Top Five Uncommitted Class of 2016 High School Recruits in Michigan

Written By Charlie Beuttel

Twitter: @charlie_cds3

Michigan produces talented college football recruits every year and the Class of 2016 is no different with high school athletes from all across the Wolverine State going on to play college football all over the country next season.

Some notable football players from Michigan who thrived at the college level and made it to the NFL include Hall of Fame running back Jerome Bettis, Kansas City Chiefs offensive tackle Eric Fisher, San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates, and New Orleans Saints running back and 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram.

Some top Class of 2016 recruits from Michigan include Rockford kicker Quinn Nordin (Penn State), Skyline (Ann Arbor) linebacker Daelin Hayes (Notre Dame), Plymouth (Canton) offensive lineman Michael Jordan (Ohio State), Martin Luther King (Detroit) wide receiver Donnie Corley (Michigan State) and Farmington linebacker David Reese (Florida).

However there are many top recruits in this area that are still weighing all their options before making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. These athletes are being looked at by college teams every day and have about three weeks before National Signing Day on Feb. 3 to make pick their college of choice.

Some top uncommitted recruits in Michigan include

Lavert Hill

5’11”, 172 pounds

Cornerback

Martin Luther King High School, Detroit

27 offers: Clemson, Michigan, Michigan State, Tennessee, and USC

Decommitted from Penn State on Nov. 29

Official Visits: Tennessee Dec. 4, Michigan Dec. 11, USC Jan. 15, Michigan State Jan. 22, and Clemson Jan. 29

Has a tremendous ability to read and jump routes. Has the speed and uses his good footwork to change direction well and keep up with receivers. Solid tackler and has the ability to deliver big hits. Also uses his leaping ability to break up passes.

Desmond Fitzpatrick

6’2”, 190 pounds

Wide Receiver

Waterford Mott High School, Waterford

19 offers: Nebraska, Michigan, Kentucky, Louisville, and Notre Dame

Official Visits: Nebraska Nov. 7, Indiana Dec. 11, and Louisville Jan. 30

Uses his hand and athleticism to make tough catches all over the field. Has the size, speed and footwork to create separation from defenders and breakaway for big plays. Runs a 4.50 in the 40-yard dash.

Tony Poljan

6’7”, 235 pounds

Dual-threat Quarterback

Lansing Catholic, Lansing

2015 stats: Passing 72-123 for 1,169 yards with 13 touchdowns; Rushing 84 attempts for 780 yards with 16 rushing touchdowns

Eight offers: Michigan State, Central Michigan, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Oklahoma State

Official Visits: Minnesota Oct. 31, Nebraska Dec. 11, and Central Michigan Jan. 15

Big kid that uses his size to make plays with both his arm and legs. Shows good awareness in the pocket and has the ability to escape pressure. His throws are accurate with a good touch even when he throws into coverage.

Alaric Jackson

6’7”, 285 pounds

Offensive Tackle

Renaissance High School, Detroit

17 offers: Michigan State, Nebraska, Michigan, and Iowa

Official Visits: Iowa Jan. 22 and Nebraska Jan. 29

Has great body control and balance. Plays with great effort and intensity. Only started playing football as a junior in high school but has good football intelligence. Gets off the ball well and can get into the second level.

Jalen Cochran

6’4”, 235 pounds

Outside Linebacker

Canton High School, Canton

10 offers: Iowa State, Miami (OH), Ball State, Iowa, and Toledo

Official Visit: Miami (OH) Dec. 4

Uses his strength and size to wrap up opponents and deliver big hits. Has great footwork and closing-in speed to get past blockers and make plays in the backfield. Also has the ability to drop back into coverage.

Photo credit: mlive.com; Detroit’s Martin Luther King cornerback Lavert Hill