My ranking of the top players in the state of Michigan for 2015 continues. I already posted #1-5 (LINK) and #6-10 (LINK), but here’s a recap:
- Donovan Peoples-Jones
- Ambry Thomas
- Antjuan Simmons
- Ja’Raymond Hall
- Joshua Ross
- K.J. Hamler
- Phillip Paea
- Hunter Rison
- Jaylen Kelly-Powell
- Corey Malone-Hatcher
Hit the jump for #11-15.
11. Deron Irving-Bey – DE – Flint (MI) Southwestern
Height: 6’5″
Weight: 271 lbs.
Notable offers: Michigan, Michigan State, Tennessee
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: N/A
Analysis: Irving-Bey is a big body who nonetheless does a good job of staying low and firing off the ball. He doesn’t do a great job of using his hands, but that’s something that can be learned. Meanwhile, he’s physical and changes direction fairly well to track down ball carriers in the backfield. He may grow into a defensive tackle at the next level.
12. Cody White – WR – Walled Lake (MI) Western
Height: 6’3″
Weight: 190 lbs.
Notable offers: Iowa, Michigan State, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Commitment: Michigan State
247 Composite: 3-star, #70 WR, #496 overall, #14 in-state
Analysis: White is a tall, solidly built receiver who does a nice job of adjusting to the ball in the air, high-pointing passes, and outmuscling defensive backs for position. He’s a physical receiver who won’t run away from many people, but he changes direction well for a taller guy and can fight through some tackles. As a junior in 2015, he made 49 catches for 927 yards and 8 TDs.
13. Jairus Grissom – QB – River Rouge (MI) River Rouge
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 204 lbs.
Notable offers: Houston, North Carolina State, Purdue, Rutgers, Syracuse
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: 3-star, #22 dual-threat QB, #957 overall, #22 in-state
Analysis: Grissom, who is transferring from Dearborn Heights (MI) Robichaud to River Rouge for his senior year, is a compact dual-threat guy with a lot of upside. He’s not the fastest guy and doesn’t have the strongest arm, but he does enough of everything well to make him a dangerous QB. He needs to work on his mechanics a little bit and keep the ball up higher, but he has a nice, over-the-top delivery and throws guys open. He won’t break many 80-yarders, but he has enough speed to make defenses pay and he runs hard. He would be a nice fit for what teams like Houston and Rutgers plan to run.
14. Scott Nelson – S – Detroit (MI) U of D Jesuit
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 184 lbs.
Notable offers: Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State, Wisconsin
Commitment: Uncommitted
247 Composite: 3-star, #46 S, #606 overall, #16 in-state
Analysis: Nelson won’t amaze you with his speed, hitting ability, or athleticism, but he has a good frame and very good anticipation. He plays some quarterback and some wide receiver for his high school team, but his best position going forward seems to be as a free safety.
15. Bryce Wolma – TE – Saline (MI) Saline
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 235 lbs.
Notable offers: Arizona, Northwestern, Tennessee, West Virginia
Commitment: Arizona
247 Composite: 3-star, #33 TE, #781 overall, #20 in-state
Analysis: Wolma may not have the bulk and strength to be a traditional, in-line tight end, but he has that H-back skill set. He can be used going in motion, moving out into the slot, or occasionally on the line of scrimmage. He offers some value as a guy who can run after the catch, and he has a smooth running style that should make him a tough cover for linebackers.
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When #11-15 are getting offers from Big Ten and SEC schools, you know it’s an exceedingly deep year for in-state talent. Typically by #10 you’re talking about MAC caliber kids with maybe Purdue or Indiana offers at best.
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I agree that it’s a deep year, but I think you’re underselling Michigan’s talent year to year. I didn’t think 2016 was a great year, but #11-15 went to Florida, Western Michigan, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, and Iowa in 2016…and the WMU guy was Matt Falcon, a one-time Michigan commit who fell off due to injury. In fact, the first guy who was a straight-up MAC guy was Armani Posey at #25. Falcon (Michigan to WMU), Tony Poljan (Minnesota to CMU), and Stefan Claiborne (Illinois to WMU) were all committed to Big Ten schools before dropping to the MAC for one reason or another. Players #1-24 all committed to Power Five schools or Notre Dame at one point.
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I think 2015 was a good year too, but you are probably right in general and my comment is probably overly negative – applicable more to down years than typical ones.
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Meant 2016.
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