ohio…………Sophomore starter, great

Greg Brown DB/WR 5′10 155 4.50 Fremont Ross Ohio

2007 Honors: Top 12 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008)

One of the top sophomores in Ohio………….Sophomore starter at DB…………Will start as a sophomore……………Very quick, speedy, athletic, great body control, fine ball skills and has fluid hips…………Very impressive at the 2008 Michigan summer camp and was rated by some onlookers as the second best CB at the camp as a mere freshman………..Very impressive at the June 2008 Ohio High School Coaches Associations 7-on-7 event…………From a program that has produced the likes of Charles Woodson, Rob Lytle and Bob Brudzinski over the years…………..His father played at Iowa.

Doran Grant DB 5′10 165 4.59 Akron St. Vincent St. Mary Ohio

One of the top sophomores in Ohio…………….As a sophomore starter at CB he recorded 22 tackles, 3 INTs, 3 PBUs and 1 FR…………..One of 10 talented freshman at Akron STVM…………..Athletic, quick, good nose for the ball and very physical………..285 bench, 38 vertical, 4.04 shuttle…………..3.1 GPA………..Very impressive at the 2008 Michigan summer camp…………….He was one of the top performers at the June 2008 NUC Ultimate100 Freshman East Camp………….Very impressive at the May 2008 Cleveland NUC, being named overall MVP of the morning session………….He tested pretty well as a freshman at the 2008 Pittsburgh

Christian Dukes DB/RB 5′9 161 4.75 Cincinnati Colerain Ohio

One of the top sophomore DBs in Ohio…………. Sophomore starter at CB…………Fluid hips, very quick and physical and aggressive. If he gets a bit taller he will go big-time…………He had one of the top freshman SPARQ scores in the nation (85.92 SPARQ, 4.75 forty, 4.06 shuttle, 32 vertical………..3.5 GPA…………..Lists Ohio State, Florida, LSU, Tenn. USC

Cheatham Norrils DB 5′10 161 4.63 Toledo St. John’s Jesuit Ohio

One of the top sophomore skill athletes in Ohio…………Sophomore starter at WR and CB…………Already has an offer from Toledo…………Talented PG in hoops………….Very impressive at the April 12, 2008 Columbus NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC (35-inch vertical jump, a 4.32 shuttle, a 4.63 40, and a combine best broad jump of 10-feet, 1-inch)

Eilar Hardy DB 6′0 150 4.67 Pickerington Central Ohio

One of the top sophomores in Ohio…………Sophomore starter at LB…………….Plays for a program, that is churning out D-I talent in recent years……………190 bench, 265 squat, 4.5 shuttle as a freshman………Impressive at the April 12, 2008 Columbus NUC and was invited to participate at the Ultimate 100 NUC

Brice Everett DB/RB 5′8 140 Canton McKinley Ohio

2007 Honors: Top 50 Ohio Freshman Watchlist (January 2008)

Sophomore starter at CB…………….Little brother of former Buckeye Tyler Everett………..Very quick and athletic, but needs to get bigger

Class of 2010: Michigan Lands Two Outstanding Wide Receivers

It has been a great week on the recruiting front for Rich Rodriguez and his staff.  Last week they landed versatile Cass Tech prospect Thomas Gordon, who will likely play safety at Michigan.  This week they have picked up early verbals from two of the top junior WRs in the nation – Ricardo Miller and Jeremy Jackson.

Who are some other junior prospects that Michigan fans should keep man eye on?  Prospects such as Dior Mathis, William Gholston, Austin White, Marvin Robinson and Chistian Lombard are names well-known to fans of Michigan recruiting.  What about some off-the-radar prospects who could eventually receive offers?  I’ll be identifying some of these prospects over the next few weeks, starting today.

Below are my bios on the two most recent Michigan verbals and a few “sleepers” to watch out for.

Name:	Ricardo Miller
Class:	2010
Position:	WR
Height:	6′3
Weight:	203
Forty:	4.50
City/School:	Orlando Dr. Phillips
State:	Florida
College Commitment:	Michigan
Top Offers:	USF, MICH, CFU, FLA, UCLA, TEN, STAN
National Ranking Position:	6
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top overall junior prospects in Florida and WRs in the nation………He committed to Michigan in September…………..Projects as a WR in college………..Through 4 games as a junior he had 8 receptions for 135 yards and 4 TDs…………Sophomore co-starter at TE and also played some DE on a 7-5 6A team. He had 4 receptions for 75 yards and 1 TD……………Runs the sprints in track………..Impressive at July 2008 Florida Friday Night Lights camp…………. Very impressive at the July 2008 USF Sling and Shoot. In fact, he was considered by some to be the top rising junior in attendance……….Very impressive at the 2008 Michigan summer camp (Ran a 4.50 forty and won the WR Smokehouse Award for fastest forty)………….Very impressive at the June 2008 Central Florida 7-on-7 tournament……..Put together well, is fast, quick, physical, great body balance and has soft hands…………His mother is a Michigan alum………….3.7 GPA.

Name:	Jeremy Jackson
Class:	2010
Position:	WR
Height:	6′3
Weight:	188
Forty:	4.58
City/School:	Ann Arbor Huron
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan
Top Offers:	MICH, LSU, EMU, MIN, CMU, IA, TOL, NCAR, FLA, TEX, LOU, STAN, NEB
National Ranking Position:	10
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top junior in Michigan…………..He committed to Michigan in October 2008……..As a sophomore starter at WR, he had 41 receptions for 535 yards and 3 TDs…………..Very impressive as one of the few sophomores at the 2008 U.S. Army Combine………..Nice frame, long arms, soft hands, smooth and good speed. Reminds some of Michigan WR Adrian Arrington………….Was offered a scholarship by Michigan (Lloyd Carr) in the summer of 2007…………………………The son of Michigan RB coach Fred Jackson………….Impressive at the 2008 Michigan (4.58 forty) and Texas camps…………….Scheduled to attend the July 2008 Florida Friday Night Lights Camp……………..Camped at Michigan in 2007……….Attended 2008 Michigan spring game………..Really like Michigan but also thinking about heading south and will camp in 2008 at Texas and Florida (Has a Friday Night Lights invitation)

Name:	DeJoshua Johnson
Class:	2010
Position:	WR
Height:	6′0
Weight:	180
Forty:	4.50
City/School:	Pahokee
State:	Florida
Top Offers:	x
National Ranking Position:	59
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top junior WRs in southeastern Florida……………….Junior starter at WR in a program loaded with D-I caliber skill athletes……………One of several key juniors to watch…………….One of 12 sophomores on a 14-0 state champion Class 2B team and he had 3 receptions for 104 yards and 1 TD…………..He has great speed and does a nice job with the ball in his hands. A real deep threat……………..Plays for a team that churns out D-I skill talent (Martavoius Odoms, Nurkeese Richardson, Vincent Smith, etc…..)………Not putting up the huge numbers that he should as a senior once some of the talented seniors graduate.

Name:	Malik Cross
Class:	2010
Position:	RB/DB/WR
Height:	5′11
Weight:	186
Forty:	4.55
City/School:	Oxon Hill
State:	Maryland
Top Offers:	OLD DOM
National Ranking Position:	114
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	33 Maryland Juniors to Watch (MdPreps.com; July 2008)
News And Notes:	One of the top junior skill athletes in Maryland………………..As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,653 yards and 9 TDs. He also had 853 yards and 3 TDs as a receiver and made 43 tackles on defense………….His older brother, Walter Cross, played at Michigan…………………..Could play either RB, WR or CB in college

Name:	Brennan Clay
Class:	2010
Position:	RB/DB
Height:	6′0
Weight:	182
Forty:	4.55
City/School:	San Diego Scripps Ranch
State:	California
Top Offers:	BAY, STAN, WISC
National Ranking Position:	32
Rating:	5
Sophomore Local Honors:	6 California Sophomores To Watch (August 2007); Top 100 Area Sophomores (San Diego Union-Tribune; November 2, 2007)
News And Notes:	One of the top juniors in California…………….Plays for the same program as Michigan verbal Tate Forcier…………As a freshman starter, he ran for 8 TDs and returned a kickoff for another…………….An explosive back who possesses fine speed and soft hands……….32 vertical………….21-3 long jumper as a freshman…………Very impressive at the June 2008 B2G Elite Program (All-B2G Team). He was named the Most Versatile Performer as he looked great playing both RB and WR…………In the season-opener he had 10 carries for 60 yards for a team that finished 6-5. Is the only freshman on the roster…………He was offered by Baylor as a sophomore…………..Scripps Ranch (6-4) at (1) Oceanside (8-1): The Falcons have some offensive weapons in sophomore RB Brennan Clay and junior QB Robert Forcier.

Name:	Zak Tait
Class:	2010
Position:	OL/DL
Height:	6′4
Weight:	300
Forty:
City/School:	Knoxville Catholic
State:	Tennessee
Top Offers:	AL, TEN, MARSH
National Ranking Position:	21
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	1-Murphy Fair-PS-3A-AS (DL)
Sophomore Local Honors:	1-TSWA-3A-AS (DL)
News And Notes:	One of the top juniors in Tennessee……………….He is a big Rich Rodriguez fan …….During the 2007 season he suffered a major injury halfway through the season, incurring tears of the ACL, MCL and PCL. Fortunately, there was no meniscus or cartilage damage. He was taken out of school to recover, will re-enroll in September 2008 as a junior and sit out the 2008 season to recover and hopefully play as a “redshirt” senior in 2009. Update: As of September 2008 his rehab is progressing and he expects to return for 2009 spring drills……………Sophomore starter in 2006 at OG and showed fine athletic ability and the quickness to effectively pull while playing in the wing-T…………February 2007 e-mail from his dad: Hi Jim. A friend of mine in Michigan referred me to your blog. Great initiative.I have a 6-4, 300 lb OG/DT that can run. Class of 09. Knoxville Catholic High School. Knoxville, TN. TSSAA 1st Team AAA All-State, All Region, etc. Good program (H. Smith-Safety to ND, and TJ Franklin-OT to Cincinnati). B level competition, but getting stronger each year in the Knoxville area.In the interest of full disclosure…he is my kid. Zak Tait………………..Freshman starter at OG on a 11-2 3A team and was very good……….Excellent leadership skills………….325 bench in March 2008 while recovering from knee surgery………As of September he likes Alabama, LSU, Georgia, Notre Dame, Florida, and Michigan (he likes the way Rich Rodriguez coaches)

Name:	Seth Cunningham
Class:	2010
Position:	DB
Height:	6′0
Weight:	170
Forty:	4.35
City/School:	Lakewood St. Edward
State:	Ohio
College Commitment:
Top Offers:	x
National Ranking Position:	85
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top junior CB prospects in Ohio………….Will also play WR as a junior……….Sophomore starter at CB for a powerful progam that went just 4-5, and he recorded 37 tackles, 3 INTs and 3 PBUs………..Outstanding speed (10.70 100 meters, 21.69 200 meters) and has good size and strength………..2.7 GPA………..His father is from Michigan and he likes Michigan………….As of August he was hearing from Ohio State, Illinois, Michigan and Notre Dame.

Class of 2009: Michigan State Stays Home

What’s that old saying?  There’s no place like home.  Well, Coach Mark Dantonio and his staff  have done a tremendous job the past couple of years of essentially recruiting in just two states – Michigan and Ohio.  The February 2008 signing class of 21 had 13 Michiganders, six Ohioans and one prospect each from Georgia and Virginia.   This year’s 13 early verbals include nine Michiganders, three Ohioans and one prospect from Indiana.  Compare that to rival Michigan’s 13 early verbals, who come from nine different states and include only two Michiganders.

In a sense, Michigan State has often benefitted from Michigan’s out-of-state recruiting successes because it frees up more local talent, those who have not received Michigan offers, to head to Michigan State.  Sure, State will sometimes win the one-on-one battle with Michigan for a star in-state prospect, and such names as Andre Rison, Courtney Hawkins, Carl Banks, T.J. Duckett, Charles Rogers, and, most recently, Fred Smith come to mind.  Nonetheless, on average Michigan has won about 80% of those battles in recent history.

This year, however, to coin a phrase from Bob Dylan, “things have changed”.  Dantonio and staff, after a year getting their feet wet on the recruiting trail, have hit the state hard, and with a vengeance.  In the meantime, Rich Rodriguez and his staff of mostly southerners have had to play catch-up in getting to know the in-state programs and coaching staffs.  Moreover, their focus has been evermore south of the Mason-Dixon line, which at the end of the day could be a good thing for both Michigan and MSU.

Players such as Chris Norman and Edwin Baker are nationall elite-level stud prospects who Michigan would have really loved to have.  Larry Capers and Andrew Maxwell are two other in-staters wih outstanding ability who probably would not have been ideal fits in Michigan’s new spread option offense.  But enough of comparisons with Michigan and who would and wouldn’t have been good fits as Wolverines (I’m sure that U-M fans would not like to hear about how certain of their recruits would not be good fits at State, and there are a few).  Dantonio has ramped up recruiting to a level where State is now a major force in-state and a national top twenty player on the national recruiting stage.

Here are some of my thoughts on MSU’s 13 verbals, followed by bios on each of the prospects:

The stars: No question about it, Edwin Baker and Chris Norman are special talents and rank with William Campbell as the top three prospects in the state.

The sleeper: Watch out for Country Day WR Bennie Fowler to really surprise people as a senior and at State.  This is a kid who was injured for half of his junior season, his first year of football, and didn’t get too many touches when healthy with the likes of Jonas Gray around to lug the ball.  He is a sprinter with outstanding potential.

The quarterback:  Andrew Maxwell is a kid who seems to have been around forever at QB at Midland High.  He has a strong arm, but really stands out due to his great accuracy, quick release and game management skills.  He looked very good at the national Elite 11 last week and should be a multiple-year starter for the Spartans.

Skill, skill and more skill: You have to love the offensive skill athletes Dantonio is bringing in.  He has blue-chippers at QB (Maxwell), RB (Baker and Larry Caper) and three talented WR prospects who complement each other very well in Patrick White (could also play DB), Donald Spencer and Fowler.

The enigma:  Larry Caper was touted by some as being possibly the top rising junior in Michigan a year ago.  At early 2008 combines and camps he didn’t really look that quick and was a bit too heavy.  He seems to have slimmed down a bit and looked better at recent events.  He is a bigger back who performs better under live game conditions than in 7-on-7 skeleton drills or combine settings. I look for him to have a huge career at State and form a dynamic one-two punch with Baker.

The big boys: No national blue-chip prospects in this group, but some intriguing athletes who could be a steal for State.  Derek Hoebing really intrigues me a lot as a prospect.  Imagine a kid his size playing OLB in high school.  He really moved up the charts during spring evaluation and looks to be a great get.  Micajah Reynolds is another big kid with quick feet and great power.  He has a nice ceiling.   Nate Klatt and Blake Treadwell are two others I like.  They may be a bit ahead of Hoebing and Reynolds in terms of technique and readiness to contribute early.

Please keep in mind that my database extracts listed below (including offer lists) have not been updated since early May as I only follow prospects for my college clients through late in their junior year (other than updating verbal commitments). Please do not attempt to subscribe to my Recruiting Brain service unless you can verify that you are on a college staff.

Name:	Dana Dixon
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	DB
Position:	DB/WR
Height:	6′3
Weight:	175
Forty:
City/School:	Detroit Renaissance
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	NW, LOU, MIA (OH), AKRON, MICHST
National Ranking Position:	162
State Ranking:
Rating:	5
Sophomore Local Honors:	37-Sophs-Michigan (June 2007)
News And Notes:	One of the top junior skill athletes in Detroit………..He committed to Michigan State in June………Talented FS and WR prospect who has started at both spots since his sophomore season………..One of 4 sophomores on the roster of a 6-4 team and he had 10 tackles and 15 assists…..Free safety…………Nice size and runs well. Has the frame to add 20 pounds………….Plays for a program that has produced several high-level D-I players…………….Third Team All-Camp at the March 2008 Badger Sport/New Level Athletics Passing Camp

Name:	Derek Hoebing
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	DL
Position:	DL/OL
Height:	6′6
Weight:	245
Forty:	4.90
City/School:	Vermillion
State:	Ohio
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	MICHST, MD, NW, UVA, AKRON, EMU, MIA (OH)
National Ranking Position:	113
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	2-Conference
Sophomore Local Honors:	Top 250 Ohio Sophomores (June 2007)
News And Notes:	One of the top DE and OT prospects in Ohio……………He committed to Michigan State in July…………..Junior starter at TE and OLB and he had 40 tackles and 4 sacks, but will be an OT in college…………..One of the fastest-rising prospects in Ohio during the 2008 spring evaluation period…………..Quick feet for his size, as evidenced by his playing LB on defense…………Plays basketball…………..3.7 GPA

Name:	Chris Norman
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	LB
Position:	LB/OL
Height:	6′3
Weight:	219
Forty:	4.60
City/School:	Detroit Renaissance
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	MIA (OH), TOL, OHIO, CIN, MICHST, PUR, VANDY, NW, IA, ILL, IN, MIN, MICH, WVU, PSU, ORE, WISC, LOU, VT, BC, OHST, ND
Synopsis:
National Ranking Position:	10
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	1-Detroit News-Detroit (LB); 2-Detroit Free Press-Detroit (LB)
Sophomore Local Honors:	13-Sophs-Michigan (June 2007)
News And Notes:	One of the top juniors in Michigan and LBs in the nation………He committed to Michigan State in February 2008…………1-Detroit News-Detroit (LB): “Chris Norman, Jr., Renaissance A menacing and attacking defender, Norman had 97 tackles, including 19 for a loss, and seven sacks. He also forced five fumbles”………………One of 4 sophomores on the roster of a 6-4 team and he had 13 tackles and 29 assists from his LB spot. On offense, he started at OT……..Injured as a freshman…..Runs very well, very aggressive and will really hit you. Needs to work on shedding blocks.  Huge upside.  Huge………Has a knack for getting to the QB……Very impressive at 2007 Michigan State summer camp…………325 bench, 27 bench reps, 38 vertical………….Has skinny legs and needs to improve lower body strength………..Plans to major in biology……….First Team All-Camp at the March 2008 Badger Sport/New Level Athletics Passing Camp………………..”Junior LB Chris Norman (6-2, 225) has the size to stand his ground.”

Name:	TyQuan Hammock
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	LB
Position:	LB/RB/DL
Height:	6′1
Weight:	225
Forty:	4.70
City/School:	Fort Wayne Bishop Luers
State:	Indiana
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	NILL, MIN, IN, BG, CMU, MIA (OH), MICHST
National Ranking Position:	111
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	1-IFCA-Top 50 AS (DL); 1-AP-2A-AS (LB); 1-Bloomington Herald Times-Junior-AS (LB)
Sophomore Local Honors:	HM-AP-3A-AS (LB); HM-Bloomington Herald-Times-Junior AS (RB/LB/DE)
Freshman Local Honors:	HM-Bloomington Herald-Junior-AS (FB/DE)
News And Notes:	One of the top juniors in Indiana……….He committed to Michigan State in July……..A very, very productive prep LB.  Nice combination of size and speed. Does a great job of flowing to the ball…………As a junior, he recorded 164 tackles, 24 tackles for a loss, 13 sacks, and seven forced fumbles………..Has started since his freshman season, playing OLB as a frosh before moving inside as a sophomore…………He recorded 115 tackles as a sophomore………As a freshman he tallied 75 tackles and 11 sacks…………….Second Team All-Camp at the March 2008 Badger Sport/New Level Athletics Passing Camp………………325 bench, 450 squat, 33 vertical……..2.8 GPA, high 1300s on the SAT……….Wants to major in accounting or criminal justice……….Camped in 2007 at Notre Dame, Minnesota and Northern Illinois……….His brother, Thomas, played at Northern Illinois and is now an assistant coach at Minnesota

Name:	Blake Treadwell
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	OL
Position:	OL/DL
Height:	6′3
Weight:	271
Forty:	4.90
City/School:	East Lansing
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	MICHST
National Ranking Position:	108
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	1-Detroit Free Press-Division 3-AS (DL); SM-AP-Division 3-4-AS (L); 1-Lansing State Journal-Area Dream Team (OL)
Sophomore Local Honors:	Top 75 Ohio Sophomores (June 2007); 9-Sophs-Cincinnati (May 2007)
News And Notes:	One of the top junior linemen in Michigan……………..He committed to Michigan State in March………….As a junior two-way starter on a 9-4 team he had 49 tackles, 21 assists and 1 FR…………A versatile lineman who has good quickness, athleticism and technique.  Has gotten much bigger the past year…….1-Lansing State Journal-Area Dream Team: “OL Blake Treadwell East Lansing junior, 6-3/261 Treadwell, a tackle, was the top blocker for an offense averaging 341 yards and 27.4 points per game. Also a defensive end, he earned a Division 3-4 all-state special mention and is a Division I prospect”…………….Was one of the top sophomores in Cincinnati while playing at Mason High but is moving to Lansing, Michigan for his junior year as his father, Donnie Treadway, is a new assistant football coach at Michigan State………….Lansing State Journal, August 2007: “9. We all know about Grand Ledge’s James Jackson. Are there other juniors to watch? Surely, many will emerge this fall. But here are a few that already stick out. East Lansing lineman Blake Treadwell’s name – and 6-foot-3, 261-pound body – was the buzz even before he chose a school after his father Don Treadwell was chosen as Michigan State’s offensive coordinator. He’ll start at offensive tackle and on the defensive line and could be special. ; Fall 2006 Message Board: Top Sophomores Who are the top sohpmores this year? class of 2009 Blake Treadwell from Mason is a manchild. His dad is the offensive coordinater for UC. Blake started as a sophomore on the DL, and IMO was the best out there. That maybe not be saying much considering Mason’s D this year, but he is the best nevertheless. He tore his miniscus mid-season but look for him to dominate offensive lines in years to come.”

Name:	Micajah Reynolds
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	OL
Position:	OL/DL
Height:	6′4
Weight:	285
Forty:
City/School:	Lansing Sexton
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	TOL, WMU, BG, IN, MICHST
National Ranking Position:	113
Rating:	5
News And Notes:	One of the top junior OL prospects in Michigan……….He committed to Michigan State in June…………….A nice-sized, powerful  and athletic OL prospect who is still a bit raw but has a high ceiling…………3.2 GPA…………One of the top sophomore shot putters in Michigan…………..May 31, 2007 e-mail from Micajah: “Mr. Stefani, First off, allow me to thank you for taking the time to read my letter. My name is Micajah Reynolds and I am a sophomore at Lansing Sexton High School (Lansing Michigan of course). I am 6’4 305lbs but unfortunately didn\’t play on varsity due to injury and the fact that we had two division 1 prospects starting at both tackles (Cameron Merchant 07\’ and Matt Armstrong 08\’). This year, I will be starting at right tackle and am currently being recruited by division 1 colleges (mentionable upon request). I was invited to the Midwest Elite Football Combine and am on Michigan Elite football.com. The reason I am emailing you is because I feel that because I didn\’t play last season, I was not able to get the exposure that I really wanted to. I also feel that if I was able to earn a spot on your list of upcoming linemen that I would get exposure from you school like Michigan and Notre Dame instead of you Central Michigan and other M.A.C. schools. I would like to know what I could do to get more exposure”.  He has certainly gotten the exposure he requested!…………….Top sophomore on a Class A team

Name:	Nate Klatt
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	OL
Position:	OL
Height:	6′4
Weight:	274
Forty:	5.58
City/School:	Canal Fulton Northwest
State:	Ohio
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	AKRON, BG, MICHST, NW, KAN, IN
Synopsis:
National Ranking Position:	114
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	1-Division III-AS (OL); 1-Northeast Inland District-Division III (OL)
Sophomore Local Honors:	Top 75 Ohio Sophomores (June 2007); 20-Sophs-Ohio (May 2007); 2-Northeast Inland District-Division III (OL); 1-Northeastern Buckeye Conference (C/DL)
Combines:	Spring 2007: • Klatt • Nate • OL • 76 • 274 • 2009 • 5.58 • 19 • 4.62 • 23.5 • 52.04
Links:
News And Notes:	One of the top junior OL prospects in Ohio…………He committed to Michigan State in July……..Projects as a center in college………..Tenacious and aggressive OL prospect. Good footwork. Can get to the second line of defense. A real finisher…..300 bench, 24 vertical, 4.6 shuttle……….3.9 GPA, 24 ACT………………As a sophomore on a 6-5 team he had 1 assist and started at center and OT…………..Message Board: Posted: 11/8/2007: “I have a junior recruit for major schools to look at Ther is a man child here in Canal Fulton Ohio (Shawn Lazorus old HS), he is 6\’ 4\” tall and weighs 280 pounds. He plays center for the #1 rated Division 3 team in the state. He can move and is very athletic. He is not fat at all. He has room to grow and become a very good college football player. I am wondering if Michigan knows anything about this kid? They should invite him to ther camps. His potential is very upside”……………..”Sophomore Nate Klatt (6-4, 220) and senior Mark Lake (5-9, 230) will play significant roles on both lines”…………..Northwest ‘youngsters’ stand out at OSU camp By DAVID HARPSTER:   ”The summer months are time for football players to hone their skills against top competition at various college camps. Players who were unknown beforehand can put themselves on the map, while good players have the chance to take their game to the next level. Judging from the results of camps held at Ohio State last month, the Northwest Indians have a pair of players who may have accomplished both goals. Junior receiver Teddy Robb and sophomore offensive lineman Nate Klatt were both recognized as being the top performers at their respective positions during their time at camp. While Robb and Klatt were at different sessions, both attended similar three-day camps that brought together hundreds of high school football players to receive instruction from various Buckeye assistant coaches. “They give out awards for the best at each position,” said Robb, a 6-foot-1, 185-pounder who hauled in a team-leading 37 passes for 604 yards and four touchdowns last year. “I thought I did really well down with the exception of my 40 time. They clocked me in the 4.6 range and I know I can run closer to 4.4. “I was disappointed in that but I still felt like I was faster than some of the kids who were being clocked around 4.4.” Robb also said he worked closely with Ohio State receivers coach Darrell Hazell during his time at the camp. The players performed in positional drills, 7-on-7 drills and in 1-on-1 situations. His showing has only whetted Robb’s appetite even more for the coming football season. “I’m ready to play right now,” Robb said. “I feel like I’m bigger and stronger than last year and I’m ready to go.” Klatt might not be as known as Robb, but the sophomore certainly stood out during his time at the Ohio State camp. Considering Klatt is 6-4, 250, he’s hard to miss when he’s on the field. He was voted the top offensive lineman in his session in Columbus. “We knew about Nate last year when he was a freshman,” Northwest coach Vic Whiting said. “He had a very nice year last year and he was dominating at times.” Klatt played tackle last year for the Indians but Whiting said that a position change will probably await him this year. “We’re going to move him inside and see what he can do,” Whiting said. The fact Northwest has individual standouts at summer camps shouldn’t be a surprise considering the program’s recent run of success under Whiting. The Indians will be aiming for their sixth straight Division III playoff appearance this season. “We usually have kids go to various camps, whether it’s Michigan, West Virginia, Ohio State, Pittsburgh,” Whiting said. “This year we had about 10 kids go to the Ohio State camp. They’re all young kids and it’s good for them to get that kind of exposure.” Whiting said that fans may not know the players names yet, but that’s not an issue a month before fall practice begins. “This team is going to be full of no names, with only three starters returning,” Whiting said. “Without the experience we had last year they’re going to be underdogs all year, but they like that role.””

Name:	Andrew Maxwell
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	QB
Position:	QB
Height:	6′3
Weight:	190
Forty:
City/School:	Midland
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	MICHST
National Ranking Position:	15
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	HM-Detroit Free Press-AS (QB); HM-Saginaw Valley (QB)
Freshman Local Honors:	HM-Saginaw Valley Conference
News And Notes:	The top QB prospect in Michigan and among the top QBs in the nation……….He committed to Michigan State in March………..As a junior, he led his team to the state Division 2 finals, passing for just over 2,000 yards and 21 TDs…………Has seen varsity playing time since his freshman season……….Has good arm strength, great accuracy, a quick release and does a fine job of managing the game. Very consistent………………..He looked very good at the July 2008 National Elite 11, proving that he was worthy of his surprise selection to he event…….Very impressive at the April 2008 Fort Worth Nike Camp (QB MVP)………..Very impressive at 2008 Fort Worth Elite 11 Camp and was considered by some to be the top QB at the event………Impressive at 2007 Fort Worth Elite 11 Camp……….Just under a 4.0 GPA……………….Division 2 finals: “Andrew Maxwell, Midland- the junior stud started the game on fire, especially when King was in single coverage without any safeties. Maxwell finished 8 of 23 for 93 yards, a TD, and two INTs. Maxwell’s TD pass to Roberson was on the money as he caught his back in stride up the sideline. His picks were just evident of a King defense that was just too fast for Maxwell to react to. Maxwell had a fantastic post season as he showed his ability to be a high major recruit”…………….Division 2 Regional Finals Preview November 07, 2007: “Midland has arguably the best junior QB in the state in Andrew Maxwell”………….. Midland Daily News:  “Andrew Maxwell, Midland- the junior QB looks to be a div. 1 prospect with his mechanics and composure. Nothing went right early in the game but Maxwell kept his head up and got the job done.” …….Midland Daily News:  “Leading the way offensively is 6-foot-3 junior quarterback Andrew Maxwell, who has started the past two years and brings experience and a strong arm to the Midland offense. Maxwell threw for nearly 850 yards and five touchdowns last season”……………….Midland Daily News:  Week 3: “Midland junior QB Andrew Maxwell completed 9 of 14 passes for 193 yards and 2 TDs in a big win over Saginaw Heritage”………………..Midland Daily News:  “Midland High 19, Bay City Central 13: Andrew Maxwell threw a 6-yard TD pass to Samuel Franjione and Kevin Alcott returned an interception 10 yards for another Midland High score for a Saginaw Valley League win. Joel Parsons, who led the Chemics with 80 yards rushing, ran for a 6-yard TD for the Chemics’ other score. Michael Albrecht added 85 yards rushing, while Maxwell completed 10 of 18 passes for 139 yards”………..One of 3 sophomores on the roster…………..Midland Daily News:  Week 9-”Chemics get second shot at Heritage 10/26/2006 Southwestern. In addition to deOliveira’s running, Midland can also move the ball through the air. Andrew Maxwell threw for 644 yards and five touchdowns during the year. He stunned Dow last week with a 59-yard touchdown strike on the first play of the game……………PS-Only returning sophomore starter”……………………………..Detroit Free Press:  “22. Midland (8-3)Playoff record: 16-16. Top players: DEs Pete House, Justin Barnes; DTs Jeremy Suave, Zach Bugosh; QBs Jake Yoder, sophomore Andrew Maxwell”…………….Detroit News:  “5 MIDLAND, 8-3, CLASS A The Chemics will miss RB Jim Parsons (graduation), but coach Terry Wilczek has 11 starters returning. They are led by an experienced defensive line that includes Justin Barnes (DE), Jeremy Sauve (DT) and Zack Bugosh (DT). Senior A.J. Deoliveria should carry the running load. Senior QB Jacob Yoder might be pushed by sophomore Andrew Maxwell”……………..Midland Daily News:  Week 11- “Midland High was paced by Jimmy Parsons’ 120 yards rushing. He also caught a 54-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter from freshman quarterback Andrew Maxwell. Back came the Chemics in a hurry. With 7:14 left in the third, backup quarterback Andrew Maxwell hooked up with Parsons on a 54-yard touchdown strike. Maxwell, who came into the game one play earlier, faked a handoff to Parsons and rolled to his right. He turned and threw a long pass to Parsons who was running down the left sideline. Parsons caught the ball, bounced off a Western defender and scampered the final 25 yards untouched into the end zone. The PAT made it 21-14. Maxwell came in for Prokop at quarterback after Prokop took a hard hit while gaining a first down three plays before the touchdown. “George took a little ding and he needed to come out so we took him out,” Wilczek said. “He needed some time to regroup and refocus a little bit. I was very happy with the job he was doing. In fact, I would have liked to have kept him in there. His running gave us a spark and his leadership on the field (was key). But he wasn’t able to continue for a while so we had to make a change.” Maxwell completed 5 of 13 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown”……………….More freshmen are cracking the varsity lineups in high school sportsFred Kelly, Midland Daily News 10/16/2005:   ”At a healthy 6-foot, 3-inches tall and 175 pounds, and with a cannon for an arm and decent mobility, Midland High freshman Andrew Maxwell has all the natural tools to be a varsity quarterback. But physical ability alone is not enough to impress Chemics’ football coach Terry Wilczek. And that alone wasn’t what earned Maxwell the starting nod under center earlier this season, as the first freshman to start at quarterback at either Midland or Dow High. Instead, what Wilczek saw in Maxwell was “a complete package.” “The physical traits, you notice as a coach,” Wilczek said of Maxwell. “But he also conducts himself very well. He has poise, and he’s bright. He’s confident. He’s polite and courteous. There’s a complete package there.” And that’s important if a ninth-grader is going to be thrown into the fire of varsity competition like Maxwell, who’s either started or seen playing time in all eight Chemic games. More freshmen athletes — from fall to spring seasons — are getting playing time at the varsity level, which in past years was typically reserved for juniors and seniors, and occasionally, a sophomore. No more. A lot more coaches are giving freshmen equal opportunity. In Maxwell’s case, maturity played a big part in him making the team. “What I like about guys like him is that they can handle the good times and the bad times. They can accept criticism or praise. They don’t fall apart,” Wilczek said”………………Midland Daily News:  Week 9-”Trailing 17-16 and in need of a big play with less than three minutes remaining and the ball on their own 21-yard line, Midland coach Terry Wilczek turned to none other than a freshman. But this freshman quarterback isn’t your ordinary freshman. Five plays later, 6-foot-3 Andrew Maxwell proved that, when he calmly dropped back into the pocket, scanned the field and found senior wide receiver Michael Goodwin open over the middle. Maxwell threw a strike to Goodwin, who hauled in the pass and turned the play into a game-winning 66-yard touchdown pass. I was a little nervous out there, but I told myself I had to calm down and do my work,” Maxwell said. “I was looking for a shorter route, but then I saw Goodwin get open and I just let it fly.” Starting quarterback George Prokop, who was replaced by Maxwell in the second half, returned, and ran in the two-point conversion to give the Chemics a seven-point bulge”…………..Midland Daily News:  Week 7-”Two plays later, Midland committed another costly penalty — this time an illegal block which negated a 33-yard completion from Andrew Maxwell to Michael Goodwin that would have given the Chemics first-and-10 at Western’s 45. Instead, Midland faced second-and-22 from its own 7 and had to punt shortly afterward Maxwell struggled the entire game against Western’s pressure, completing only 4 of 14 passes for (minus) 2 yards and an interception. “This boy throws like a seasoned kid,” Eurick said of Maxwell, a freshman. “I thought he threw some nice passes, but we did get pressure on him. That was the key. We just wanted to get enough pressure to get his feet moving and get him out of the pocket.” “We didn’t protect (Maxwell) very well, and we didn’t run-block very well,” Wilczek said. “We left our defense out on the field too much. We didn’t make any plays. The last couple of weeks, we’ve been making some plays offensively, but we didn’t make any tonight”……………..Week 6-MICK MCCABE (Detroit Free Press): “Freshman QB passes test September 30, 2005 Andrew Maxwell had a lot on his mind last week. First, he was the freshman class representative on the homecoming court at Midland High. That meant he had to be involved in all of the week-long festivities like an assembly, the parade and, of course, the halftime ceremony during the game in which the unbeaten Chemics were playing unbeaten Saginaw Heritage. He also had one other little detail to worry about: He was the varsity’s starting quarterback. When senior George Prokop suffered a concussion in Midland’s previous game, Maxwell found himself taking snaps with the starting unit. That can be intimidating for any reserve, but a 14-year-old freshman who was playing before friends and family and no one else in middle school games a year ago? “I tried not to think about it too much,” he said, “but I was nervous.” Nervous? Most 14-year-olds would be terrified. Hey, this isn’t some small Division 7 or 8 school. This is Midland High, a Division 1 power that hasn’t had a losing season since 1976. Of course, this is where you might want to ask what Midland coach Terry Wilczek was thinking, putting a 14-year-old in charge of his offense. “During the summer, he had a presence about him that was different than a new person coming in for weight lifting,” Wilczek said. Maxwell, 6-feet-3, 176 pounds, immediately earned the backup job and took a few snaps in Midland’s first four games, but that really didn’t seem to prepare him to start against Heritage, then ranked seventh in Division 1. It looked like Wilczek had made a colossal mistake when Maxwell’s first pass on the first play was intercepted. Most freshmen would have been toast for the rest of evening after that. “Yeah, that was pretty bad,” Maxwell said. “But I told myself, ‘I got that out of my system.’ I thought: ‘Hey, I can play with these guys. I’m going to show them what I’m made of.’ ” It helped that seniors Zach VanTonne and Eddie Fillmore calmed Maxwell down on the sidelines. And then there was running back Jimmy Parsons, who gained 146 yards on 31 carries and threw a halfback pass for a touchdown. “It was good to look to my side and see Jimmy there,” Maxwell said. “I know he has the potential to break any play wide open. It was really a good feeling.” So was leading Midland on an 83-yard scoring drive on its second series. “After that I knew we were going to have a good game,” Maxwell said. “I tried not to mess up.” Maxwell did mess up one more time, throwing an interception. But by the time the game ended, Maxwell had completed six of nine passes for 159 yards and a touchdown, leading Midland to a 37-7 victory. It was a truly remarkable performance for a freshman. That may be why he had difficulty falling asleep after the game. “I stayed up pretty late that night,” Maxwell said. “I was feeling pretty proud. I knew it was a big challenge. It was pretty cool.”"………….Midland Daily News:  Week 6-”Last Friday the Chemics defeated a then unbeaten and talented Saginaw Heritage squad 37-7 to mark the 29th consecutive season of winning at least five football games. The Chemics had to overcome adversity to stay undefeated as they played the game without starting quarterback George Prokop who missed the game due to a concussion. Freshman Andrew Maxwell stepped in and did not miss a beat as he completed six-of-nine passes for 152 yards”…………Midland Daily News:  Week 5-”The Chemics had no problem adjusting, even with a freshman, Andrew Maxwell, taking over under center. The Chemics also scored on a 5-yard run by Parsons and a 34-yard pass from Maxwell to Michael Goodwin. Maxwell completed 6 of 9 for 159 yards, despite two interceptions in the first half. “What a night for the freshman,” Wilczek said. “He starts his first game, it’s homecoming, he’s in the homecoming court, he comes back after throwing two interceptions and has a great game. “The best thing for me, though, was after throwing the two interceptions, the whole team picked him up on the sideline, encouraging him. That was great to see.”"…………..Midland Daily News:  Week 2- “Midland freshman quarterback Andrew Maxwell started in place of senior George Prokop, who was battling injury and illness but still played at receiver and defensive back. Maxwell led the Chemics on three first-half scoring drives and finished 7-of-15 for 60 yards with one TD and two interceptions. He also ran for a score”…………………Midland Daily News:  Week 1-”Freshman Andrew Maxwell also saw time at quarterback. The 6-foot, 3-inch, 175-pound Maxwell completed his first pass, a 30-yard toss to Andy Angus. Maxwell also was picked off and fumbled. But he definitely made a positive impression. “He showed some promise, didn’t he?” Wilczek said. “He’s got a ways to go, but it’s nice when you’re 6-3.”"………………Midland Daily News:  PS- “Wilczek said Prokop will run an option offense for part of the time. Also seeing time at quarterback in practice is freshman Andrew Maxwell (6-3, 175). “He just lacks the experience,” Wilczek said. “He brings a little size to the position, but it’ll take some time for him to develop.”"

Name:	Edwin Baker
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	RB
Position:	RB/LB
Height:	5′9
Weight:	204
Forty:	4.37
City/School:	Oak Park
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	MICHST, PUR, GA, MICH
Synopsis:
National Ranking Position:	7
State Ranking:
Rating:	5
National Honors:
Junior Local Honors:	2-Detroit Free Press-North (RB); 2-OAA-Red (RB)
News And Notes:	One of the top RB prospects in the nation…………He committed to Michigan State in February 2008………….He played just six games as a junior due to a slight knee injury and he carried the ball 113 times for 1,295 yards (11.5 ypc) Nice size, fine instincts and runs a 10.6 100-meters………..Really moved up the charts with an outstanding junior season. His coach says he will have his choice of schools on a national level………3.3 GPA, 17 ACT………….Visited Michigan for the 2007 Ohio State game……………….September 21, 2007 BY VINCE ELLIS DETROIT FREE PRESS SPORTS WRITER: “One of the other guys mentioned in the article, junior running back Edwin Baker, said: “That was just a spirit-of-the-moment thing. We really don’t want to go to Oregon. That’s not going to happen. That’s not true.” Baker is a junior, so it’s early, but trust us, the 5-10, 210-pounder who ran a 10.6 in the 100 meters last year during track season, won’t have any problems getting interest.”………………..Detroit Free Press:  “September 2007: Troy (2-0) @ Oak Park (1-1) Troy is coming off a huge win to Lake Orion last week and Oak Park blew out North Farmington . The big question in this game is if Troy can stop the running game of Oak Park . Joevell Hoseay and junior sensation Edwin Baker both rushed for over 200 yards last week and have been dominant this season”……………..Detroit Free Press: “The line is solid with G/LB DiMarco Scarber, OT Matthew Salim and TE/LB DeShawn Scott back”…………….Observer & Eccentric:  “Sophomore quarterback Brandon Woods (6-4, 210), junior center Matthew Salim (6-5, 300), junior defensive back Jonathan Bryant (6-1, 200) junior running back/defensive back Jovevall Hosey (6-1, 210) and junior running back Edwin Baker (6-0, 220) are among the key guys Oak Park will look to in its turnaround attempt.” …………….Oakland Press:  “Oak Park Knights Last year: 7-3, 6-2, lost 17-14 to Hazel Park in first round of Division 2 state playoffs Key dates: Sept. 15 at Pontiac Northern, Sept. 30 vs. Bloomfi eld Hills Lahser, Oct. 20 vs. Royal Oak Overview: Oak Park might not have longtime head coach Keith Stephens anymore, but the same versatile, athletic squad remains. Both lines will be big behind senior C/DT Adam Johnson (6-4, 255), senior OT/DT Princeton Holmes (6-2, 275), senior DT DeAndre Dickerson (5-11, 240) and sophomore OL manchild Matthew Salim (6-5, 290). The skilled positions are also solid, with senior WR/FS/KR David Mosley (6-4, 190), junior WR/DB Jeriel Whittfield (6-2, 185), sophomore RB/ LB Josevall Hosie (6-1, 220), sophomore RB/LB Edwin Baker (6-0, 215), senior WR/FS Antoine Mason (6-3, 185), senior LB/FB Samir Haakim (6-0, 240), junior DB Jonathan Bryant (6-1, 185) and LB DeMarco Scarber 6-0, 220) ready to wreak havoc. Juniors Marquise Williams (5-11, 185) and Robert Cross (6-4, 180) are competing for the QB job.”

Name:	Larry Caper II
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	RB
Position:	RB
Height:	5′11
Weight:	215
Forty:	4.50
City/School:	Battle Creek Central
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	MICHST, MICH, WMU, IA, STAN, PUR, CIN
Synopsis:	Written after sophomore season:  Caper saw early varsity playing time as a freshman at BCC and followed that up with a solid sophomore start (467 yards, 8 TDs) before going down with a season-ending shoulder injury and sharing carries with blue-chip senior FB Brandon Reynolds and talented junior RB Bill Young. His father starred at BCC back in the 1980s. Capers really made a name for himself at the 2006 Michigan summer camp, where this tall and lean back showed surprising quickness and speed for a mere freshman. A prospect who will receive numerous early offers.
National Ranking Position:	23
Rating:	5
National Honors:	20-Sophomores-National (fvsports.com – June 2007)
Junior Local Honors:	1-Detroit News-Division 1-2-AS (RB); 1-Detroit Free Press-Division 1-AS (RB); SM-AP-Division 1-2-AS (RB); 1-Battle Creek Enquirer-City (RB)
Sophomore Local Honors:	1-Sophs-Michigan (June 2007)
Freshman Local Honors:	HM-Battle Creek Enquirer-City
News And Notes:	One of the top RB prospects in the nation and among the top overall junior prospects in Michigan………….He committed to Michigan State in March…………..As a junior, he carried the ball 182 times for 1,473 yards (8.09 ypc) and 14 TDs,and had 3 receptions for 24 yards……………As a sophomore, he played just 5 games due to a shoulder injury but carried the ball 55 times for 467 yards (8.5 ypc) and 9 TDs……An instinctive runner who combines nice size and speed. Is light on his feet when he keeps his weight down, has good vision and is always running forward……….Reminds some of Shaun Alexander………..At the 2008 U.S. army Combine he ran a 4.24 shuttle……….His father was a star RB at Western Michigan…….Captain as a junior and is a good leader…….3.8 overall GPA entering his junior year…….. …..1-Battle Creek Enquirer-City: “LARRY CAPER BATTLE CREEK CENTRAL A junior running back will be among the top seniors in the state next season, getting recruited by several Big Ten schools as well as Notre Dame. Caper finished with 1,473 yards rushing, second most in BCC history, and had 98 points. Had a single-game rushing record of 311 yards. “A great athlete and a great student who appears headed for a quality Division 1 program after his senior year,” Slamer said”……………….Posted: 9/22/2007 7:42 AM “Junior recruit Larry Caper II sets school record BCC’s junior sensation ran for a school record 311 yards on 30 carries to lift the Bearcats to a 47-18 victory over Kalamazoo Central at C.W. Post Field Caper had four touchdowns on runs of 62, 1, 37 and 44 yards. The 37-yarder in the third quarter was especially impressive, as the 5-foot-11, 210-pound Caper rushed around left end, hit the sideline with a burst of speed and then tight-roped his way barely staying in-bounds until reaching the end zone. It was the type of run that has recruiting analysts saying Caper is the early favorite to be next year’s No. 1 college prospect in Michigan. He already appears on the recruiting Web site, Rivals.com, among 100 juniors to watch nationally. Caper has been offered scholarships to Michigan and Michigan State and on Friday he reiterated that he has no favorite”…………………Visited Michigan for the 2007 Ohio State game……………..Battle Creek Enquirer:  “BCC’s Larry Caper II hopes to follow in Dad’s footsteps Jeff Karzen The Enquirer Having just finished dazzling onlookers at a University of Michigan summer football camp, 15-year-old Larry Caper II sat next to his father in the office of Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr. With massive Michigan Stadium serving as a backdrop, Carr asked the football phenom to “tell me something good about yourself.” Caper, who is entering his junior season at Battle Creek Central, said, “I have a 3.0 GPA at the Math and Science Center.” It was exactly what Carr wanted to hear. Minutes later, the 15-year-old had a full scholarship offer from the University of Michigan. Caper is the closest thing a football prospect could be to the elusive “total package” title. On the field, he’s big and fast with a perfect running back build. Off it, he’s a soft-spoken, intelligent teenager with a 3.8 overall GPA who has never had worse than a ‘B’ on his high school report card. The kid’s got genes, too. Caper’s father, Larry, graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1978 as the school’s all-time leading rusher. The elder Caper was offered scholarships by Michigan and Michigan State, but opted to stay local and attend Western Michigan, where he played four years and is the school’s sixth all-time leading rusher with 2,449 yards. Although Caper II hurt his shoulder last season and played just four games, he’s become a priority recruit for both Michigan and Michigan State, according to sources close to the two programs. MSU has offered a scholarship, too — in fact that came before Michigan’s — and Caper II said he likes both schools but doesn’t have a favorite yet. “Of the guys I’ve seen in the Class of 2009 (in Michigan), Larry Caper is the best I’ve seen,” said Josh Helmholdt, recruiting analyst for The Wolverine magazine and thewolverine.com. “It’s a really, really talented and deep class of kids. But he’s special, there’s no doubt about it. Larry is so light on his feet for how big a kid he is. If he can stay healthy, he’s going to set the world on fire this year.” Helmholdt added that Caper II has a good chance of being a five-star prospect by the major recruiting services, which generally means a player is top 25 nationally, regardless of position. He might only be 15 years old, but Caper II already looks the part of big-time running back. At 5-foot-10 1/2 and 210 pounds, he added 10-15 pounds of muscle this summer by lifting weights. He says there was an emphasis on squatting and that most of the added weight is in his legs. It doesn’t appear to have affected his speed. During team testing drills at BCC, Caper II ran a 4.38, 40-yard dash. “Larry has something you can’t teach. When he runs, he has a great forward lean,” said BCC coach Al Slamer. “You work on that, but naturally he’s always done that.” Caper II, who turns 16 next month, has been around football since he could walk. Tagging alongside his father, who coached Rocket Football as well as helping out at local high schools, Larry II grew up on the sidelines. He’s not off to the side anymore, but Larry II vows to not let all the attention inflate his ego. “I really don’t want to put all that information in my head,” Caper II said. “Psychologically, you’re not going to think about it but when you’re on the field, you think you’ve got to prove something to somebody. And I don’t want that to happen. I just want everything to be free.” Slamer, who has sent numerous players to collegiate programs, isn’t worried about his latest stud prospect. “He’s an outstanding football player, but that’s not the story,” Slamer said. “Larry is just a complete young man. He’s a very nice young man, he’s very, very intelligent. He’s a hard worker in school, and his dad won’t have it any other way. That’s the neat part.” This summer, Caper II is reading “Black Boy” and “The Other Side of the River” for his Advanced Placement English class. By now, it seems, working hard in school has become a habit. “When I was little, my dad said I couldn’t play football unless I had higher than a C-plus,” Caper II said. “So I carried that throughout high school and I set that standard for myself. So then when football is over, I’ll have something to lean back on.” While it’s still extremely early in the recruiting process, Caper II lists Wisconsin and Cincinnati as the other schools he may visit after the season, along with Michigan and MSU. Wisconsin, North Carolina and Indiana came to BCC during the spring evaluation period. Caper II says he’d like to verbally commit before his senior season. “I think Mark Dantonio has really reached out to the in-state schools to getting out earlier to kids than they have in the past,” Jim Comparoni, editor of spartanmag.com, said about MSU’s new coach. “They’re making sure the in-state schools know they are a priority for Michigan State. That’s one of the reasons they’re going full blast for Larry Caper. With Jonas Gray (Detroit Country Day) picking Nebraska over Michigan State, that opens the door for MSU to go after a blue-chip running back in the Class of ‘09.” Rivals.com, one of the leading recruiting services, released their list this week of 100 players to watch in the Class of 2009 and Caper was one of four Michigan players mentioned. Detailed rankings lists don’t generally come out until the summer before a football player’s senior year. MSU’s recruiting coordinator Mark Staten, who played at Dowagiac, said the Spartans will keep a close eye on west Michigan prospects. (Staten is not permitted to discuss individual prospects, per NCAA rules). “Knowing Coach Slamer and the job that he does in the Battle Creek area, shoot, that’s going to be a gold mine. And there are good ones in ‘09,” Staten said. As for U-M, Caper II will never forget that summer day in Carr’s office. “Butterflies,” Caper II said when asked what it was like. “I was so nervous and I couldn’t stop smiling. I looked at my dad and he was smiling back at me. It was crazy.”Larry Caper Sr. is enjoying the ride. After coaching his son in Rocket Football for several years, the elder Caper, who is the boys’ head track coach at BCC, is just another parent on Friday nights. Except, obviously, his son isn’t just another player. “He reminds me of myself a little bit, but he’s going to be a lot better than I was,” Caper said. “I told him I don’t care how good people say you are, when you get on the field you still have to perform. Because talking is not going to get the job done.”"…………….Soph Rushing Stats: 88 Larry Caper, Central (Battle Creek) 5 55 467 64 9 8.49 93.4………..Battle Creek Enquirer:  Week 9-”Pigskin playoffs kick off The Bearcats counter with 5-11, 235-pound Brandon Reynolds at fullback. Reynolds rushed for 736 yards and nine touchdowns while sharing carries with Larry Caper II (467 yards, 8 TDs, before a season-ending shoulder injury) and Bill Young (714, 8)”…………Battle Creek Enquirer:  Week 4 of 2006: “Larry Caper – BCC’s stable of backs shared a lot of carries, so Caper only had 50 yards on 12 carries, but managed to get into the endzone once for a score.; Week 3 of 2006-Week 3-Larry Caper – Our road trip featured player last week, Caper has gone over 100 yards each of the first three games and has scored 3 TDs in each. He had 116 yards on only 12 carried and 3 scores this week”………………Battle Creek Enquirer:  Week 4-”Freshman running back Larry Caper II continues to shine for the Bearcats as he tallied six carries for 62 yards and touchdown………..Battle Creek Enquirer:  Week 1-”The Bearcats’ production in the backfield didn’t stop with Alexander and Reynolds. In the second half with the starting backs on the bench, sophomore James Williams and freshman Larry Caper II gave BCC fans a glimpse at the future. Caper scored touchdowns on runs of 5 and 21 yards and certainly didn’t show the nerves that usually accompany a debut varsity game. Later, Williams came on and scored from 48 yards out, making the score 49-14.”

Name:	Donald Spencer
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	WR
Position:	WR/DB
Height:	6′4
Weight:	197
Forty:	4.65
City/School:	Ypsilanti
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	MICHST, IN
National Ranking Position:	52
Rating:	5
Sophomore Local Honors:	29-Sophs-Michigan (June 2007)
News And Notes:	One of the top junior receivers in Michigan…………He committed to Michigan State in February 2008………….As a junior, he had 18 receptions for 435 yards and eight touchdowns……………A D-I prospect who has nice height and is elusive…………..Looked pretty good at 2008 U.S. Army Combine…………..Visited Michigan for the September 8, 2007 Oregon loss…………Chelsea, Ypsi ready for kickoff By Don Richter, Sports Editor PUBLISHED: August 23, 2007 “”They line up with two receivers that will probably be the two best receivers we see all year,” Bush said. “Marvon Sanders, a senior and Donald Spencer, a junior are very talented. Spencer is a big-time recruit. He’s 6-foot-4, can run and he’s elusive.”"…………..Detroit News:  “CB E.J. Wilson and WR/DB Donald Spencer (WR/DB) will limit big plays”…………….One of 2 sophomores on the roster; Spencer, Donald Ypsilanti 10 WR 6′2″ 185

Name:	Bennie Fowler
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	WR
Position:	WR
Height:	6′1
Weight:	188
Forty:	4.60
City/School:	Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day
State:	Michigan
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	MICHST, EMU, IN, TOL
National Ranking Position:	68
Rating:	5
Combines:	2008:  Bennie Fowler 09 Detroit Country Day MI WR 6-1 188 4.60 4.19 30.9 36\’0\” 97.32
Links:
News And Notes:	One of the top junior receivers in Michigan………..He committed to Michigan State in July…………..His junior season is his first year of football as he played on the basketball and track (ran the 100-meters and 4×100-meters relay) teams as a sophomore……..Halfway through his junior season he had 5 receptions and 2 TDs playing in a run-oriented offense led by Class of 2008 superstar Jonas Gray. He missed much of the season with an injury……..A real sleeper prospect who shot up the charts in recruiting circles during the spring and summer of 2008 following several very impressive performances at camps and combines.  He has tremendous speed and did not play football until his junior season, and he was out with an injury for much of the year.  He plays for an elite prep school that is as strong as any school in the state academically and churns out atghletes in both basketball (Chris Webber, Shane Battier, many others) and football (most recently Michigan freshman Kenny Demens and Notre Dame freshman Jonas Gray)…….    Junior back-up at WR on the state Division 4 runner-up team…………First Team Columbus Nike Combine (March 2008)………..Among the top SPARQ performers at the March 2008 Columbus Nike…………….Hearing from numerous Big Ten schools

Name:	Patrick White
Class:	2009
Projected College Position:	WR
Position:	WR/DB
Height:	6′0
Weight:	171
Forty:	4.49
City/School:	Pickerington Central
State:	Ohio
College Commitment:	Michigan State
Top Offers:	AKRON, CIN, IN, ORE, KAN, LOU, MICHST
National Ranking Position:	76
Rating:	5
Junior Local Honors:	17-Juniors-Ohio (Bill Kurelic, December 2007); SM-Division I-AS; 1-Central District-Division I (DB)
Combines:	Patrick White Pickerington Central OH 5-11.5 171 4.22 7.12 35.5 8-9
News And Notes:	One of the top junior skill athletes in Ohio…………He committed to Michigan State in June……Through 8 games as a junior he had 29 receptions for 354 yards and 2 TDs as a WR and 31 tackles and 3 INTs as a DB……………Prefers to play on defense but has great hands as a WR……….Very impressive at May 2008 Columbus Nike Camp………..Very impressive at the 2007 Ohio State summer camp……..First Team All-Combine at the March 2008 Pittsburgh Scout.com/Under Armour Combine……………..Older brother Terence was a talented but injury-prone blue-chip prospect…………265 bench, 300 squat, 34 vertical, 4.24 shuttle……….Actively recruited by the Big Ten, including Ohio State, early in his junior year………..Columbus Suburban News:  “Four offensive starters have returned — senior left guard Aaron Rittgers (6-foot-2, 215 pounds), senior right tackle Tim McGougan (6-1, 235), junior wide receiver Patrick White (6-1, 175) and junior tight end Blaine Burgess (6-3, 230). White had 20 catches for 366 yards and one touchdown. The returning starters are senior inside linebacker Brennen Fraley (5-10, 190), senior cornerback Eisen Hardy (5-10, 170), junior linebacker Zach Boren (6-1, 240) and White at cornerback”………………Xolumbus Suburban News:  “An experienced group of wide receivers has returned, including seniors Brian Peters and Tim Robinson, junior Kyle Wood and sophomores Patrick White (brother of Terence) and Jamie Wood. Senior Michael Ward and Patrick White are back to start at cornerback, and seniors Jack Hickman and Matt Smith are back on the defensive line”………………Columbus Suburban News:  “Anderson can throw to receivers like senior Tim Robinson (5-7, 165) sophomore Patrick White (5-10, 160), senior Brian Peters (6-4, 205) and sophomore Jamie Wood (6-0, 159). Senior Jordan Jarrell (5-10, 190) can handle running back chores.”