Detroit News 2018 top high school football players
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Go through the gallery for an early look at The Detroit News' top 20 Michigan high school football players, compiled by David Goricki. The list includes Detroit Cass Tech running back Jaren Mangham (pictured).
Go through the gallery for an early look at The Detroit News' top 20 Michigan high school football players, compiled by David Goricki. The list includes Detroit Cass Tech running back Jaren Mangham (pictured). Bryan Mitchell, Special to Detroit News
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1. Devontae Dobbs, 6-4, 305, Sr., T, Belleville (Michigan State). Dobbs is a physical five-star tackle, a punishing run blocker who also gets the job done pass protecting for quarterback Christian Dhue-Reid. He is arguably the top tackle in the country and had 42 offers, picking Michigan State in late June. He had shoulder surgery in early February, but should be ready to play once camp opens up later this summer. “We ran the ball behind him over 70 percent of the time,” coach Jermain Crowell said. “He’s an extremely athletic big man with nothing but upside. He’s one of the kindest, most giving kids I’ve ever coached.”
1. Devontae Dobbs, 6-4, 305, Sr., T, Belleville (Michigan State). Dobbs is a physical five-star tackle, a punishing run blocker who also gets the job done pass protecting for quarterback Christian Dhue-Reid. He is arguably the top tackle in the country and had 42 offers, picking Michigan State in late June. He had shoulder surgery in early February, but should be ready to play once camp opens up later this summer. “We ran the ball behind him over 70 percent of the time,” coach Jermain Crowell said. “He’s an extremely athletic big man with nothing but upside. He’s one of the kindest, most giving kids I’ve ever coached.” Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
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2. Logan Brown, 6-7, 305, Sr., T, East Kentwood (Wisconsin). Brown is everything Dobbs is, and well could be the top player in the state and top tackle in the country. He is a physical presence at 6-7 and 305 pounds and very athletic. He is a two-time state champion in the shotput. He committed to Wisconsin back in November, picking the Badgers over Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and numerous other schools.
2. Logan Brown, 6-7, 305, Sr., T, East Kentwood (Wisconsin). Brown is everything Dobbs is, and well could be the top player in the state and top tackle in the country. He is a physical presence at 6-7 and 305 pounds and very athletic. He is a two-time state champion in the shotput. He committed to Wisconsin back in November, picking the Badgers over Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Penn State and numerous other schools. Allen Trieu / 247Sports
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3. Justin Rogers, 6-4, 280, Jr., G-DE, Oak Park. Rogers is a five-star junior who has developed into a strong two-way player, considered to be the top guard in the country by 247Sports for the class of 2020. He has more than three dozen offers, but Michigan and Michigan State are not in his top 13. National champion Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State and Penn State were on the list that he tweeted back in June. He visited several national powers on a trip down south this summer.
3. Justin Rogers, 6-4, 280, Jr., G-DE, Oak Park. Rogers is a five-star junior who has developed into a strong two-way player, considered to be the top guard in the country by 247Sports for the class of 2020. He has more than three dozen offers, but Michigan and Michigan State are not in his top 13. National champion Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State and Penn State were on the list that he tweeted back in June. He visited several national powers on a trip down south this summer. 247Sports
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4. Julian Barnett, 6-2, 190, Sr., WR/CB, Belleville (Michigan State). Barnett is an impact player on both sides of the ball, using his 4.4 speed to come away with 42 receptions for 836 yards, nearly 20 yards a catch and 13 touchdowns while also making 28 tackles, including seven sacks. He is a Michigan State commit, picking the Spartans this past December over Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and multiple other schools. “Julian Barnett plays every position on the field except offensive line and excels at all of them,” coach Jermain Crowell said. Barnett is considered to be the seventh best cornerback in the country according to 247Sports.
4. Julian Barnett, 6-2, 190, Sr., WR/CB, Belleville (Michigan State). Barnett is an impact player on both sides of the ball, using his 4.4 speed to come away with 42 receptions for 836 yards, nearly 20 yards a catch and 13 touchdowns while also making 28 tackles, including seven sacks. He is a Michigan State commit, picking the Spartans this past December over Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and multiple other schools. “Julian Barnett plays every position on the field except offensive line and excels at all of them,” coach Jermain Crowell said. Barnett is considered to be the seventh best cornerback in the country according to 247Sports. 247Sports
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5. Anthony Bradford, 6-5, 320, Sr., T, Muskegon (LSU). Bradford is a dominant run blocker as a four-star tackle who helped Muskegon win the Division 3 state championship last season, leading the way for La’Darius Jefferson to rush for 2,095 yards and 33 touchdowns. “He loves to hit people, loves to run block and is always trying to improve,” coach Shane Fairfield said. Bradford committed to LSU in May, picking the Tigers over Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Michigan State.
5. Anthony Bradford, 6-5, 320, Sr., T, Muskegon (LSU). Bradford is a dominant run blocker as a four-star tackle who helped Muskegon win the Division 3 state championship last season, leading the way for La’Darius Jefferson to rush for 2,095 yards and 33 touchdowns. “He loves to hit people, loves to run block and is always trying to improve,” coach Shane Fairfield said. Bradford committed to LSU in May, picking the Tigers over Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Michigan State. Jose Juarez, Special to Detroit News
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6. Mazi Smith, 6-3, 295, Sr., DT, East Kentwood (Michigan). Smith is a force for East Kentwood, clogging up the middle with his size and strength as a four-star defensive tackle, ranked as the seventh best player in the country at his position by 247Sports. He has continued to get stronger, benching 385 pounds, up from 315 a year ago ,and has gotten more athletic after losing nearly 15 pounds from his 308 playing weight during his junior year. He committed to Michigan last month, picking the Wolverines over Alabama, Ohio State and Penn State.
6. Mazi Smith, 6-3, 295, Sr., DT, East Kentwood (Michigan). Smith is a force for East Kentwood, clogging up the middle with his size and strength as a four-star defensive tackle, ranked as the seventh best player in the country at his position by 247Sports. He has continued to get stronger, benching 385 pounds, up from 315 a year ago ,and has gotten more athletic after losing nearly 15 pounds from his 308 playing weight during his junior year. He committed to Michigan last month, picking the Wolverines over Alabama, Ohio State and Penn State. 247Sports
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7. Lance Dixon, 6-3, 205, Sr., LB, West Bloomfield (Penn State). Dixon (5) put his name on the radar last season as an athletic outside linebacker, helping West Bloomfield reach the Division 1 state championship game. He had an interception during the final minute to close out a 9-7 state semifinal win over Detroit Cass Tech, then had a team-high eight tackles, including a sack in the title game loss to Clarkston. The four-star player committed last week to Penn State.
7. Lance Dixon, 6-3, 205, Sr., LB, West Bloomfield (Penn State). Dixon (5) put his name on the radar last season as an athletic outside linebacker, helping West Bloomfield reach the Division 1 state championship game. He had an interception during the final minute to close out a 9-7 state semifinal win over Detroit Cass Tech, then had a team-high eight tackles, including a sack in the title game loss to Clarkston. The four-star player committed last week to Penn State. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
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8. Dwan Mathis, 6-5, 200, Sr., QB, Oak Park (Ohio State). Mathis showed his ability as a four-star dual-threat quarterback his junior year, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and rushing for more than 500. He originally committed to Michigan State last fall, but flipped and said he will play at Ohio State, picking the Buckeyes over the Spartans, Oregon, South Carolina and several other schools.
8. Dwan Mathis, 6-5, 200, Sr., QB, Oak Park (Ohio State). Mathis showed his ability as a four-star dual-threat quarterback his junior year, throwing for nearly 2,000 yards and rushing for more than 500. He originally committed to Michigan State last fall, but flipped and said he will play at Ohio State, picking the Buckeyes over the Spartans, Oregon, South Carolina and several other schools. David Guralnick, The Detroit News
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9. Marvin Grant, 6-2, 200, Sr., S, Detroit King (Purdue). Grant (4) is a four-star safety who hits with authority, and is always in position to make a tackle, force a turnover or block a punt. He returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the PSL championship game win over Detroit East English. He got in on 47 tackles and intercepted four passes, returning two for touchdowns. “Marvin did a great job in the back end, making a lot of tackles and a lot of big hits, just controlling the middle,” coach Tyrone Spencer said. Grant committed to Purdue in April, picking the Boilermakers over Michigan, Notre Dame, Iowa and Iowa State.
9. Marvin Grant, 6-2, 200, Sr., S, Detroit King (Purdue). Grant (4) is a four-star safety who hits with authority, and is always in position to make a tackle, force a turnover or block a punt. He returned a blocked punt for a touchdown in the PSL championship game win over Detroit East English. He got in on 47 tackles and intercepted four passes, returning two for touchdowns. “Marvin did a great job in the back end, making a lot of tackles and a lot of big hits, just controlling the middle,” coach Tyrone Spencer said. Grant committed to Purdue in April, picking the Boilermakers over Michigan, Notre Dame, Iowa and Iowa State. Bryan Mitchell, Special to Detroit News
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10. Ruke Orhorhoro, 6-5, 270, Sr., DE, River Rouge (Clemson). Orhorhoro put himself on the map in his first year of organized ball last season, causing havoc as a sack master, getting in on 76 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, including 20 sacks that led to more than two dozen offers. He showed his potential with a four-sack game in a Week 2 win over Detroit Cody and continued to play well the rest of the season. He committed to Clemson last month, picking the Tigers over such national powers as Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State.
10. Ruke Orhorhoro, 6-5, 270, Sr., DE, River Rouge (Clemson). Orhorhoro put himself on the map in his first year of organized ball last season, causing havoc as a sack master, getting in on 76 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, including 20 sacks that led to more than two dozen offers. He showed his potential with a four-sack game in a Week 2 win over Detroit Cody and continued to play well the rest of the season. He committed to Clemson last month, picking the Tigers over such national powers as Michigan, Michigan State and Penn State. Allen Trieu / 247Sports
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11. Jaren Mangham, 6-1, 210, Sr., RB, Detroit Cass Tech (Colorado). Mangham’s upside is enormous, and he plans to have a healthy senior year to show his potential after being hampered by an ankle injury for the majority of his junior season. He has a combination of strength and speed (4.6 40), resulting in him being a downhill runner with good hands to make the catch coming out of the backfield.
11. Jaren Mangham, 6-1, 210, Sr., RB, Detroit Cass Tech (Colorado). Mangham’s upside is enormous, and he plans to have a healthy senior year to show his potential after being hampered by an ankle injury for the majority of his junior season. He has a combination of strength and speed (4.6 40), resulting in him being a downhill runner with good hands to make the catch coming out of the backfield. David Guralnick, The Detroit News
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12. Karsen Barnhart, 6-4, 280, Sr., T/TE, Paw Paw (Michigan). Barnhart has displayed the combination of strength and athleticism to become an outstanding tackle and tight end at Paw Paw, making a transition from tackle to tight end his junior year. He committed to Michigan this past April, picking the Wolverines over such national powers as USC and Michigan State, with Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota also offering. Barnhart has improved his footwork by playing basketball, where he averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds this past winter.
12. Karsen Barnhart, 6-4, 280, Sr., T/TE, Paw Paw (Michigan). Barnhart has displayed the combination of strength and athleticism to become an outstanding tackle and tight end at Paw Paw, making a transition from tackle to tight end his junior year. He committed to Michigan this past April, picking the Wolverines over such national powers as USC and Michigan State, with Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota also offering. Barnhart has improved his footwork by playing basketball, where he averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds this past winter. 247Sports
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13. Adam Berghorst, 6-7, 245, Sr., DE, Zeeland East (Michigan State). Berghorst is one of the premier athletes in the state, a three-sport standout who will play both football and baseball at Michigan State. He got in on 71 tackles from his defensive end spot last season, nine for lost yardage. Also, as a right-handed pitcher who throws in the high 80s, he tossed a perfect game this past spring. He picked the Spartans over multiple Power Five conference schools, including Michigan, Notre Dame and Northwestern.
13. Adam Berghorst, 6-7, 245, Sr., DE, Zeeland East (Michigan State). Berghorst is one of the premier athletes in the state, a three-sport standout who will play both football and baseball at Michigan State. He got in on 71 tackles from his defensive end spot last season, nine for lost yardage. Also, as a right-handed pitcher who throws in the high 80s, he tossed a perfect game this past spring. He picked the Spartans over multiple Power Five conference schools, including Michigan, Notre Dame and Northwestern. Allen Trieu / 247Sports
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14. Michael Fletcher, 6-6, 240, Sr., DE, Flint Carman-Ainsworth (Michigan State). Fletcher thought basketball was his future until showing his potential on the gridiron the last couple of years, coming up with 19 tackles, including 11 1/2 his junior year as a defensive end. The three-star player had 22 offers and picked Michigan State this past weekend. Fletcher remains a star on the court, too, helping his team reach the Class A state quarterfinals last winter, falling to eventual state champion Clarkston and MSU-bound Foster Loyer.
14. Michael Fletcher, 6-6, 240, Sr., DE, Flint Carman-Ainsworth (Michigan State). Fletcher thought basketball was his future until showing his potential on the gridiron the last couple of years, coming up with 19 tackles, including 11 1/2 his junior year as a defensive end. The three-star player had 22 offers and picked Michigan State this past weekend. Fletcher remains a star on the court, too, helping his team reach the Class A state quarterfinals last winter, falling to eventual state champion Clarkston and MSU-bound Foster Loyer. 247Sports
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15. Tre Mosley, 6-2, 180, Sr., WR, West Bloomfield (Michigan State). Mosley made a big impact his junior year to help West Bloomfield earn a spot in the Division 1 state championship game while playing alongside Wisconsin-bound receivers A.J. Abbott and Taj Mustapha. Mosley, a three-star player, averaged 20 yards a reception, hauling in 43 passes for 867 yards and 10 TDs. He picked Michigan State over Michigan and several other Big Ten schools.
15. Tre Mosley, 6-2, 180, Sr., WR, West Bloomfield (Michigan State). Mosley made a big impact his junior year to help West Bloomfield earn a spot in the Division 1 state championship game while playing alongside Wisconsin-bound receivers A.J. Abbott and Taj Mustapha. Mosley, a three-star player, averaged 20 yards a reception, hauling in 43 passes for 867 yards and 10 TDs. He picked Michigan State over Michigan and several other Big Ten schools. Bryan Mitchell, Special to Detroit News
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16. Rod Heard, 5-11, 175, Sr., CB/RB, Farmington Hills Harrison (Northwestern). Heard played both sides of the ball last season, putting on a show at running back for the first time while playing his usual cornerback spot as well to help Harrison reach the Division 3 state championship game. He rushed for 1,538 yards and 23 touchdowns last season and is expected to play some quarterback during his senior year, occasionally set up in the wildcat spot. He plans to play at Northwestern as a defensive back.
16. Rod Heard, 5-11, 175, Sr., CB/RB, Farmington Hills Harrison (Northwestern). Heard played both sides of the ball last season, putting on a show at running back for the first time while playing his usual cornerback spot as well to help Harrison reach the Division 3 state championship game. He rushed for 1,538 yards and 23 touchdowns last season and is expected to play some quarterback during his senior year, occasionally set up in the wildcat spot. He plans to play at Northwestern as a defensive back. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
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17. Jalen Hunt, 6-3, 245, Sr., DE, Belleville (Iowa). Hunt showed the ability to cause problems with his athleticism and strength coming off the edge during his junior year, a reason he was highly recruited heading into his senior season. He is a three-star defensive end who picked Iowa over Michigan State, Louisville, Minnesota and other Big Ten schools.
17. Jalen Hunt, 6-3, 245, Sr., DE, Belleville (Iowa). Hunt showed the ability to cause problems with his athleticism and strength coming off the edge during his junior year, a reason he was highly recruited heading into his senior season. He is a three-star defensive end who picked Iowa over Michigan State, Louisville, Minnesota and other Big Ten schools. Daniel Mears, The Detroit News
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18. Marcel Lewis, 6-1, 210, Sr., LB, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (Michigan State). Lewis was a force during his junior year when he showed his strength and athleticism by getting in on 88 tackles, including 11 for lost yardage to help his team reach the Division 1 regional finals. He also showed his big-play ability as a receiver, grabbing three passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-26 regional final loss to Detroit Cass Tech. He picked Michigan State over a number of other Big Ten teams, including Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota.
18. Marcel Lewis, 6-1, 210, Sr., LB, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (Michigan State). Lewis was a force during his junior year when he showed his strength and athleticism by getting in on 88 tackles, including 11 for lost yardage to help his team reach the Division 1 regional finals. He also showed his big-play ability as a receiver, grabbing three passes for 78 yards and two touchdowns in a 32-26 regional final loss to Detroit Cass Tech. He picked Michigan State over a number of other Big Ten teams, including Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota. Bryan Mitchell, Special to Detroit News
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19. Rashawn Williams, 6-1, 185, Jr., WR, Detroit King. Williams (13) is a four-star receiver who is a deep threat in King’s explosive offense that also includes senior quarterback Dequan Finn (Central Michigan) and three-star junior receiver Lemuel Neely-Watley, a transfer from Detroit East English. Williams already owns offers from Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State.
19. Rashawn Williams, 6-1, 185, Jr., WR, Detroit King. Williams (13) is a four-star receiver who is a deep threat in King’s explosive offense that also includes senior quarterback Dequan Finn (Central Michigan) and three-star junior receiver Lemuel Neely-Watley, a transfer from Detroit East English. Williams already owns offers from Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State. Bryan Mitchell, Special to Detroit News
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20. Sam Johnson, 6-4, 194, Sr., QB, Walled Lake Western (Boston College). Johnson has physically and mentally matured into a three-star pro-style quarterback who has improved his mechanics and has a strong arm. He threw for 2,115 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, with just five interceptions.
20. Sam Johnson, 6-4, 194, Sr., QB, Walled Lake Western (Boston College). Johnson has physically and mentally matured into a three-star pro-style quarterback who has improved his mechanics and has a strong arm. He threw for 2,115 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, with just five interceptions. Robin Buckson, The Detroit News
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    David Goricki, Rod Beard, Eric Coughlin and Craig Yuhas of The Detroit News offer their predictions for top games in Week 1 of the high school football season.

    West Bloomfield at Birmingham Groves

    Goricki: West Bloomfield

    Beard: West Bloomfield

    Coughlin: West Bloomfield

    Yuhas: West Bloomfield

    Belleville at Brighton

    Goricki: Belleville

    Beard: Belleville (Best bet)

    Coughlin: Belleville (Best bet)

    Yuhas: Belleville

    Walled Lake Western at Detroit Catholic Central

    Goricki: W.L. Western

    Beard: W.L. Western

    Coughlin: W.L. Western

    Yuhas: Detroit Catholic Central

    More: Honoring lost teammates fuel W.L. Central, Western football teams

    More: Detroit News high school football season preview

    Detroit East English at Detroit Cody

    Goricki: Cody

    Beard: Cody

    Coughlin: Cody

    Yuhas: Cody

    Westland John Glenn at Novi

    Goricki: Novi

    Beard: Novi

    Coughlin: Novi

    Yuhas: Novi

    Utica Eisenhower at Oak Park

    Goricki: Oak Park

    Beard: Oak Park

    Coughlin: Oak Park

    Yuhas: Oak Park

    Clinton Township Chippewa Valley at Saline

    Goricki: Chippewa Valley

    Beard: Chippewa Valley

    Coughlin: Chippewa Valley

    Yuhas: Chippewa Valley

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    Rod Beard and Dave Goricki preview the 2018 high school football season The Detroit News

    Trenton at Allen Park

    Goricki: Trenton

    Beard: Trenton

    Coughlin: Allen Park

    Yuhas: Allen Park

    Livonia Churchill at Canton

    Goricki: Canton

    Beard: Canton

    Coughlin: Canton

    Yuhas: Churchill

    Birmingham Brother Rice at U-D Jesuit

    Goricki: Brother Rice

    Beard: Brother Rice

    Coughlin: Brother Rice

    Yuhas: Brother Rice

    North Farmington at Farmington Hills Harrison

    Goricki: Harrison (Best bet)

    Beard: Harrison

    Coughlin: Harrison

    Yuhas: Harrison (Best bet)

    Warren De La Salle at Muskegon

    Goricki: De La Salle

    Beard: Muskegon

    Coughlin: De La Salle

    Yuhas: Muskegon

    More: Prep picks: State champs Warren De La Salle, Muskegon clash in opener

    Grosse Pointe North at Warren Michigan Collegiate

    Goricki: G.P. North

    Beard: G.P. North

    Coughlin: Michigan Collegiate

    Yuhas: G.P. North

    East St. Louis (Ill.) at Detroit King

    Goricki: King

    Beard: East St. Louis

    Coughlin: King

    Yuhas: King

    Detroit Cass Tech at River Rouge

    Goricki: Cass Tech

    Beard: Cass Tech

    Coughlin: Cass Tech

    Yuhas: Cass Tech

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