Top Catholic League players in Michigan for the 2021 season

The Catholic League has generated talent for years now in the MHSAA. In virtually all sports, the Catholic League has a presence in the win columns. Names like TJ Lang, Michael Danna, Allen Robinson, Mike Martin, Dion Sims, and even Chris Godfrey come to mind when thinking of the talent in the CHSL that have transcended even the college football ranks and carried on their game to the NFL. Most recently, the Chiefs selected former De La Salle and Michigan Wolverine/Central Michigan Chippewa in the third round of the NFL Draft. Danna took notable snaps his entire rookie season, including getting a sack on offensive rookie of the year Justin Herbert and playing in the Super Bowl. Having played and been around the CHSL myself, I understand that the competition level is high every single time you step on the field, which makes it even more impressive when a player shines in the recruiting ranks. MHSAA football is already physically demanding and one of the top high school football states in the country, but the Catholic League’s tenacity and long standing rivals call for some intense action on the field. For this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Catholic League recruits that college football programs will have their eyes on in the 2021 season. [player_tooltip player_id="30146" first="Jordan" last="Cannon"] If you want a physical linebacker with A+ instincts, this is your guy. Cannon provides a dynamic skillset on the defensive side of the ball that college coaches look for to transition to the next level. The Orchard Lake St. Mary’s star is set for a big 2021 season. He recently picked up an offer from Michigan and is certainly trending upward in the recruiting ranks. He’s a big time player who will play big time college football somewhere. https://twitter.com/Jordancannon0/status/1386678309153505280?s=20   [player_tooltip player_id="80492" first="Brady" last="Ploucha"] The Central Michigan commit is destined for a huge season in 2021. His big frame is tough to matchup with at 6’5 and 270 pounds. He has quick feet and a big anchor to stop pass rushers in their tracks. His traits at tackle will translate well to the college game, especially to the MAC. https://twitter.com/BPloucha/status/1358910510310322178?s=20   [player_tooltip player_id="99361" first="Lorenzo" last="Vitti"] There's no denying that Vitti is an exceptional player for Divine Child. He can play as a rangey cornerback or get behind the secondary on offense and score touchdowns. His athletic ability is what you look for at the next level, so it’s clear to see why he is already committed to Navy as a cornerback. Vitti is a name to watch next season. https://twitter.com/Lorenzocarlov/status/1388876339713818626?s=20   [player_tooltip player_id="30205" first="Will" last="Beesley"] Following in the footsteps of his brother Drew, who is playing football at Michigan State, Will just recently committed to Princeton to play at the next level. Beesley is an athletic LB with quality instincts and some bend on the outside in pass rush situations. He can be used in multiple fronts and is a smart player. The Ivy League is getting a dynamic defender with a high ceiling. https://twitter.com/AJohnsonSports/status/1309929799880781827?s=20   [player_tooltip player_id="30207" first="Declan" last="Byle"] The 6’2 170 pound quarterback may not be the most prototypical quarterback according to size, but he makes up for it with his ability to move around the pocket well. Byle has a cannon and is willing to launch the ball down the field. His film shows a quarterback who takes care of the ball and puts his team in positions to win. https://twitter.com/ByleDeclan/status/1366242167707025408?s=20   [player_tooltip player_id="30217" first="Dontez" last="Fuller"] The Warriors offensive lineman is dominant in the interior and especially excels in pass block situations. His hands are quick and he fires off his stance rapidly. He will take a big jump in the recruiting ranks following the 2021 season. https://twitter.com/dontez_fuller/status/1330579934998384642?s=20   [player_tooltip player_id="93653" first="Nathan" last="Brown"] The U of D quarterback has excellent pocket presence and balanced footwork. His eyes rarely give his target away and he has tons of athleticism to evade pass rushers. His play style resembles Zach Wilson, the recent draft pick of the New York Jets. https://twitter.com/nathanxbrown9/status/1388154581771821061?s=20

The Catholic League has generated talent for years now in the MHSAA. In virtually all sports, the Catholic League has a presence in the win columns. Names like TJ Lang, Michael Danna, Allen Robinson, Mike Martin, Dion Sims, and even Chris Godfrey come to mind when thinking of the talent in the CHSL that have transcended even the college football ranks and carried on their game to the NFL.

Most recently, the Chiefs selected former De La Salle and Michigan Wolverine/Central Michigan Chippewa in the third round of the NFL Draft. Danna took notable snaps his entire rookie season, including getting a sack on offensive rookie of the year Justin Herbert and playing in the Super Bowl.

Having played and been around the CHSL myself, I understand that the competition level is high every single time you step on the field, which makes it even more impressive when a player shines in the recruiting ranks. MHSAA football is already physically demanding and one of the top high school football states in the country, but the Catholic League’s tenacity and long standing rivals call for some intense action on the field.

For this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best Catholic League recruits that college football programs will have their eyes on in the 2021 season.

Jordan Cannon Jordan Cannon 5'11" | 210 lbs | LB Orchard Lake St Marys | 2022 State MI

If you want a physical linebacker with A+ instincts, this is your guy. Cannon provides a dynamic skillset on the defensive side of the ball that college coaches look for to transition to the next level. The Orchard Lake St. Mary’s star is set for a big 2021 season. He recently picked up an offer from Michigan and is certainly trending upward in the recruiting ranks. He’s a big time player who will play big time college football somewhere.

https://twitter.com/Jordancannon0/status/1386678309153505280?s=20

Brady Ploucha Brady Ploucha 6'5" | 270 lbs | OL Divine Child | 2022 State MI

The Central Michigan commit is destined for a huge season in 2021. His big frame is tough to matchup with at 6’5 and 270 pounds. He has quick feet and a big anchor to stop pass rushers in their tracks. His traits at tackle will translate well to the college game, especially to the MAC.

https://twitter.com/BPloucha/status/1358910510310322178?s=20

Lorenzo Vitti Lorenzo Vitti 6'1" | 170 lbs | WR Divine Child | 2022 MI

There's no denying that Vitti is an exceptional player for Divine Child. He can play as a rangey cornerback or get behind the secondary on offense and score touchdowns. His athletic ability is what you look for at the next level, so it’s clear to see why he is already committed to Navy as a cornerback. Vitti is a name to watch next season.

https://twitter.com/Lorenzocarlov/status/1388876339713818626?s=20

Will Beesley Will Beesley 5'11" | 205 lbs | DB De La Salle Collegiate | 2022 State MI

Following in the footsteps of his brother Drew, who is playing football at Michigan State, Will just recently committed to Princeton to play at the next level. Beesley is an athletic LB with quality instincts and some bend on the outside in pass rush situations. He can be used in multiple fronts and is a smart player. The Ivy League is getting a dynamic defender with a high ceiling.

https://twitter.com/AJohnsonSports/status/1309929799880781827?s=20

Declan Byle Declan Byle 6'2" | 170 lbs | QB Nouvel Catholic Central | 2022 State MI

The 6’2 170 pound quarterback may not be the most prototypical quarterback according to size, but he makes up for it with his ability to move around the pocket well. Byle has a cannon and is willing to launch the ball down the field. His film shows a quarterback who takes care of the ball and puts his team in positions to win.

https://twitter.com/ByleDeclan/status/1366242167707025408?s=20

Dontez Fuller Dontez Fuller 6'2" | 260 lbs | OL Brother Rice | 2022 MI

The Warriors offensive lineman is dominant in the interior and especially excels in pass block situations. His hands are quick and he fires off his stance rapidly. He will take a big jump in the recruiting ranks following the 2021 season.

https://twitter.com/dontez_fuller/status/1330579934998384642?s=20

Nathan Brown Nathan Brown 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB University Of Detroit Jesuit | 2022 MI

The U of D quarterback has excellent pocket presence and balanced footwork. His eyes rarely give his target away and he has tons of athleticism to evade pass rushers. His play style resembles Zach Wilson, the recent draft pick of the New York Jets.

https://twitter.com/nathanxbrown9/status/1388154581771821061?s=20