Quarterbacks
I thought the best quarterback that was there was Tuscola (IL) product John Wienke. A nice sized passer (6’4) with a good arm, he is simply a natural
passer with accuracy, good zip and a nice release. He was the one who was offered
and I believe he was the right guy. A couple juniors stepped up and put themselves
on the radar. Jordan Najvar and William Middleton are two guys from down south
(Texas and Georgia respectively) who are both about 6’5. Middleton has
a strong arm and improved mechanically throughout the week.
Running Backs
Jonas Gray blew everybody away with his 40 time, but I was more impressed with
his improved route running and pass catching. He also showed better agility
in drills than I had previously seen from him. No matter where he ends up, it
is clear he is working hard and it is showing up. Glenn Winston established
himself as a classic power back with size and speed, but he also showed he wasn’t
just a big stiff kid. He did well in drills and caught the ball well. From the
underclassmen, Lake Region (FL) back Aaron Williams had onlookers saying he
could play anywhere. Already a rock solid 204 lbs at 5’10, he showed excellent
feet and speed as well. Battle Creek Central’s Larry Caper is an excellent
receiver with a lot of shake and agility, he has an offer already and his buddy,
Allendale’s Hersey Jackson also showed a good combination of size and
speed.
Wide Receivers
Late in the week, big timers Michael Floyd and Fred Smith came by and both were
impressive. They’re two big guys who run nice routes and have good hands.
Smith has a competitive swagger to him which is nice to see in a receiver. Floyd
adjusted to the ball well for a big guy in his limited workout. Damien Dixon
came all the way up from Louisiana. He is tall, but needs to fill out his frame.
He got much better as the week went along catching the ball. Melvindale junior
Cameron Gordon established himself as one of the state’s best. The 6’3,
190-lb Gordon has the makings of an excellent possession receiver. Another great
looking junior was James Jackson of Grand Ledge. A blinding flash of speed on
the field, Jackson needs to be more consistent catching the ball, but he has
rare explosiveness and separation ability.
Tight Ends
Kevin Koger came by and showed what a big time athlete he was. I heard someone
call him Tim Massaquoi with better hands, which is a pretty big compliment.
From the junior ranks, Grosse Pointe South’s Reid Fragel (6’7, 235)
will be one of the top players in the state next year.
Offensive Line
Commitments Dann O’Neill and Elliot Mealer were both excellent. Then there
was a group of Rocko Khoury, Kevin Zeitler, Deon’tae Pannell, Ethan Ruhland, Austin Holtz
and Adam Smith who all had their moments. Khoury got the offer, but in my opinion,
all were worthy. Actually, behind the two commitments, I thought Ruhland was
the most consistent lineman there. Pannell showed athletic ability and the skills
to play either tackle or guard and Holtz appeared to be technically sound. Smith
is a sleeper to watch. There aren’t many schools on him just yet, but
the 6’5, 300-lber looks athletic and strong and he won’t stay under
the radar for long. As for the underclassmen, Flint Carman-Ainstworth’s
Ricky Clemons and Detroit Pershing’s Tevon Conrad are both huge and have
a lot of potential.
Stay tuned to GoBlueWolverine for a defensive recap and a full index of
all of the week's camp stories.