Here’s what makes the Top state of Michigan Defenders Elite
One of the biggest questions to pose is what separates the average, from the good, from the great? Well, sometimes words aren’t necessary to know the answer. The following four players have stood out among the pack in Michigan’s class…
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Continue ReadingOne of the biggest questions to pose is what separates the average, from the good, from the great? Well, sometimes words aren’t necessary to know the answer. The following four players have stood out among the pack in Michigan’s class of 2022. It’s not always the skill set, but rather the athleticism and the innate tenacity to be great on the field. The list kicks off with the states top player, following in his older brothers footsteps to the division one level.
Alex VanSumeren Alex VanSumeren 6'3" | 270 lbs | DL Garber | 2022 State MI , 6’3, 270, Garber
The older VanSumeren, Ben, signed with the Michigan Wolverines, and recently transferred to play linebacker at Michigan State University where he seeks to earn a starting role.
His younger brother, Alex, seeks to not only emulate but perhaps exceed the standards set by his big brother. Alex checks in at more than forty pounds bigger than Ben, allowing him to be an absolute monster on the defensive line. His size and strength on film is evident from the get go, and absolutely overwhelming for opposing players. What makes him unique though, is his relentless desire to get to the ball, and his quickness that allows him to play both on the outside, and inside of the line. There’s not doubt he’ll continue to set records in his senior year of high school ball.
William Johnson William Johnson 5'11" | 185 lbs | DB Brighton | 2021 MI , 6’3, 190, Grosse Point South
At 6’3, 190 pounds, Johnson jumps off the screen before the ball is even snapped. His size is highly coveted at the defensive back position. Not only is he the number 2 player in the state, but one of the top corners in the country. He checks all of the boxes, as his combination of size and speed allows him to cover any type of receiver. He’ll play his college ball in Ann Arbor, for coach Jim Harbaugh, and provide blanket coverage in the game of football where passing and a need for quality cornerbacks is at an all time high.
Joshua Burnham Joshua Burnham 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Traverse City Central | 2022 State MI , 6’3, 205, Traverse City Central
Burnham is a star on both sides of the ball, with his future lying at the linebacker position. Once again, it’s his versatility that stands out and makes him such a dangerous player on the field. His size and athleticism gives him a ton of ability to cover a lot of ground, and make plays in the run and pass game. The elite of the elite typically have unique instincts and football IQ, which is exactly where Burnham excels at. He’s a hard hitter, which will excite his future coach, as he announces his college commitment later on this week.
Michael Williams II Michael Williams II 6'3" | 225 lbs | LB West Bloomfield | 2022 State MI , 6’3, 220, West Bloomfield
What sets Williams apart from others is his exceptional combination of size and speed. That’s the starting point for any great linebacker, but he doesn’t stop there. Most high school players have one or two moves in their toolkit, but Williams has a wide variety in his arsenal, allowing him to be both unpredictable and dominant on the field. There’s no such thing as a top football player that doesn’t have the drive on the field, and Williams has both drive and talent. All top players excel at the little things, and Williams is no different, as he makes play on special teams to help his team out in any which way possible.