Monday, July 27, 2009

Final Summer Update - 2010 Player Rankings

The final rankings before the senior season of these 2010 stars has arrived, with numerous changes, including a swap at the top of the list.

THE SPORTING DETROIT 75

SCOUTING THE TOP 10 in '10

Gardner to the Top

After an impressive performance at the Elite 11 quarterback camp in California, Devin Gardner leaps over William Gholston as the state's top overall player.

Gardner supplanted his place as arguably the nation's top dual-threat quarterback at the camp, furthermore strengthening his case to be the state's top prospect.

Another quarterback also made a one spot jump in the top five. Orchard Lake St. Mary's quarterback Robert Bolden leaped over defensive end CJ Olaniyan into the fourth spot overall in the state.

CMU making moves

The biggest riser in this rankings update is a Chippewa commitment. Quarterback Cody Kater leaps from the 41 spot to the 19th overall position.

Another pair of Central commitments made a move in the rankings, going from unrated to into the top 30. Waverly HS defensive lineman Andy Phillips and Gladstone's Kent King jumped to the 22 and 29 spots overall.

Linebacker commitment Nores Fradi checks in at number 30, while Chippewa targets Jonathon Taylor and Tremondae Branch both stay in the top 40.



Movers and Shakers


RISERS
Bill Ivan -- From 27 to 16
Cody Kater -- From 41 to 19
Mike Sadler -- From 29 to 23
Andy Phillips -- From Unrated to 22
Kent King -- From unrated to 29
Justin Ford -- From unrated to 31
Jason Fracassa -- From Unrated to 55
Tiaan de Nysschen -- From 47 to 35


FALLERS
Chris Eddins -- From 46 to 59
Tremondae Branch -- From 28 to 38
Jonathon Hankins -- From 20 to 28
Brandis Yarrington -- From 39 to 58
Colin Voss -- From 40 to 50
Daniel Easterly -- From 12 to 15


Positional Sleepers?

The top player at a pair of positions in the state of Michigan may be sleepers. The state's top pure safety, Bowling Green commitment Justin Ford, checks in at number 31.

Meanwhile possession of the top in-state tight end crown changes hands, going from East Grand Rapids' Colin Voss (50) to Shrine HS's Phillip Galloway (40).


Kickers and Punters


The state's top special teams player is a punter, Forest Hills Northern HS's Mike Sadler (23). Sadler has scholarship offers from teams nationwide, including Michigan State, LSU, and Arizona State.

Other top special teamers in the top 75 include a pair of place kickers -- Rockford's Paul Mudgett (62) and Eisenhower's Mason Krysinski (74).

THE SPORTING DETROIT 75

SCOUTING THE TOP 10 in '10

Scouting the Top 10

1. Devin Gardner

Scouting: As an athlete, Gardner is already one of the nation's top players. Add to that his ability to play quarterback, he becomes an even more desirable player. With legitimate 4.5 speed at 6-4, his running ability makes him a great fit for Michigan's offense. Gardner has made marked progress in his quarterback skills in the past year, earning numerous accolades at the Elite 11 camp for his improved mechanics and vast potential.

Notes: Also a basketball player, Gardner tallied 48 touchdowns for Inkster in his junior season.


2. William Gholston

Scouting: Outstandly athletic and exceptionally built, Gholston has all the physical tools to be a star at the college level. Gholston's athleticism at his 6-7 250 pound size makes him one of the top players in the nation. With refined technique and pass rushing discipline, Gholston could be a star for the Spartans in the years to come.

Notes: Also a basketball player for Southeastern, cousin of former Ohio State and current New York Jets' defensive end Vernon Gholston.

3. Ricardo Miller

Scouting: Miller is your protypical outside wide receiver. He has a great blend of size and speed, running somewhere in the 4.5s to 4.6s at his 6-foot-3 220 lb size. He has tremendous quickness and burst, making him extraordinarly dangerous in the short passing game. His size makes him a great deep threat. Making the move with his family from the state of Florida to the state of Michigan, Miller has yet to chose what high school he will attend for his final semester before enrolling early at Michigan.

Notes: Made an early commitment to Michigan in late September of 2008.


4. Robert Bolden

Scouting: Solid mechanics and sound fundamentals are Bolden's strengths as a passer, while he still possesses great athleticism. His lightning fast release and smooth delivery make him one of the elite quarterbacks in the nation. He could move even farther up this list with an impressive senior season.

Notes: Proved to be a close second to Devin Gardner at the Elite 11 camp in the dual-threat quarterback rankings nationally.



5. CJ Olaniyan

Scouting: The standard weakside defensive end prospect for any college coach, Olaniyan stands 6-foot-5, 230 lbs, running in the 4.65s in the 40 yard dash. Like many prospects, he lacks the development in technique to make an instant impact, but he possesses the athleticism to make him a valuable prospect.

Notes: Olaniyan is the highest uncommitted prospect in the Top 75.


6. Austin White

Scouting: With two older brothers at one point attending Michigan State on athletic scholarships, athleticism runs in the blood in the White household. One of the state's most productive athletes since the beginning of his high school career, White has been a dominant runningback at Stevenson. He is an extremely versatile prospect as well, with the hands and size to be able to split out as a receiver when necessary and the athleticism to play defense.

Notes: White has made a commitment to the University of Michigan since the last update of the rankings.

7. Max Bullough

Scouting: A legacy recruit to Michigan State, Bullough is the state's most productive linebacker. A throwback hardnosed middle linebacker prospect, Bullough has the size and instincts to be a cornerstone of any defense at the college level. A safe bet to be a contributor on the next level.

Notes: Bullough was Michigan State's first commitment for the 2010 recruiting class.

8. Dior Mathis

Scouting: Much like Nick Hill, Mathis' biggest problem is his height at 5-foot-9. With great speed, tremendous quickness, and graceful hip fluidity (no homo), Mathis is everything you want in an athlete for the cornerback position. He also needs work with cornerback technique and development in a college weight room before he can be considered succesful. He could also be a highly ranked slot receiver, a position he excells at for the Technicians.

Notes: From the Michigan pipeline of Cass Tech, Mathis is now considered a Michigan State lean.

9. Nick Hill

Scouting: His lack of size has made him less of a national prospect then he really should be. An elite runner with true 4.4 speed and fantastic vision, Hill's height is really his only sticking point. He runs with surprising power and moves with great quickness between tackles. In my mind one of the state and nation's most underrated players.

Notes: Hill has been the state's most productive runningback in the past few seasons, rushing for nearly four thousand yards in the past two seasons combined.

10. Joe Boisture

Scouting: Pretty much your prototypical pro-style quarterback, possessing the tall frame and strong arm. His long delivery and slow release stand out as hinderances to his development unless fixed. His inconsistency is also apparent, exemplified by a tendency to overthrow his receivers in the short passing game.

Notes: Made an early commitment to Boston College before reverting his commitment to his home state Spartans.

Class of 2010: Michigan State Rankings

2010 State of Michigan Rankings
Post Summer Camp Edition




1. Devin Gardner | QB
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI
Committed to Michigan


Notes: The Michigan commitment is the state's new number 1, after a surprising performance at the Elite 11 Quarterback camp.








2. William Gholston | DE/OLB
Southeastern HS | Detroit, MI
Committed to Michigan State












3. Ricardo Miller | WR
?????? | Ann Arbor, MI
Comitted to Michigan












4. Robert Bolden | QB
St. Mary's HS | Orchard Lake, MI
Committed to Penn State













5. CJ Olaniyan | DE
Mott HS | Warren, MI
Uncommitted











6. Austin White | RB
Stevenson HS | Livonia, MI
Committed to Michigan


7. Max Bullough | LB
St. Francis HS | Traverse City, MI
Committed to Michigan State


8. Dior Mathis | CB
Cass Tech HS | Detroit, MI
Uncommitted

Notes: Mathis is a track star, with a personal best in the 100m dash of 10.71


9. Nick Hill | RB
Chelsea HS | Chelsea, MI
Committed to Michigan State

10. Joe Boisture | QB
Saline HS | Saline, MI
Committed to Michigan State

11. Matt Zakrzewski | OLB
St. Francis HS | Traverse City, MI
Uncommitted

12. Mylan Hicks | CB
Renaissance HS | Detroit, MI
Committed to Michigan State

13. Tony Jones | WR
Grand Blanc Community HS | Grand Blanc, MI
Uncommitted

14. Austin Gray | LB
Fitzgerald HS | Warren, MI
Committed to Iowa

15. Daniel Easterly | S/OLB
Cass Technical HS | Detroit, MI
Committed to Illinois

Notes: Easterly is one of the nation's most versatile prospects and could project to as many as four positions at the college level.

16. Bill Ivan | OT
Charlevoix HS | Charlevoix, MI
Committed to Indiana

17. Jeremy Jackson | WR
Huron HS | Ann Arbor, MI
Committed to Michigan

18. Carl Davis | DT
Stevenson HS | Sterling Heights, MI
Uncommitted

19. Cody Kater | QB
Montague HS | Montague, MI
Committed to CMU

Notes: The Montague QB checks in as Central Michigan's top commitment.

20. Tyler Calero | DE
Southfield Christian HS | Southfield, MI
Committed to Michigan State

21. Tony Lippett | WR
Crockett Vocational | Detroit, MI
Committed to Michigan State

22. Andy Phillips | DL
Waverly Sr HS | Lansing, MI
Committed to CMU

23. Mike Sadler | P
Forest Hills Northern HS | Grand Rapids, MI
Committed to Michigan State

24. Earnest Thomas | OLB/S
St. Mary's HS | Orchard Lake, MI
Committed to UCLA

25. Baquer Sayed | WR
Fordson HS | Dearborn, MI
Uncommitted

26. Paul Jorgenson | OT
Dewitt HS | DeWitt, MI
Committed to Northwestern

Notes: The developing offensive tackle picked the Wildcats of Northwestern over offers from Stanford, Duke, Michigan State, Illinois, and Cincinnati.


27. Ishmael Thomas | OLB
Renaissance HS | Detroit, MI
Committed to Indiana

28. Jonathon Hankins | DT
Southeastern HS | Detroit, MI
Uncommitted

29. Kent King | OL
Gladstone HS | Gladstone, MI
Committed to CMU

30. Nores Fradi | LB
Dearborn HS | Dearborn, MI
Committed to CMU

31. Justin Ford | S
Kenowa Hills HS | Grand Rapids, MI
Committed to BGSU

Notes: The state's top pure safety is found at number 31.


32. Kevonte Martin-Manley | ATH
Brother Rice HS | Bloomfield Hills, MI

33. Nathan Lindsey | ATH
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI

34. Daniel Lindsey | ATH
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI

35. Tiaan De Nysschen | LB
Lahser HS | Bloomfield Hills, MI

36.Marcus Beaurem | WR
Stevenson HS | Sterling Heights, MI

37. Garret Davis | OG
Willow Run HS | Ypsilanti, MI

38. Tremondae Branch | DT/DE
Carman Ainsworth HS | Flint, MI

39. Jonathon Taylor | WR
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI
Uncommitted

Notes: Devin Gardner's top high school target holds a Central Michigan offer.

40. Phillip Galloway | TE
Shrine HS | Detroit, MI

41. Christopher Devezin
Cass Tech HS | Detroit, MI

42. Chad Davis | QB
Groves HS | Beverly Hills, MI

Notes: With a offer from Syracuse, the Orange believe they have found a sleeper in Davis

43. Greg Hayes | WR
Saginaw HS | Saginaw, MI

44. Vo Zanders | ATH
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI

45. Brandon Banks | WR
Southwestern School | Detroit, MI

46. Wayne Pettus | ATH
Melvindale HS | Detroit, MI

47. Chris Robinson | RB
Ovid Elsie HS | Elsie, MI

48. Matt Rea | LB
Rochester Adams HS | Rochester Hills, MI

49. DJ Lynch | LB
Avondale HS | Auburn Hills, MI

50. Colin Voss | TE
EGR HS | East Grand Rapids, MI

Notes: Voss, at a towering 6-foot-8, is also a top basketball prospect in the state.

51. Jason Ray | LB
Country Day HS | West Bloomfield, MI

52. Taurean Jackson | QB
Sexton HS | Lansing, MI

53. Connor Kruse | OL
Lowell HS | Lowell, MI

54. Steven Bell | S
Cooley HS | Detroit, MI

55. Jason Fracassa | QB
Stevenson HS | Sterling Heights, MI

Notes: The record breaking quarterback is also a valued baseball prospect, with interest from USC and Kentucky

56. Dionte Savage | OL/DL
Southwestern Academy | Flint, MI

57. Terrence Moore | QB/ATH
Ypsilanti HS | Ypsilanti, MI

58. Brandis Yarrington | CB
Pioneer HS | Ann Arbor, MI

59. Chris Eddins | DT
Country Day HS | Detroit, MI

60. Edward Thomas | ATH
Southeastern HS | Detroit, MI

Notes: Listed here as an athlete, Thomas is the starting quarterback for the Jungaleers.

61. Tyler Lombardo | LB
L'anse Creuse HS | Harrison Township, MI

62. Paul Mudgett | K
Rockford HS | Rockford, MI

63. DJ Mershman | WR
Stevenson HS | Sterling Heights, MI

64. Jarhaur Jackson | OL
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI

65. Collin Hochberg | QB
South Lyon East HS | South Lyon, MI

Notes: College scouts are looking at Hochberg as an athlete.

66. Terence Stevens | RB
Inkster HS | Detroit, MI

67. Montrel Robinson | WR
Lathrup HS | Southfield, MI

68. Ed Merhi | OL
Salem HS | Canton, MI

69. Desmond Roberts | ATH
Romulus HS | Romulus, MI

70. Chris Johnson | WR
Truman HS | Taylor, MI

71. Joe Wirth | DE
Eisenhower HS | Utica, MI
Committed to CMU

72. Gabe Martin | LB
Grand Blanc HS | Grand Blanc, MI

Notes: Martin plays on a very talented Grand Blanc team, with tons of senior and junior talent.

73. Joe Stefanski | LB
Rockford HS | Rockford, MI

74. Mason Krysinski | K
Eisenhower HS | Shelby Township, MI

75. Delector Durley | DE
Martin Luther King Jr HS | Detroit, MI

Monday, July 20, 2009

Weighing the Tigers trade market...

Its pretty clear to anyone who has watched a Tigers game this year that the team is going to have to add another piece to the roster if they are going to have any chance at competing down the stretch in the AL Central.

While they do retain a slight lead in the AL Central, that lead has lessened seemingly daily in the past week.

The need is certainly there for the Tigers to grab a player or two at the deadline. While the top end of the rotation has been tremendous, the back half is still doubtful. The offense has also been barren in its run production and with Zumaya's latest injury, the bullpen even looks to have some cracks forming.

With the trade deadline approaching, let's look at some of the Tigers top options in the MLB trade market.


Roy Halladay - SP - Toronto Blue Jays
2.73 ERA, 11-3
Halladay is clearly the best option on the market for a starting pitcher this trade deadline and is probably the best overall player on the market. With many of baseball's top teams on the hunt for Halladay, it would only make sense for the Tigers to keep one eye on Halladay.

Luke Scott - OF - Baltimore Orioles
.298, 18 HR, 53 RBI
A licensed Tigers killer, Scott has been playing noticeably above his career numbers this season. Scott would provide the power bat from the left side of the plate the Tigers have been searching for for years.

Adam Dunn - OF/1B - Washington Nationals
.265, 24 HR, 64 RBI
Dunn is the caliber hitter that the Tigers desire to adequately protect Miguel Cabrera in the middle of the line-up. He also provides the amount of power that the Tigers haven't had from the left side in a long time.

Aubrey Huff - Utility - Baltimore Orioles
.275 BA, 10 HR, 52 RBI
Huff would be another guy who you could hope would be an RBI guy behind Cabrera helping to protect him from being pitched around.


Obviously, trades are a two sided discussion. Near the MLB trade deadline, prospects in the minors become valuable trading pieces.

However, the Tiger's minor league system is depleted, after the trades of the past few years. With few prospects worth packaging in the minors, anything more then a guy the caliber of an Aubrey Huff would be a stretch.


A lot of what the Tigers do will also depend on what their division rivals do. It looks pretty imminent that the White Sox do make a move, so we have to expect the Tigers to follow suit.

I could see them potentially assembling a package for Halladay, containing Rick Porcello, Wiklin Ramirez, Cale Iorg, and a few others. However, this would further deplete an already desolute minor league system.



High School Football: 2010 Prospect Rankings

2010 State of Michigan Rankings
Post Summer Camp Edition


Last updated, 7/20/09


1. William Gholston | DE/OLB
Southeastern HS | Detroit, MI
Committed to Michigan State

Scouting: Outstandly athletic and exceptionally built, Gholston has all the physical tools to be a star at the college level. Gholston's athleticism at his 6-7 250 pound size makes him one of the top players in the nation. With refined technique and pass rushing discipline, Gholston could be a star for the Spartans in the years to come.

Compare to: Mario Williams, current Houston Texans' player



2. Devin Gardner | QB
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI
Committed to Michigan

Scouting: As an athlete, Gardner is already one of the nation's top players. Add to that his ability to play quarterback, he becomes an even more desirable player. With legitamate 4.5 speed at 6-4, his running ability makes him a great fit for Michigan's offense. While his passing mechanics leave quite a bit to be desired, he has made marked progress in the past year towards simplifying his mechanics and adjusting his technique.

Compare to: Jordan Jeferson, current LSU quarterback




3. Ricardo Miller | WR
?????? | Ann Arbor, MI
Comitted to Michigan

Scouting: Miller is your protypical outside wide receiver. He has a great blend of size and speed, running somewhere in the 4.5s to 4.6s at his 6-foot-3 220 lb size. He has tremendous quickness and burst, making him extraordinarly dangerous in the short passing game. His size makes him a great deep threat. Making the move with his family from the state of Florida to the state of Michigan, Miller has yet to chose what high school he will attend for his final semester before enrolling early at Michigan.

Compare to: Hakeem Nicks, UNC Tarheel turned NFL rookie





4. CJ Olaniyan | DE
Mott HS | Warren, MI
Uncommitted

Scouting: The standard weakside defensive end prospect for any college coach, Olaniyan stands 6-foot-5, 230 lbs, running in the 4.65s in the 40 yard dash. Like many prospects, he lacks the development in technique to make an instant impact, but he possesses the athleticism to make him a valuable prospect.

Compare to: Nick Perry, current USC defensive end




5. Robert Bolden | QB
St. Mary's HS | Orchard Lake, MI
Committed to Penn State

Scouting: Solid mechanics and sound fundamentals are Bolden's strengths as a passer, while he still possesses great athleticism. His lightning fast release and smooth delivery make him one of the elite quarterbacks in the nation. He could move even farther up this list with an impressive senior season.

Compare to: Jevan Sneed, current Ole Miss starting QB



6. Austin White | RB
Stevenson HS | Livonia, MI
Committed to Michigan

Scouting: With two older brothers at one point attending Michigan State on athletic scholarships, athleticism runs in the blood in the White household. One of the state's most productive athletes since the beginning of his high school career, White has been a dominant runningback at Stevenson. He is an extremely versatile prospect as well, with the hands and size to be able to split out as a receiver when necessary.

Compare to: Tony Temple, former Missouri runningback



7. Nick Hill | RB
Chelsea HS | Chelsea, MI
Committed to Michigan State

Scouting: His lack of size has made him less of a national prospect then he really should be. An elite runner with true 4.4 speed and fantastic vision, Hill's height is really his only sticking point. He runs with surprising power and moves with great quickness between tackles. In my mind one of the state and nation's most underrated players.

Compare to: Mike Hart, former Michigan runningback



8. Dior Mathis | CB
Cass Tech HS | Detroit, MI
Uncommitted

Scouting: Much like Nick Hill, Mathis' biggest problem is his height at 5-foot-9. With great speed, tremendous quickness, and graceful hip fluidity (no homo), Mathis is everything you want in an athlete for the cornerback position. He also needs work with cornerback technique and development in a college weight room before he can be considered succesful. He could also be a highly ranked slot receiver, a position he excells at for the Technicians.

Compare to: Oklahoma cornerback Marcus Trice.



9. Max Bullough | LB
St. Francis HS | Traverse City, MI
Committed to Michigan State

Scouting: A legacy recruit to Michigan State, Bullough is the state's most productive linebacker. A throwback hardnosed middle linebacker prospect, Bullough has the size and instincts to be a cornerstone of any defense at the college level.

Compare to: Dan Connor, former Penn State middle linebacker



10. Joe Boisture | QB
Saline HS | Saline, MI
Committed to Michigan State

Scouting: Pretty much your prototypical pro-style quarterback, possessing the tall frame and strong arm. His inconsistent accuracy is his major weakness, along with a tendency to overthrow his receivers in the short passing game. Boston College's depth chart is pretty desirable towards Boisture having an opprotunity to play as a freshman.

Compare to: Erik Ainge, former Tennessee quarterback




11. Mylan Hicks | CB
Renaissance HS | Detroit, MI
Committed to Michigan State

Scouting: Not an extraordinary athlete, but an extraordinary cover man. While he lacks the speed to make up for any big mistakes, he is just a great cover corner. He possessing the agility to stay with any receiver and the instincts to break up passes.

Compare to: Alphonso Smith, former Wake Forest cornerback



12. Daniel Easterly | S/OLB
Cass Technical HS | Detroit, MI
Committed to Illinois

Scouting: Easterly is one of my favorite players in the 2010 class. He has a freakish combination of size and speed. He has the positional versatility to play either strong safety, outside linebacker, or even weakside defensive end. Tremendous athlete perfect for any hybrid position.

Compare to: Prescott Burgress, former Michigan linebacker



13. Matt Zakrzewski | OLB
St. Francis HS | Traverse City, MI
Uncommitted

Scouting: A high school safety, Zakrzewski definitely has the athletic ability to transition to the next level. With an outstanding junior season where he racked up 98 tackles and seven interceptions -- he has also got it done on the field. Versatile enough to play either inside or outside linebacker, Zakrzewski is a tremendous prospect with numerous scholarship offers to his credit.

Compare to: Jonas Mouton, current Michigan linebacker



14. Tony Jones | WR
Grand Blanc Community HS | Grand Blanc, MI
Uncommitted

Scouting: An explosive receiver, Jones has a great combination of speed and quickness. While he lacks elite size, Jones is a perfect slot receiver. Standing 5-foot-11, he has decent size to compliment his athletic ability.

Compare to: Eddie Royal, former Virginia Tech and current Denver Broncos' receiver



15. Austin Gray | LB
Fitzgerald HS | Warren, MI
Committed to Iowa

Scouting: Great football instints and superior tackling ability make him a solid linebacker prospect. While he struggles in coverage, when the play is in front of him Gray is a great linebacker. Slices quickly up the field to make tackles, but lacks elite athleticism.

16. Tony Lippett | WR
Crockett Vocational | Detroit, MI
Committed to Michigan State

17. Jeremy Jackson | WR
Huron HS | Ann Arbor, MI
Committed to Michigan

18. Carl Davis | DT
Adlai Stevenson HS | Sterling Heights, MI
Uncommitted

19. Paul Jorgenson | OT
Dewitt HS | DeWitt, MI
Committed to Northwestern

20. Jonathon Hankins | DT
Southeastern HS | Detroit, MI
Uncommitted

21. Ishmael Thomas | OLB
Renaissance HS | Detroit, MI
Committed to Indiana

22. Wayne Pettus | ATH
Melvindale HS | Detroit, MI
Uncommitted

23. Tyler Calero | DE
Southfield Christian HS | Southfield, MI
Committed to Michigan State

24. Earnest Thomas | OLB/S
St. Mary's HS | Orchard Lake, MI
Committed to UCLA

25. Baquer Sayed | WR
Fordson HS | Dearborn, MI
Uncommitted

26. Jonathon Taylor | WR
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI
Uncommitted

27. Bill Ivan | OT
Charlevoix HS | Charlevoix, MI
Committed to Indiana

28. Tremondae Branch | DT/DE
Carman Ainsworth HS | Flint, MI
Uncommitted

29. Mike Sadler | P
Forest Hills Northern HS | Grand Rapids, MI
Uncommitted

30. Nores Fradi | LB
Dearborn HS | Dearborn, MI
Committed to CMU

31. Brandon Banks | WR
Southwestern School | Detroit, MI

32. Kevonte Martin-Manley | ATH
Brother Rice HS | Bloomfield Hills, MI

33. Nathan Lindsey | ATH
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI

34. Daniel Lindsey | ATH
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI

35. Chris Robinson | RB
Ovid Elsie HS | Elsie, MI

36.Marcus Beaurem | WR
Eisenhower HS | Utica, MI

37. Garret Davis | OG
Willow Run HS | Ypsilanti, MI

38. Jason Ray | LB
Country Day HS | West Bloomfield, MI

39. Brandis Yarrington | CB
Pioneer HS | Ann Arbor, MI

40. Colin Voss | TE
EGR HS | East Grand Rapids, MI

41. Cody Kater | QB
Montague HS | Montague, MI
Committed to Central Michigan


42. Edward Thomas | ATH
Southeastern HS | Detroit, MI

43. Greg Hayes | WR
Saginaw HS | Saginaw, MI

44. Vo Zanders | ATH
Inkster HS | Inkster, MI

45. Taurean Jackson | QB
Sexton HS | Lansing, MI

46. Chris Eddins | DT
Country Day HS | Beverly Hills, MI

47. Tiaan De Nysschen | LB
Lahser HS | Bloomfield Hills, MI

48. Matt Rea | LB
Rochester Adams HS | Rochester Hills, MI

49. DJ Lynch | LB
Avondale HS | Auburn Hills, MI

50. Terrence Moore | QB/ATH
Ypsilanti HS | Ypsilanti, MI

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Why isn't ESPN showing any sports...

We've got World Series of Poker run rampant on my television. I've been keeping track, the past week the WSOP either this year or re-runs has taken 25 hours of ESPN..


All-star game

Zzzzzzzzzzzz, oh what its over? Whew, that was a good game.

People will want to tell you they need to change it up, not make it mean anything again. There isn't a diehard baseball fan alive that will tell you that game wasn't good. A collection of the best players in major league baseball leaving it all on the line.

And Carlos got a hit
Guillen smacked one the other way for a lead-off double in the extra innings. Naturally though, he didn't score. Guess he is used to it playing for the Tigers this year.


Maggs up, Clete-town Down
Tigers demote Clete to AAA, recalling Magglio back up. Sign that Matt Joyce may be here to stay.


And finally...

The winter classic, as its being called, is official. Red Wings @ Blackhawks in Wrigley.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Games to Watch: Week 1 of High School Football

Not only focusing on the top match-ups in the state, but also trying to get around to see some of the best players in state. These games are all week one.

Note: For any high school rankings or games to watch archived, an assortment of links is building on the rightside of the page.

7 PM 8/28/2008 Orchard Lake St. Mary's @ East Grand Rapids
In a game that rematches the two team's from last years 5 OT thriller to end the year, this one will be good. OLSM is led on offense by junior QB Robert Bolden. Bolden played well last year and will play even better as he gains experience, not to mention the slew of weapons he has at his disposal. He has one of the nation's top tightends in Dion Sims and a speedy senior receiver in Rodney Woodland. EGR is led by one of the state's most productive senior runningbacks, Joe Glendening who had over 1600 yards in his junior campaign.

7 PM 8/29/2008 Dearborn Divine Child @ Dearborn Fordson
Neither team sports extremely high level talent, but I feel this could be a very compelling contest. Divine Child is led at quarterback by junior Marty Mitchell and at receiver by junior Kyle Sampson. Fordson is not lacking in talent, senior running back Ali Alaboody is one of the fastest players in the state and many other Tractors' seniors such as Abdullah Homayed and Hassan Amen could be worthy of football scholarships.


7 PM 8/30/2008 Birmingham Brother Rice @ Oak Park
Interesting match-up in this week 1 game. A few of the states elite come together to play. The 2nd best player in-state, Edwin Baker, leads the Knights of Oak Park against one of the state's foremost program -- Brother Rice. The state power Brother Rice comes in with their share of stars as well, especially at the speed positions. Sophomore cornerback Jeremy Pickens, junior two-sport star Kevonte Martin, and seniors Shamari Benton and Kenny Watkins form the best defensiveback grouping in the state. In addition to Edwin Baker, Oak Park also has some very good players on the offensive side of the ball. Senior quarterback Brandon Woods and junior offensive tackle Timothy Jones are two key contributors for Oak Park. On the defensive side, Oak Park linebacker Noble Williams leads the Knights.

7 PM 8/30/2008 Detroit Southeastern @ Detroit (Novi) Catholic Central
Catholic Central is continually one of the better programs in Michigan. However, unlike in past years the player to watch is not on CC. Defensive end William Gholston is one of the top prospects in the state of Michigan, taking after his cousin Vernon. It will be interesting to see how the Shamrocks try to stop Gholston.


7 PM 8/28/2008 Livonia Franklin @ Livonia Stevenson
The Spartans of Stevenson feature one of the state's top juniors and overall top players in Austin White. Franklin was the only team that gave the 13-1 Spartans a challenge during their trip to Ford Field. On the Franklin side of Livonia, senior running back David Fortin is one to keep your eye open for. The 5-10 208 lb. running back will be attending a Div-1 school on a football scholarship this year. Opening up the field for Fortin will be 2010 offensive line prospect Nate Coleman who stands a mean 6'6".


2 PM 8/29/2008 Detroit Martin Luther King Jr. vs. Muskegon (At Eastern Michigan)
This game, taking place at Eastern Michigan's Rynearson Stadium as a part of the Big Day Prep Showdown is a very fascinating match-up. Muksegon takes on King in a match-up of two great programs. King went undefeated in what was an amazing run all the way to the championship while Muskegon was also dominate all year finishing 9-2.


FULL BIG DAY PREP SHOWDOWN SCHEDULE (8/29/2008)
South Lyon vs. Walled Lake Central - 11 a.m.
Detroit King vs. Muskegon - 2 p.m.
Lake Orion vs. Rockford - 5 p.m.
Ann Arbor Pioneer vs. Saline - 8 p.m.


8/29/2008 Inkster @ Zeeland West
Not a lot of details yet from this game.
We all know about the talent that Inkster has this year -- junior quarterback Devin Gardner is one of the elite players in the state already. However, there is a ton of talent on the Inkster team. A transfer from Melvindale, senior Cameron Gordon is a highly regarded WR/LB collegiate prospect. Another transfer to Inkster, this one from Wayne Memorial, is senior Alan Freeman who had over 1200 yards of total offense in his junior year. This could be one of Inkster's most difficult tests of the year, especially on defense. Zeeland West's wing-T offense averaged over 34 points per game last year, leading them to a 12-1 record.