Grand Rapids Preseason Dream Team – Offense
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It’s August 7, 2022, which marks 18 days until the Michigan High School Football Season kicks off! Although we haven’t seen school vs. school action since King defeated DeWitt in the State Championship, the offseason has been filled with important…
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Continue ReadingIt’s August 7, 2022, which marks 18 days until the Michigan High School Football Season kicks off! Although we haven’t seen school vs. school action since King defeated DeWitt in the State Championship, the offseason has been filled with important camps, workouts, and exciting storylines. This article highlights athletes I predict will be the best of the best from the Grand Rapids/Muskegon Metro Area. So without further ado, here’s my Grand Rapids Dream Team!
QB –
Mason Mckenzie
Mason
Mckenzie
6'0" | 170 lbs | QB
Caledonia | 2023
State
MI
RB –
Dahmir Farnum
Dahmir
Farnum
5'9" | 190 lbs | RB
Mona Shores | 2023
State
MI
RB –
Timmy Kloska
Timmy
Kloska
6'0" | 220 lbs | RB
Grand Rapids West Catholic | 2023
State
MI
WR –
Tayte Vanderleest
Tayte
Vanderleest
6'4" | 205 lbs | WR
Reeths-Puffer | 2023
State
MI
WR –
Joe Mullett
Joe
Mullett
WR
Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023
MI
WR –
Alex McLean
Alex
McLean
5'7" | 165 lbs | WR
Rockford | 2023
State
MI
ATH –
Destin Piggee
Destin
Piggee
5'6" | 160 lbs | ATH
Muskegon | 2024
State
MI
OL –
Sam Wahlberg
Sam
Wahlberg
5'10" | 225 lbs | OL
Mona Shores | 2023
MI
OL –
Miguel Botello
Miguel
Botello
6'4" | 300 lbs | OL
Muskegon | 2024
State
MI
OL –
Syncere Hobson
Syncere
Hobson
6'2" | 260 lbs | OL
Grand Rapids Union | 2026
MI
OL –
Jacob Oleneack
Jacob
Oleneack
6'3" | 205 lbs | OL
Rockford | 2023
State
MI
OL –
Brendan Napieralski
Brendan
Napieralski
6'3" | 265 lbs | OL
Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2024
State
MI
TE/ATH – Derek Pennington Jr.
Analysis
QB –
Mason Mckenzie
Mason
Mckenzie
6'0" | 170 lbs | QB
Caledonia | 2023
State
MI
– Caledonia – Hudl
A great quarterback throughout his High School Football career,
Mason Mckenzie
Mason
Mckenzie
6'0" | 170 lbs | QB
Caledonia | 2023
State
MI
burst onto the scene last year as he led Caledonia to the Regional Finals. The Scots played a pass-heavy offense in 2021, and Mckenzie took the reigns and ran with it, leading his team to their best season in nearly 20 years.
Mckenzie possesses many elements to his game that make him stand out. The first things that come to mind when I watch his tape are his quick release, confidence, and decision-making. I could go on and on, but I’ll let his tape and offers from GVSU, Illinois State, and SVSU speak for themselves.
RB –
Dahmir Farnum
Dahmir
Farnum
5'9" | 190 lbs | RB
Mona Shores | 2023
State
MI
– Mona Shores – Hudl
Speedy, twitchy, and explosive, I’ve talked extensively about Farnum’s game, and for great reason. In short, Farnum knows how to play football really, really well. More specifically, Farnum’s game reminds me of Deandre Swift in college. Like Swift, Farnum has a quick burst, is extremely shifty, and displays superior balance. If Farnum continues improving his best aspects while staying in the weight room, I see no reason why he can’t be a great college back.
RB –
Timmy Kloska
Timmy
Kloska
6'0" | 220 lbs | RB
Grand Rapids West Catholic | 2023
State
MI
– West Catholic – Hudl
The best Power Back in the West,
Timmy Kloska
Timmy
Kloska
6'0" | 220 lbs | RB
Grand Rapids West Catholic | 2023
State
MI
is one of the hardest runners I’ve ever seen, and he broke countless records last season. The Air Force commit is a shoo-in for all-region, and I know all the OK-Blue teams are shaking in their boots thinking about facing Kloska.
WR –
Tayte Vanderleest
Tayte
Vanderleest
6'4" | 205 lbs | WR
Reeths-Puffer | 2023
State
MI
– Reeths Puffer – Hudl
A great “deep threat,” Tayte Venderleest is a tall, fast receiver who displays some unique elements for his height. His run-after-catch ability stands out, as he’s often catching slants or screens that allow him to use his field vision and speed to steer his way across the field. It’s safe to say that Vanderleest will be a vital part of the RP offense this season. Though standing at 6’4″, 205lbs, I’d like to see what Tayte can do in more physical 1-on-1 situations.
WR –
Joe Mullett
Joe
Mullett
WR
Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2023
MI
– Grand Rapids Catholic Central – Hudl
Mullett quietly had a nice season last year, posting 430 yards and 9TDs. You may look at those stats and say, “Yeah, that’s a good season, but why would he be on the preseason dream team?” Well, let me explain.
Mullett is a pure athlete. In Track, Mullett placed 4th in the state in the 400M with a time of 50.58, and in his first ever season swimming, he placed 5th in the conference for the 100M Butterfly. All this, plus the departure of Nolan Ziegler, with one of the best QBs in the state, Mullett is geared up for an incredible season as my expected WR1 for the Cougars.
WR –
Alex McLean
Alex
McLean
5'7" | 165 lbs | WR
Rockford | 2023
State
MI
– Rockford – Hudl
McLean is a premier slot receiver getting plenty of college attention and is wholly dedicated to his craft. McLean posted 1090 all-purpose yards in 2021 and earned D1 All-Region honors. I’ve seen this guy work, and I know what he’s about. McLean is twitchy, focused, and ready to run through a wall (or juke around one).
ATH –
Destin Piggee
Destin
Piggee
5'6" | 160 lbs | ATH
Muskegon | 2024
State
MI
– Muskegon – Hudl
I’m so excited for this Muskegon team, and Piggee will play a significant role in the offense. The secret to stopping Piggee is simple; don’t let him ever touch the football. Sarcasm aside, Piggee is a beast in the open field and can burn defenses in many ways. Standing at 5’6″, Piggee is fast, shifty, and is a starter on any team in the state.
OL –
Sam Wahlberg
Sam
Wahlberg
5'10" | 225 lbs | OL
Mona Shores | 2023
MI
– Mona Shores – Hudl
Wahlberg was one of the most impressive linemen I watched last season, as this guy is a great anchor with good technique and impressive strength. He’s quick off the snap, stays low out of his stance, makes the most out of his leverage, and continues to drive through blocks. Good luck trying to get past Wahlberg in the run game. The simple fact is that if Wahlberg were 5 inches taller, he’d be getting D1 looks, but it’s essential not to overlook linemen who aren’t massive in height.
OL –
Miguel Botello
Miguel
Botello
6'4" | 300 lbs | OL
Muskegon | 2024
State
MI
– Muskegon – Hudl
I don’t have much else to say about Botello that I haven’t already said; he’s a terrific young lineman attending a powerhouse school with excellent coaching. He’s powerful as heck and is set up to make a leap in his game for his junior season, even after being named All-Region as a sophomore.
OL –
Syncere Hobson
Syncere
Hobson
6'2" | 260 lbs | OL
Grand Rapids Union | 2026
MI
– Grand Rapids Union – Hudl
There was a buzz around Hobson when I visited Union back in February. This kid has potential, as he’s already receiving information from D1 colleges. He’s already a good size standing at 6’2″ 260, and the sky seems to be the limit for this 2025 prospect. I would love to see Hobson at more offseason camps in the future, and I expect his game to take a leap this coming season.
OL –
Jacob Oleneack
Jacob
Oleneack
6'3" | 205 lbs | OL
Rockford | 2023
State
MI
– Rockford – Hudl
Recently offered by Kalamazoo College,
Jacob Oleneack
Jacob
Oleneack
6'3" | 205 lbs | OL
Rockford | 2023
State
MI
is a good, well-rounded lineman I expect to show improvement this season. He sports great size at 6’3″ 205 and played well against top opponents last season. He’s on my dream team because of his trajectory, offseason work, and last season’s play. Still, I would also like to see improved footwork and leverage from Oleneack for him to break those boundaries and propel himself to the next tier of play.
OL –
Brendan Napieralski
Brendan
Napieralski
6'3" | 265 lbs | OL
Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2024
State
MI
– Grand Rapids Catholic Central – Hudl
Being a vital part of a state-championship team,
Brendan Napieralski
Brendan
Napieralski
6'3" | 265 lbs | OL
Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2024
State
MI
is an under-appreciated lineman who consistently played phenomenally against top talent. With great pass sets, impressive leverage on run blocks, good footwork, and great size, Napieralski is a well-coached, well-rounded athlete who I expect to gain plenty of deserved attention this season.
TE/ATH – Derek Pennington Jr. – Caledonia – Hudl
Standing at 6’2, 225, Derek Pennington Jr. is an incredible High School TE/H-Back who knows the game and isn’t afraid to hit hard. Recently offered by Central Michigan, the 2024 prospect has been putting in work with the weight room + offseason workouts. Pennington is a great blocker and knows how to get open + fight for extra yards. With the talent of this Caledonia offense, I absolutely can’t wait to see what Pennington does this season.