2015 Season Countdown: #36 Matt Godin

Matt Godin

Name: Matt Godin
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 287 lbs.
High school: Novi (MI) Catholic Central
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #99
Last year: I ranked Godin #48 and said he would be a backup 3-tech tackle. He made 9 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and 1 interception.

Godin struggled with some fairly minor injury issues last year, and that kept him off the field for a small portion of the year. He also had some pretty solid players ahead of him on the depth chart, and he was not greatly missed for a defense that did pretty well despite a struggling offense. When Godin did get on the field, he was not a liability. He lacks great explosiveness, but he does well with leverage despite being 6'6". He had a decent two-game stretch late in the season against Northwestern and Maryland when he made 3 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, and that interception on a tipped ball against the Wildcats. But during the rest of the year, he made just 6 total tackles.

Godin should be healthy this year, but the depth chart has not cleared up ahead of him. He and Chris Wormley play roughly the same position, and Wormley got a lot of buzz this spring as a 3-4 end/4-3 tackle tweener. Meanwhile, Michigan has Willie Henry as a 3-tech tackle. Godin is looking at a backup role again, but he is a serviceable player who has done a good job of working his body into shape since high school. I think he is a player who can help get a push against smaller, more finesse-oriented offensive lines because of his length, but there are other guys who might fit into game plans against Michigan State, Ohio State, and Minnesota, teams that are looking to pound it up the middle. Unfortunately for Godin, Wormley and Henry are his classmates, so unless something happens to one of those guys, he may not be able to punch through into the starting lineup before his career is finished.

Prediction: Backup defensive tackle

Michigan vs. Maryland Awards

Devin Gardner

Let's see more of this guy on offense . . . a healthy Devin Gardner. Gardner had some very nice throws, and he had several that were just a little off target. Most of all, though, he looked healthier, which means that he can be dangerous on the ground. That adds an element to Michigan's attack that has not existed for the last several weeks. A healthy Gardner gives Michigan a chance. He ran for over 80 yards in this game, including a 24-yarder and then a 15-yard touchdown. When Gardner is on, he looks like Colin Kaepernick. Hopefully he can stay healthy and break out a big game like he did last year against Ohio State.

Let's see less of this guy on offense . . . De'Veon Smith. Smith has no speed element to his game, and he doesn't break enough tackles to warrant being the main guy. Michigan gave Smith 10 carries in this one, which earned them 28 yards. Meanwhile, Drake Johnson (14 carries, 94 yards) and Justice Hayes (6 carries, 36 yards) combined for 20 carries and 130 yards. Michigan's offensive line isn't great, but there are some holes occasionally. I am looking forward to next season, when Derrick Green will hopefully be healthy and Ty Isaac will be in the mix. There's also a chance that Green could return for the Ohio State game after missing the last several weeks with a broken collarbone.

Let's see more of this guy on defense . . . Willie Henry. I'm assuming Henry has been playing a limited number of snaps because of the hand injury he suffered several weeks ago, so I don't know if anyone deserves blame here. But without Frank Clark on the roster, I think Henry is arguably the best defensive lineman on the roster. He played a little bit against Maryland, but he didn't show up on the stat sheet and we're seeing a lot of Matt Godin. Godin did okay and even notched his first career sack, but he's not Willie Henry.

Let's see less of this guy on defense . . . Matt Godin. I don't know who else to pick, so I'll choose the guy who would be replaced by Henry. You can't argue with that pristine logic.

Play of the game . . . Joe Kerridge's fake punt run. It showed some creativity in play calling that we haven't often seen from this Michigan staff. Granted, it was perhaps the most boring kind of fake punt possible. Baby steps. Kerridge rumbled for 52 yards before being taken down inside the 10 yard line. I'll just throw this out there, but if that were Ben Gedeon, I think Gedeon would have scored. But hey, that will probably go down as Kerridge's biggest play of his career (he had only 1 career carry for 3 yards going into the game, and his longest catch was a 17-yarder against Indiana a few weeks ago), so hopefully he enjoys the memory.

MVP of the game . . . Devin Gardner. There aren't many options here. Nobody really stood out on defense as they gave up two fourth-quarter touchdowns, and the offense stalled out regularly, as usual. Gardner looked more like the player from the second half of the 2013 season, someone who was dangerous on foot (14 carries, 82 yards, and 1 touchdown) and potentially through the air (13/24 for 106 yards and 1 interception), though his receivers dropped numerous balls.

Michigan vs. Northwestern Awards

Let's see more of this guy on offense . . . Dennis Norfleet. Norfleet injured his shoulder against Indiana, and he did not appear in this game. It was no surprise when Michigan couldn't find a big-play threat even once during the Northwestern game. Offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier tried an end around to Devin Funchess - which was an utter failure - and the Wolverines have no speed on the outside. Add that to the gimpy Devin Gardner and a gimpy De'Veon Smith, and things look bleak for big plays. Norfleet hasn't been able to make huge plays, but he does have the ability to make 10-20 yard gains on the occasional run or reception. Hopefully he can get healthy by the next game in two weeks.

Let's see less of this guy on offense . . . Devin Funchess as the go-to receiver. The more reliable target this year has been Amara Darboh. Darboh is pretty slow and runs poor routes at times, but he makes both the easy and the tough catches. Funchess hasn't consistently made either. Michigan needs to spread the ball around, but when they need  a play to be made, I think Darboh has to be the guy.

Let's see more of this guy on defense . . . James Ross III. Ross has been playing better than the third corner. Against some packages, I guess it's necessary to put a fifth defensive back in the game, but you have to put your best eleven guys out there on defense. That actually probably would involve removing the free safety, but we've been over that before. Anytime Delonte Hollowell is out there on defense, I'd rather have Ross in the game.

Let's see less of this guy on defense . . . Delonte Hollowell. As I mentioned in the game recap, it seems like opposing coordinators and quarterbacks are aware of his presence. If they watch game tape from earlier in the season, he's the guy they should realize they can pick on. He hasn't played a great deal on defense, but he has allowed at least three touchdowns this season on out routes near the left sideline (against Notre Dame, Utah, and now Northwestern). The kid is a decent special teams contributor, but he's a liability in coverage.

Play of the game . . . Matt Godin's interception on Frank Clark's tip. Late in the second quarter, Michigan ran a zone blitz that dropped defensive end Brennen Beyer into a short zone. On a three-man rush, defensive end Frank Clark bulled Northwestern offensive tackle Jason Konopka backward, getting a hand up to knock down a Trevor Siemian pass attempt. The ball was knocked up in the air, and defensive tackle Godin reeled it in as he was falling backward to the ground. There are several options - the thwarted two-point conversion, Jake Ryan's interception, several of the 6 Michigan sacks, etc. - but I'll give it to Godin (and Clark) because it involved multiple players.

MVP of the game . . . tie between Jake Ryan and Frank Clark. Both had stellar games, particularly in the first half. Ryan finished with 11 tackles, .5 tackles for loss, 1 interception (returned for 2 yards), and 1 other pass breakup. Clark had 8 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and 3 batted balls, one of which was intercepted; he also sniffed out a reverse and made a very nice tackle in the backfield. This game was won by the defense, and those two really stood out.

2014 Season Countdown: #48 Matt Godin

Matt Godin (#99) - image via MWolverine.com

Name: Matt Godin
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 283 lbs.
High school: Novi (MI) Catholic Central
Position: Defensive tackle
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #99
Last year: I ranked Godin #37 and said he would be a backup strongside end. He played in six games and made 3 tackles.

Believing Godin would be the primary backup to Keith Heitzman last season, I ranked the towering defensive end a little too high. He played sparingly throughout the year and did not make much of an impact. Reports surfaced that he would have played more, but a nagging back injury limited him during the season. Chris Wormley took a lot of the snaps that might have gone to Godin, and Brennen Beyer also spent some time at strongside end late in the year.

This year Godin seems to have recovered from his injury, and he should be able to play a little more consistently. Starting 3-tech tackle Jibreel Black has graduated, and redshirt sophomores Willie Henry, Wormley (also a defensive tackle now), and Godin should battle for the majority of the snaps. Henry may also play some nose tackle, which could draw Godin into the lineup a little more frequently. Godin does not appear to be a penetrator or pass rushing threat, but he plays with good leverage - despite being the the tallest defensive tackle on the team by two inches. I expect to see him in the rotation quite often, but he won't fill up the stat sheet.

Prediction: Backup 3-tech defensive tackle

2013 Season Countdown: #37 Matt Godin

Matt Godin (left)

Name: Matt Godin
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 277 lbs.
High school: Novi (MI) Catholic Central
Position: Defensive end
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #99
Last year: I ranked Godin #72 and said he would be a backup defensive end. He redshirted.

Godin put on a few pounds since last year, when he was a long kid who needed to remold his body a little bit. He redshirted during the year and entered the spring competing for the strongside defensive end position, which has been vacated by Craig Roh. The primary backup there last year was Keith Heitzman, who started in the spring game, but Godin got plenty of time.

Michigan needs someone to step up at the vacated position, and Godin looked pretty decent in the spring. He's a strongside end/defensive tackle tweener, so he's not an explosive edge rusher. But if Michigan wants him to hold the point of attack while the weakside end and SAM linebacker come off the edge, then I think Godin can hold his ground. He'll be competing with the likes of redshirt sophomore Heitzman and redshirt freshman Chris Wormley, so there's not a whole lot of experience in the running. I think the edge goes to Heitzman, who has game experience and a good motor, but Michigan should be able to rotate a couple guys without losing much from first to second string.

Prediction: Backup strongside end

Wolverine Nation: Entrance Interview with Matt Godin

Melissa Leigh Morrison

Tom VanHaaren interviews incoming freshman defensive end Matt Godin.

2012 Season Countdown: #72 Matt Godin

Matt Godin

Name: Matt Godin
Height: 6'6"
Weight: 273 lbs.
High school: Novi (MI) Catholic Central
Position: Strongside defensive end
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: #81
Last year: Godin was in high school.  He had 90 tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks.

Godin committed to Michigan last May after being publicly disappointed about not getting offered earlier.  The coaches saw his 6'6" frame, now up to 273 lbs., and thought he would fit in well as a strongside end.  Godin's recruitment paid off in another way by helping to garner a commitment from 2013 running back Wyatt Shallman, Godin's teammate at Catholic Central; and it almost helped land Danny O'Brien, a defensive tackle from Flint who ultimately signed with Tennessee.  Godin played both ways at times for the Shamrocks, playing as both an offensive tackle and defensive lineman.

Going into his freshman campaign, Godin should be near ready in regard to his size.  He's expected to play strongside end, and senior starter Craig Roh is expected to have about 280 lbs. on his 6'5" frame by the time the season begins.  Roh is a technician, however, and Godin needs to work on that aspect of his game.  He has a chance to see the field because of a lack of depth at the strongside end position.  Last year's starter, Ryan Van Bergen, graduated and Roh is moving from the weak side.  Meanwhile, Godin will have to contend with fellow freshmen Tom Strobel and Chris Wormley, as well as walk-on Nathan Brink and redshirt freshman Keith Heitzman.  It seems likely that Godin will eventually grow into a 3-technique defensive tackle, but in the meantime, the battle for the backup strongside end will be interesting to watch.

Prediction: Backup defensive end

Video: Godin, Shallman play the teammate game

Norfleet, Johnson, Godin to take part in 2012 Michigan HS East West All-Star Game

Dennis Norfleet, Drake Johnson, and Matt Godin are scheduled to compete for the East squad in the 32nd annual Michigan High School East West All-Star Game. The contest is set to be played on June 30th at CMU's Kelly/Shorts stadium in Mount Pleasant. Mike Giannone of Macomb (MI) Dakota HS will coach the East, and Jerry Rabideau of Spring Lake (MI) HS will coach the West. Last year, Desmond Morgan, who recorded 6 tackles in the game, was U of M's only representative, although Thomas Rawls was also originally scheduled to play. The complete 2012 roster was released late last month and includes a few other names that Michigan fans might be familiar with, including Aaron Burbridge (MSU), Eric Wilson (Northwestern), and Kevin Buford (Iowa).

The 2012 In-State Recruiting Battle

Mario Ojemudia is Michigan's top prospect, according to
the Detroit News

Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio has claimed in recent years that he cares more about in-state recruiting than Michigan, and that might have been true in the years when Rich Rodriguez was the head man at Michigan.  But the arrival of Brady Hoke might have swayed the favor in-state toward Ann Arbor.  Let's take a look at the top recruits in the state of Michigan, based on the Detroit News' blue-chip list:

1. Mario Ojemudia - DE - Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 6'3", 225 lb. end - who also played a lot of defensive tackle - had 104 tackles and 14 sacks.  He considered Michigan State early, but committed to Michigan on May 7, 2011, and stuck with Michigan to the end.

2. Terry Richardson - CB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 5'9", 160 lb. cornerback made 5 interceptions during his senior season.  He was a little later in committing than his in-state friends James Ross and Royce Jenkins-Stone, but he hopped on board on May 19, 2011.  He entertained taking visits to other schools, but mostly he was considering heading to SEC country rather than East Lansing.  However, Michigan's coaches told him that if he visited elsewhere, they wouldn't necessarily reserve a spot for him in the recruiting class.  He did not visit elsewhere and signed with Michigan.

3. James Ross - LB - Orchard Lake (MI) St. Mary's
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 6'0", 210 lb. linebacker made 173 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks as a senior.  He had committed to Michigan back on May 2, 2011, and remained committed throughout the process.

4. Royce Jenkins-Stone - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 6'2", 215 lb. middle linebacker made 115 unassisted tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and 2 interceptions as a senior.  He had committed to Michigan on April 16, 2011, and remained committed until National Signing Day.

5. Aaron Burbridge - WR - Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 6'2", 185 lb. wideout reportedly wanted to commit to Michigan along with teammates Ojemudia and Devin Funchess, but he didn't have the grades to get into Michigan(that sentiment was confirmed by Michigan running backs coach Fred Jackson).  He committed to Michigan State on July 28, 2011, and signed with the Spartans on National Signing Day.

6. Matt Godin - DE - Novi (MI) Catholic Central
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 6'6", 270 lb. defensive end/tackle made 70 tackles and 9 sacks as a senior.  He committed to Michigan on May 12, 2011, and signed with Michigan.

7. Devin Funchess - TE - Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 6'4", 215 lb. tight end committed to Michigan on April 22, 2011, and signed with Michigan in February.

8. Danny O'Brien - DT - Flint (MI) Powers Catholic
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 6'2", 293 lb. defensive tackle considered both in-state schools heavily, but committed to Tennessee on October 6, 2011, and signed with the Volunteers in February.

9. Ron Thompson - TE - Southfield (MI) Southfield
Offered by: Michigan only
The 6'4", 230 lb. tight end made 57 receptions for 729 yards and 9 touchdowns as a senior.  He was offered by Michigan early in the process but the Wolverines reportedly backed off due to some classroom issues.  He committed to Syracuse on November 7, 2011, and signed with the Orangemen in February.

10. Ben Braden - OT - Rockford (MI) Rockford
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 6'7", 320 lb. offensive tackle committed to Michigan on March 24, 2011.  He signed with the Wolverines in February.

11. Evan Winston - DE - Muskegon (MI) Muskegon
Offered by: Neither in-state school
The 6'4", 255 lb. defensive end committed to Missouri on July 23, 2011, and signed with the Tigers in February.

12. Jamal Lyles - LB - Southfield (MI) Lathrup
Offered by: Michigan State only
The 6'3", 215 lb. linebacker made 135 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 4 interceptions.  He committed to Michigan State on June 23, 2011, and signed with the Spartans in February.

13. Drake Johnson - RB - Ann Arbor (MI) Pioneer
Offered by: Michigan only
The 6'1", 215 lb. running back ran for 2,805 yards and 38 touchdowns as a senior.  He committed to Michigan on November 10, 2011, almost immediately after receiving an offer, and signed with Michigan in February.

14. Dennis Norfleet - RB - Detroit (MI) King
Offered by: Michigan and Michigan State
The 5'6", 180 lb. had 2,033 yards and 27 touchdowns as a senior.  He was committed to Cincinnati for several months, but he switched his commitment to Michigan on the eve of National Signing Day.

15. Ruben Lile - LB - Detroit (MI) Cass Tech
Offered by: Neither in-state school
Lile committed to Iowa on August 27, 2011, and signed with the Hawkeyes in February.

NOT RANKED:
Riley Bullough - LB - Traverse City (MI) St. Francis
Offered by: Michigan State only
Bullough committed to Michigan State on April 30, 2011.

Kodi Kieler - OT - Gibraltar (MI) Carlson
Offered by: Michigan State only
Kieler committed to Michigan State on August 8, 2011.

SUMMARY
Ten players were offered by both Michigan and Michigan State.  Eight of them picked Michigan, including six of the top seven.  One picked Michigan State (although, as mentioned above, it sounded like Michigan wouldn't accept his commitment so he went with Plan B).  The other picked Tennessee.

Michigan went after two players who were not offered by MSU.  One picked Michigan.  The other picked Syracuse.

Michigan State went after three players who were not offered by Michigan.  All three picked MSU.

I think it's fair to say that Michigan kicked Michigan State's tail when it comes to recruiting in the state.  Brady Hoke 8, Mark Dantonio 1.  I look forward to seeing what 2013 brings.  It's already 1-0 in Michigan's favor with Warren (MI) De La Salle quarterback Shane Morris pledging to be a Wolverine.

Senior Highlights: Matt Godin

Matt Godin Answers Your Questions

Novi (MI) Catholic Central DE Matt Godin

Before interviewing incoming freshman Matt Godin, we invited readers ask him questions. Here are his responses.

On conditioning, weight, and preparation: "They [the coaches] just told me to go hard in the weight room like I always have. They know because Mike Martin came from my school, so they know about the strength program at our school and how good it is. I work out every day during the week, and [my schedule] switches between my upper and lower body [each day]...Right now I'm 6'6" and 273 lbs. (EDIT: he's not 6'8", as was previously reported; that was a typo), and I'll probably get to 285 by the season; I don't know. But I'm going to be able to move; that's the main thing. And, plus, I don't look it - I mean, the coaches thought I was 260 lbs. My goal is to add good weight, maybe a little bit of fat in my stomach, but good weight all around."

On recruitment, recent Hoke in-home: "We're already close and Coach Jackson came up earlier, too, like two weeks ago. Coach Hoke just keeps telling me how I just need to be ready and stuff. Other than that, we just had fun, ate dinner and talked about things. We kind of put football to the side, which was nice. My parents were there and it was just nice."

On anticipated role along the d-line: "I'm going to be a guy who's going to mix it up inside and outside. I mean, that's what the 5-technique is: you play outside and inside. My run stopping and pass rushing are both pretty much equal, so I'll be able to mix it up and do both."

On Michigan's recruitment of teammate Wyatt Shallman: "I'll be honest - I have no clue. I mean, I don't really talk to him that much, though. We'll see, it's early....He could be a sophomore right now, too; he's young. I mean, he is a junior, but he's really young. It's kind of unbelievable how big he is naturally for how young he is."

On the 2012 recruiting class: "I'm excited to play with all of them. On the official visit we all had fun together. I'm excited to play by Mario and Strobel for sure...we're all already pretty close for not really hanging out that much. Kalis and Strobel and Allen Gant and then the rest of the in-state guys are [who] I'm probably the closest with."

On Tennessee, Derek Dooley and the Arnett situation: "...Any coach who does that to his players or treats them like that - that's just obnoxious. I don't know who he [Dooley] thinks he is with that losing record...I haven't really talked about it with anyone else. I mean, everyone thinks it's terrible how DeAnthony has a serious issue going on, and he should have let him go. That's pretty much what everyone thinks."

Detroit News: Blue Chip List

Farmington Hills (MI) Harrison TE/WR Devin Funchess is the #7 player in the state

The Detroit News gives a rundown of their top 15 in-state players for the class of 2012, and the top four guys are headed to Michigan.  On the list:

1. Mario Ojemudia
2. Terry Richardson
3. James Ross
4. Royce Jenkins-Stone
6. Matt Godin
7. Devin Funchess
10 Ben Braden
13. Drake Johnson

Ask a Question: Matt Godin

Chantel Jennings interviews Novi (MI) Catholic Central's Matt Godin

Much has been written about incoming freshman defensive lineman, Matt Godin, including a Touch the Banner interview from June that you have probably read since it's been linked on the sidebar for several months. We are again going to interview Godin to get his thoughts on his dominate senior season, preparations for heading to Ann Arbor etc., but first we'd like to open the floor to questions from you guys. So if you'd like to get any Matt Godin related information from Matt Godin himself, please leave a question in the comment section of this post, and we'll try to address it in the interview.

[On a side note, I'll be looking forward to the 2013 recruiting class tomorrow morning with a scouting report on Godin's teammate Wyatt Shallman. -Thunder]

Recruit Tracker: Championship Edition

James Ross tallied 10 tackles in Orchard Lakes St. Mary's 45-7 beatdown of Mt. Pleasant to claim the D3 state title.

Chris Wormley and Toledo Whitmer lost their first and last game of the season on Saturday in the Division 1 state semifinal. "Defensively, I thought we played well enough to win, but we didn't make the plays we needed to offensively," said Coach Palka. Whitmer had five turnovers in the game.

Terry Richardson, Royce Jenkins-Stone and Cass Tech literally walked over to Ford Field on Saturday and surprised many by pummeling Matt Godin and Detroit Catholic Central, 49-13, to win the Division 1 State Championship. After scoring only 6 points in each of their two previous games, Cass Tech's offense exploded against DCC for 49 points and 334 total yards. RJS had a monster game, recording seven tackles, a pick-six and a touchdown reception while rushing for 65 yards and a third touchdown. Richardson contributed with 2 tackles, a 36-yard TD grab and solid DB play. Godin had 4 tackles in the game and looked like he just saw his dog get decapitated by a semi during the post-game interview. Let me tell you something: Godin cares about winning football games. Enjoy the video below. RJS is #10, Richardson #9, Godin #62.

Recruit Tracker: The Remaining Few

Royce Jenkins-Stone carries the ball against Eisenhower
(image via here)

Most Michigan recruits are done for the season, but several remain active deep in the playoffs. Here are a few notes from this weekend's action. Complete senior year statistics for the 2012 class can be found by clicking on this link.

Matt Godin and Detroit Catholic Central defeated Rockford, 23-20, in overtime and advance to the Division 1 championship game against Terry Richardson, Royce Jenkins-Stone and Cass Tech. "It's time to take care of business," Godin said in a text.

Royce Jenkins-Stone scored Cass Tech's only touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run in a 6-3 victory over Eisenhower. He rushed for 84 [edit: 122] yards on 22 carries during the game. Next week, Jenkins-Stone and his team will square off against Matt Godin and DCC at Ford Field, which is less than a mile away from Cass Tech. "Everyone doubted PSL, and here we are going to states," Royce said. "We're about to show them that the PSL is ready to play."

Erik Magnuson and La Costa Canyon will begin playoff action against Westview on Friday.

Terry Richardson and the Cass Tech defense showed Eisenhower "a whole lot of defensive looks," according to Richardson, who also had a 23-yard reception in his team's 6-3 defensive-lead victory.

James Ross recorded a team-high 13 tackles as his team Orchard Lakes St. Mary's defeated Harper Creek, 14-10, to advance to the division 3 state championship game against Mount Pleasant this Saturday at Ford Field.

Tom Strobel and Mentor were defeated by Cleveland St. Ignatius, 23-17, but "walk away proudly." "You know, I think all year long we played hard," Strobel said. "We showed the whole state of Ohio who we are, and I think we made a statement."

Chris Wormley and Toledo Whitmer defeated Wadesworth by a score of 37-0. Wadesworth running back Jack Snowball entered the contest averaging 209 yards per game, but Wormley and Whitmer stopped Snowball's roll (I couldn't resist), slowing him to 90 yards on 30 carries. Whitmer faces Cleveland St. Ignatius in a D1 state semifinal this Saturday.

Recruit Tracker

Jarrod Wilson breaks up a pass against Firestone

OL Blake Bars and Montgomery Bell Academy (5-5) won a 35-0 contest over the Pope John Paul II Knights.

LB Joe Bolden and Colerain (9-1) won a 17-7 contest over Coca.

OL Ben Braden and his team the Rockford Rams (9-1) "rose up to turn away West Ottawa in Division 1 playoff opener," winning by a score of 17-10.

DE Pharaoh Brown and the Brush Arcs (3-6) were defeated by Garfield Heights by a score of 41-27. Brown caught 9 passes for 105 yards in the Arcs final game of the season.

S Jeremy Clark of North Hopkins (8-2) went on the road and routed Crittenden County, 49-0.

TE Devin Funchess of Farmington Hills Harrison (10-0) won a 35-0 contest against Birmingham Seaholm in the first round of the 2011 Division 2 State Tournament. Funchess caught 2 passes for 19 yards and a touchdown.

S Allen Gant and the Southview Cougars (9-1) defeated Northview by a score of 35-6.

DL Matt Godin and Detroit Catholic Central (9-1) hosted Northville on Saturday and blew them out, 56-6, in a first round division playoff game. Matt texted that he recorded 10 tackles and 4 QB hurries.

FB Sione Houma's Highland Rams (7-3) defeated Maple Mountain by a score of 42-20 to advance to the second round of the 4A state playoffs. Houma, who has been injured for a large portion of the season, appears to have regained his health. On Friday, he rushed for 205 yards on only 13 carries and scored 4 touchdowns.

LB Royce Jenkins-Stone and Detroit Cass Tech (7-3) got back to playing dominating football on Friday, pounding Livonia Churchill, 35-6. Next, they take on Dearborn Fordson in a Division 1 district final. Jenkins-Stone recorded 4 tackles and a sack to go with a 4-yard touchdown run.

OL Kyle Kalis and the Lakewood-St. Edwards Eagles (7-3) were plagued by turnovers and lost the "Holy War" against St. Ignatius by a score of 20-17. 11,000 people were reported to have attended the game.

OL Erik Magnuson and his team the La Costa Canyon Mavericks (6-2) won a 21-16 contest against Oceanside.

2013 QB Shane Morris and Warren De La Salle (8-2) defeated Roseville by a score of 48-14. Surprisingly, I couldn't find Morris' official stats, but "BrendanDavis22" went to the game and posted on the MGoBoard that Shane went 13-16 with 2 touchdowns and 0 picks but also dinged up his throwing hand a bit.

DL Mario Ojemudia and Farmington Hills Harrison (9-0) defeated Birmingham Seaholm by a score of 35-0. If you feel like shelling out a couple bucks, Mr. Tom VH has an article on Harrison and their pursuit of another state title.

DT Ondre Pipkins and his Park Hill Trojans (5-5) lost a 24-6 contest against Central.

CB Terry Richardson and Detroit Cass Tech (7-3) defeated Livonia Churchill, 35-6.

LB Kaleb Ringer and the Northmont Thunderbolts (4-6) won a 33-20 contest against Springfield.

LB James Ross and Orchard Lake St. Mary's pummeled Detroit Pershing by a score of 56-6 to advance to the second round of the division 3 playoffs.

OL Caleb Stacey and Oak Hills (4-5) were defeated by Serrano, 21-14.

CB Anthony Standifer and his Crete-Monee (10-0) team defeated Bloomington, 63-14, to remain undefeated on the season. Standifer sat out the game with a dislocated shoulder, but teammate Laquon Treadwell, a 2013 wide receiver prospect, caught 3 touchdown passes, finishing with 6 catches for 119 yards. Treadwell even made an impact from the defensive end position, recording 1.5 sacks. "Playing defensive end helps with my hands and has made me a more aggressive player...I'm more physical now when I'm blocking," Treadwell said.

DE Tom Strobel and his Mentor team (9-1) lost their first game of the season by a score of 38-35 against Twinsburg.

2013 S Dymonte Thomas and Marlington (7-2) won a 27-23 contest against Alliance.

TE AJ Williams and Sycamore (8-2) lost a 41-13 contest against Mason.

S Jarrod Wilson and his Akron squad Buchtel (6-4) won a 34-0 contest against Firestone. Wilson had his "best game of the season," blocking a punt, making an interception and catching a TD pass. When asked about Wilson, Coach Ricky Powers said, "he's going to Michigan. Need I say anything else?"

DL Christopher Wormley and the Toledo Whitmer Panthers (8-0) defeated Catholic Central by a score of 38-21. Ace was at the game and tweeted that Wormley was "active and aggressive...too much so at times...had a strong second half." Josh Helmholdt from rivals was at the game, too, and tweeted that Wormley was "aggressive," but he "needs to do a better job of diagnosing plays"

Stats will be updated as they're found. Please let us know if you have any additional information for the compilation. Thanks!

Recruit Tracker

Jeremy Clark (#2) and North Hopkins lost a close game to Loan Oak.

OL Blake Bars and Montgomery Bell Academy (4-5) won a conference game against the McCallie Tornados by a score of 24-21.

LB Joe Bolden and Colerain (8-1) went on the road to play Hamilton and won the game in a 28-0 shutout. Hamilton completed two passes in the game, both of which were caught by Colerain defenders.

OL Ben Braden and his team the Rockford Rams (8-1) defeated the Jenison Wildecats by a score of 35-0.

DE Pharaoh Brown and the Brush Arcs (3-5) hosted Parma and came away with a comfortable 49-0 victory. Brown, who projects to the defensive end position at the next level, continued his production at wide receiver on Friday, catching 3 passes for 150 yards and 2 touchdowns.

S Jeremy Clark of North Hopkins (7-2) registered only the second loss of the season on Friday, losing to Lone Oak by a score of 13-10.

TE Devin Funchess of Farmington Hills Harrison (9-0) continued their "two-year regular-season win streak with a win over Farmington."

S Allen Gant and the Southview Cougars (8-1) won a 50-29 contest against Springfield. Gant had a 23-yard touchdown reception in the game.

DL Matt Godin and Detroit Catholic Central took on James Ross' Orchard Lakes St. Mary's at Ford Field on Saturday in the Catholic League Championship Game. Godin and his defense stifled the OLSM offense, which helped them to a 21-7 victory. Matt continued his very productive season with 10 tackles and 3 quarterback hurries on the night.

FB Sione Houma's Highland Rams (6-3) had a bye this week. Next week, they play Maple Mountain.

LB Royce Jenkins-Stone and Detroit Cass Tech (6-3) defeated Detroit Renaissance by a score of 6-0. I'm all for great defense, but that sounds like a boring game.

OL Kyle Kalis and the Lakewood-St. Edwards Eagles (7-2) ended their 2 game skid by defeating Archbishop Moeller in a 42-27 win.

OL Erik Magnuson and his team the La Costa Canyon Mavericks (5-2) went "to the air" to beat Rancho Buena Vista, 45 - 8.

2013 QB Shane Morris and Warren De La Salle (7-2) defeated Plymouth by a score of 28-25, handing Plymouth their first loss of the season. Morris went 28-for-47 for 364 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning 17 yard touchdown throw with only 17 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Further, Morris continued to show that he can run a bit as he gained 50 rushing yards on 10 attempts, doing so at "critical times."

DL Mario Ojemudia and Farmington Hills Harrison (9-0) defeated Farmington, 56-13.

DT Ondre Pipkins and his Park Hill Trojans (5-4) won a 48-20 contest over Oak Park.

CB Terry Richardson and Detroit Cass Tech (6-3) only put 6 points on the scoreboard, but that ended up being 6 points more than Detroit Renaissance was able to muster. So if you'd like me to spell it out, Cass Tech won by a score of 6-0.

LB Kaleb Ringer and his Northmont High School squad (3-6) traveled to Huber Heights, OH, to play Wayne and were defeated by a score of 51-30. Ringer did not see the field due to injury.

LB James Ross and Orchard Lake St. Mary's were defeated by Matt Godin and Detroit Catholic Central in the Catholic Championship Game at Ford Field by a score of 21-7. Despite the loss, Ross and his crew can take consolation in their Catholic Divison title, which they earned just last week by defeating Godin and his team at DCC by a score of 14-13.

OL Caleb Stacey and Oak Hills (4-5) won a 16-14 contest over Fairfield.

CB Anthony Standifer and his Crete-Monee (9-0) team continued their perfect season with a 20-13 victory over Rich East.

DE Tom Strobel and his Mentor team (8-0) routed Strongsville, winning by a score of 38-7.

2013 S Dymonte Thomas and Marlington (6-2) defeated the West Branch Warriors by a single point, winning by a score of 29-28. Thomas gained 187 rushing yards on only 18 attempts.

TE AJ Williams and Sycamore (8-1) won a 30-0 contest over Lakota West.

S Jarrod Wilson and his Akron squad Buchtel (5-4) were defeated by St Vincent-St. Mary, 17-14. Wilson had at least 4 tackles in the contest.

DL Christopher Wormley and the Toledo Whitmer Panthers (8-0) defeated Lima Senior by a score of 69-14.

*Hopefully of note, WR recruit Jordan Payton made an impact from the safety position on Friday to help his team Oaks Christian (5-2) defeat Thousand Oaks, 24-17. Payton spent most of his time on the sidelines due to a sprained ankle, but he reentered the game in the fourth quarter and broke up the final two passes of Thousand Oaks' comeback drive. Payton is scheduled to declare his school of choice on Tuesday.

Stats will be updated as they're found. Please let us know if you have any additional information for the compilation. Thanks!

Recruit Tracker

Devin Funchess had a big game for Farmington
Hills Harrison

OL Blake Bars and Montgomery Bell Academy (1-4) were defeated by Battle Ground Academy.

LB Joe Bolden and Colerain (3-1) rolled Mason 56-20.

OL Ben Braden and his team the Rockford Rams (3-1) won by a score of 41-16 against West Ottawa.

DE Pharaoh Brown and the Brush Arcs (1-3) earned their first win of the season by soundly defeating Valley Forge 42-12.

S Jeremy Clark of North Hopkins (4-1) continued his playmaking this season by catching a 35 yard TD pass as his team stomped Union County 48-0.

TE Devin Funchess of Farmington Hills Harrison (4-0) caught 4 passes for 83 yards as FHH extended their undefeated season with a comfortable 34-7 win over Oxford.

S Allen Gant and the Southview Cougars (3-1) were victorious in their contest against Napoleon, winning 28-13.

DL Matt Godin of Detroit Catholic Central (4-0) continues to impress as he recorded 2.5 sacks in DCC's 42-6 victory over Highland Park. Next week, Godin should temper his enthusiasm for knocking around opposing quarterbacks as his team squares off against Shane Morris and Warren De La Salle. Detroit Catholic Central came in atop the first 2011 Associated Press high school football poll.

FB Sione Houma's Highland Rams (4-1) beat Clearfield by a score of 29-0, although Houma sat out with an ankle injury he suffered last week.

LB Royce Jenkins-Stone and Detroit Cass Tech (3-1) defeated Cody (West Side!) by a score of 36-6.

OL Kyle Kalis and the Lakewood-St. Edward's Eagles (4-0) beat Cincinnati Elder by a score of 30-10.

OL Erik Magnuson and his team the La Costa Canyon Mavericks (1-2) lost to San Clemente by a score of 58-7. Ace reports that Magnuson played on the defensive side of the ball and recorded a sack.

2013 QB Shane Morris and Warren De La Salle took on Al Fracassa, Michigan's most winning HS coach, and Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on Sunday. De La Salle pulled out a 21-20 victory, but Brother Rice held Morris in check; he went 6-16 for 61 yards with one TD and one INT.

DL Mario Ojemudia and Farmington Hills Harrison (4-0) won over Oxford.

DT Ondre Pipkins and his Park Hill Trojans (3-1) defeated the Truman Patriots 21-3. Pipkins recorded 15 tackles and a sack against the Patriots, yet Truman's center said after the game, "Me and my guard were able to shut (Pipkins) down."

CB Terry Richardson caught a 25 yard touchdown pass as Detroit Cass Tech took care of Cody 36-6

LB Kaleb Ringer and his Northmont High School squad (1-3) earned their first victory of the season, winning 62-5 over Sidney.

LB James Ross and Orchard Lake St. Mary's (3-1) registered their third shut out of the season Friday night by defeating Detroit Jesuit 34-0.

CB Anthony Standifer and his Crete-Monee team (4-0) defeated Glenbard South 64-19.

DE Tom Strobel and his Mentor team (4-0) routed Mayfield 52-14.

2013 S Dymonte Thomas and Marlington (3-1) were defeated for the first time this season, losing 35-28 to Louisville. Thomas turned on the jets during a 67 yard TD rush that you can watch below.

S Jarrod Wilson and his Akron squad Buchtel (1-3) recorded their first win of the season by shutting out Akron Garfield 26-0.

DL Christopher Wormley and the Toledo Whitmer Panthers (4-0) won over St. Francis De Sales by a score of 34-0.

Kalis talks about his pre and post game routines:

Watch more videos of St. Edward football
Watch more videos of St. Edward football

Dymonte Thomas' 67 yard TD:

Please let us know if you have any updates to stats or anything else interesting/informative.

Recruit Tracker (updated)

Tom Strobel (#36) had 3.5 sacks on Friday night (image via The Wolverine Blog)

OL Blake Bars and Montgomery Bell (1-3) were defeated by Baylor by a score of 23-16.

LB Joe Bolden and Colerain (2-1) were defeated by St. Xavier in an out of conference contest 17-14, snapping Colerain's 61 game home winning streak.


OL Ben Braden's team the Rockford Rams (2-1) were victorious in their contest against Grand Haven, winning 42-30.


DE Pharaoh Brown's team the Brush Arcs (0-3) were defeated by Kenston 31-27 after holding a 14-0 lead. Brown recorded a 21-yard touchdown reception in the contest.

S Jeremy Clark and North Hopkins (1-3) were defeated by Henderson County 33-21.  Clark had 3 tackles and returned a punt for a touchdown.

TE Devin Funchess caught a 69 yard touchdown pass as Farmington Hills Harrison (3-0) rolled Rochester Hills Stoney Creek following a weather delay by the score of 37-0.  He ended the game with 2 receptions for 78 yards.

S Allen Gant and the Southview Cougars (2-1) were defeated by the Start Spartans 28-22.  Gant had 12 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 1 forced fumble.

DL Matt Godin and Detroit Catholic Central (3-0) defeated Inkster 48-0. Godin recorded 2 tackles and a sack. Ace attended the game and reported via Twitter that Godin was a disruptive force who allowed other lineman to get sacks and make plays. Godin also saw some time on the offensive side of the line.

FB Sione Houma had only 1 carry for 3 yards and a 70-yard kickoff return before exiting the game due to a sprained ankle. His team the Highland Rams (3-1) were defeated by Lone Peak 56-41.

LB Royce Jenkins-Stone and Detroit Cass Tech (2-1) defeated Detroit Southeastern 51-0.  He had 10 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 forced fumble.  He also carried the ball 15 times for 86 yards and 2 touchdowns.

OL Kyle Kalis and the Lakewood St. Edward's Eagles (3-0) beat Youngstown Cardinal Mooney by a score of 34-17.


OL Erik Magnuson's team the La Costa Canyon Mavericks (1-1) were defeated 28-14 by Poway.

QB Shane Morris threw for 117 yards and a score as his team Warren De La Salle (3-0) won 31-28 over Dearborn Fordson. Morris put his legs on display late in the game on a third down play by taking off and hurdling a defender for a first down, which allowed De La Salle to run off the remaining time on the clock.

DL Mario Ojemudia blocked a punt for a safety during Farmington Hills Harrison's (3-0) 37-0 victory over Rochester Hills Stoney Creek.  He also had 5 tackles and 2 sacks.

DT Ondre Pipkins and his Park Hill Trojans won 13-7 over Park Hill South, improving to 3-0 on the season. For what it's worth (probably not much) this guy thinks Pipkins became tired late in the third quarter.  Pipkins had 9 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.


CB Terry Richardson helped Detroit Cass (2-1) Tech make quick work of Detroit Southeastern 51-0.  He caught 4 passes for 67 yards and made 1 tackle.

LB Kaleb Ringer and his Northmont High School squad (0-3) lost to Cincinnati Moeller by a score of 63-12. Michigan offeree Monty Madaris had 2 touchdown receptions in the blowout.


LB James Ross and Orchard Lake St. Mary's (2-1) defeated Highland Park 44-0.

DB Anthony Standifer and Crete-Monee team (2-1) won at Moline 37-13.  Standifer had 15 tackles, 2 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble, and a punt block.

DE Tom Strobel of Mentor (3-0) racked up 3.5 sacks in 20 tackles in a 38-24 victory over St. Ignatius.

S Dymonte Thomas of Marlington (3-0) committed to the 2013 class in the midst of last night's euphoria. Certainly one of the best prospects in Ohio, Thomas helped Marlington to a 41-23 victory over Poland Seminary by scoring a rushing touchdown.

S Jarrod Wilson and his Akron squad Buchtel (0-3) were defeated by Solon by the odd score of 28-2.

Christopher Wormley's team the Toledo Whitmer Panthers (3-0) took care of Brantford Collegiate by the score of 63-0 after leading 56-0 at halftime. Wormley forced a fumble which was returned for a touchdown in the game and had 2 tackles and 1 sack.

Please let us know if you have any updates to stats or anything else interesting/informative.