BASKETBALL: Ferris Men And Women Know Their First-Round GLIAC Opponents

The pairings have been announced the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference men's and women's basketball tournaments that commence on Wednesday, Feb. 29.

The women's team of head coach Tracey Dorow, the No. 2 seed, begins its tournament run on Wednesday when it hosts the University of Findlay, the No. 7 seed, at home in Jim Wink Arena at 7 p.m.

On the men's side, the Bulldogs of head coach Bill Sall are seeded fifth and will head to the Houghton in the Upper Peninsula to take on No. 4 seed Michigan Tech University on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

GLIAC Women's Tournament

Women's Quarterfinal Games (Feb. 29)
#8 Northern Michigan at #1 Ashland, 7 p.m.
#5 Lake Erie at #4 Michigan Tech, 5:30 p.m.
#6 Hillsdale at #3 Tiffin, 7 p.m.
#7 Findlay at #2 Ferris State, 7 p.m.

Semifinal Games (March 3)
Hosted By Highest Remaining Seed after Quarterfinals
Semifinal Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner, 1 p.m.
Semifinal Game B Winner vs. Game C Winner, 3 p.m.

Championship Game (March 4)
Hosted By Highest Remaining Seed after Quarterfinals
Championship Semifinal Winner vs. Semifinal Winner, 2 p.m.


GLIAC Men's Tournament

Men's Quarterfinal Games (Feb. 29)
#8 Ashland at #1 Hillsdale, 7 p.m.
#5 Ferris State at #4 Michigan Tech, 7:30 p.m.
#6 Northwood at #3 Wayne State, 7 p.m.
#7 Grand Valley St. at #2 Findlay, 7 p.m.

Semifinal Games (March 3)
Hosted By Highest Remaining Seed after Quarterfinals
Semifinal Game 1 Winner vs. Game 2 Winner, 1 p.m.
Semifinal Game B Winner vs. Game C Winner, 3 p.m.

Championship Game (March 4)
Hosted By Highest Remaining Seed after Quarterfinals
Championship Semifinal Winner vs. Semifinal Winner, 2 p.m.

HOCKEY: Bulldog Hockey Clinches Regular-Season CCHA Title

The 2012 Central Collegiate Hockey Association champion Ferris State University Bulldogs.

Ferris State University has been bitten by the hockey success bug as the Bulldogs finished their pursuit of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season championship by officially being presented the trophy by league commissioner Fred Pletsch on Saturday night in Big Rapids.

The Bulldogs deserve the accolades they have received to this point ... even if they might not retain their No. 1 ranking when the new polls come out next week.

HOCKEY: Interesting Reaction By Fan On Detroit News Site About Ferris, Michigan

Eric Alexander (17) has played a roll in Ferris' success this season on the ice.

It was interesting to read the Detroit News story about the new national rankings that were released on Monday.

The headline read, "Michigan No. 3 in college hockey poll." On a side note, the newspaper mentioned that Ferris State University is still No. 1 in the nation and in first place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association.

I can't say that is totally unexpected. However, it was interesting to read one of the reactions from a fan named Matthew DeLand, who offered the typical arrogant response one comes to expect from some fans. DeLand wrote, "Also, Michigan swept Ferris State this year....oh and really no one cares about Ferris State...Michigan kinda sells!"

Not exactly what most humans would consider classy.

It's expected that some fans will take their cheap shots, but you'd like to think that fans who are truly knowledgeable about the sport and have respect for the game will do better.

Detroit News:
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120220/SPORTS0201/202200415/1004/SPORTS/Michigan-No.-3-in-college-hockey-poll

GENERAL ATHLETICS: More Message Board Idiocy

It's difficult to feel as if you've read it all on Internet message boards. Still, some things make you shake your head when you read it.

I read this comment on an at-first interesting thread that turned into a fail (albeit somewhat entertaining for all the wrong reasons) about accusations against a GLIAC school in football.

I read this head-scratching comment that came out of nowhere:

The timing of this thread is great, seeing that this seems to be university meme week on facebook. The last 24 hours have been Yooper schools bashing each other and then all realizing that at least we aren't Ferris. Imagine More relevant majors Bulldogs and keep flopping on the ice like the Spanish national soccer team.

Since I probably can't successfully sue to get the half-minute back I spent reading this, I figured I would at least blog about the experience of this excerpt that makes no sense.

It's interesting to read ignorant comments on message boards even if the premise of such comments are flat-out ridiculous.

HOCKEY: Ferris Clinches Share Of CCHA Championship

Chad Billins

Ferris State University grabbed a piece of history tonight with its 4-1 win over Bowling Green State University in Ewigleben Ice Arena. 

The Bulldogs' win, coupled with a Lake Superior State University victory against Western Michigan University, gives Ferris at least a share of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association regular-season championship. It's the first piece of a regular-season title that the Bulldogs have earned since the 2002-03 season.

Taylor Nelson was superb in goal for Ferris as he denied the Falcons time and time again with help from defensemen like Chad Billins.

Ferris will have a chance to win it outright next weekend in its home-and-home series with league rival Western Michigan.

FOOTBALL: Csonka, Coming From Florida, Is Not Worried About Michigan Winters

Curtis Csonka, a 6-foot-3 and 275-pound offensive lineman who hopes to compete for a starting spot on the Ferris State University line this fall, is not worried about the harsh Michigan winters in spite of coming from sunshine in Florida.

In fact, Csonka noted that he took a his visit to Ferris in the midst of a blizzard - and he was not scared off of committing to play for the Bulldogs of new head coach Tony Annese.

Which means Csonka will compete for the starting center spot at Ferris State, whose new head coach, Tony Annese, comes in with a career record of 300-45. As for the prospectively nasty Michigan winter weather, Csonka isn't worried. 

"I was born in Port St. Lucie," he said, "but I'm the only one in my family who's not from Ohio. I got caught in a blizzard on my official visit to Ferris State, and I actually kind of liked it."

Check out more about Csonka, whose dad is a cousin of former National Football League great and Hall of Famer Larry Csonka.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Need A Bounce-Back Effort

Kelsey DeNoyelles

Last weekend, Ferris State University suffered a tough 66-56 loss to fifth-ranked Ashland University in a battle of nationally-ranked teams. The Bulldogs were ranked 25th in the nation before it dropped a tough contest to the visiting Eagles.

The Bulldogs now have to turn their focus off of Ashland and onto some tough competition ahead as Ferris is at Wayne State University in Detroit on Thursday and then down in Ohio to take on the University of Findlay on Saturday. That represents two VERY tough road environments to win in for the women, who will rely on the senior leadership of veterans like Kelsey DeNoyelles.

Ferris and head coach Tracey Dorow have worked too hard all season to let it (a regular-season Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division title) slip away. I expect the Bulldogs to bounce back strong and they will need to against the Warriors and Oilers.

HOCKEY: A HUGE Weekend Coming Up For The Bulldogs

Taylor Nelson

It should be all business this weekend for Ferris State University, the top-ranked college hockey team in the nation, as it hosts Bowling Green State University in Ewigleben Ice Arena.

The Bulldogs need a sweep and at least one loss from Western Michigan University this weekend to clinch the regular-season Central Collegiate Hockey Association championship. It would be a great cap to what has been a phenomenal regular season of college hockey for the Bulldogs of head coach Bob Daniels.

This week, as Ferris has enjoyed the local, regional, statewide and national spotlight that has come with its No. 1 national ranking, Daniels has the task of keeping his team focused on the goals that are ahead. Ferris can finish first in the CCHA during the regular season, win the league tournament, earn a bid to the NCAA Tournament (for the first time since 2003) and who knows beyond those potential accomplishments.

Ferris has to stay focused and keep its eyes on the prize. Coming to Big Rapids is a dangerous Bowling Green team that is capable of winning. The Bulldogs must be sharp.

HOCKEY: Bowling Green Gears Up For The Bulldogs

This is a video from Bowling Green State University as the Falcons of head coach Chris Bergeron prepare to take on Ferris State University, the top-ranked college hockey team in the nation, on Friday and Saturday in Big Rapids.

FOOTBALL: Taylor Expected To Bring Florida Speed To Ferris

Ryan Taylor

The state of Florida has been a fertile recruiting ground for Ferris State University this year as the Bulldogs have signed football talent Ryan Taylor of Bradenton. Taylor, at 5-foot-7 and 165 pounds is a talented slot receiver with speed and athleticism.

He should fit in nicely with the Bulldogs to bring skill to the perimeter of the FSU offense. He caught 49 passes for 643 yards in 2011 with four touchdowns. He picked up a number of honors for his play on the gridiron.

Taylor played on one of the top teams in the nation entering the 2011 season. The Bulldogs hope that he will fit in nicely with Ferris' game plan for the future.

FOOTBALL: Csonka Signing Has Ferris Excited

Curtis Csonka and supporters

Ferris State University signed a familiar name with the addition of Florida-based Curtis Csonka, an offensive lineman with a name familiar to many fans of professional football. It is the name that belongs to the legendary Larry Csonka.

Head coach Tony Annese and his staff are working their contacts in Florida hard to come up with some big-time talent prospects to bring here to Michigan to play college football. He hails from Palm City, Fla. and prepped at Jensen Beach.

He was selected to participate in the Nike South Florida All-star Football Game. Has has garnered a number of accolades during his prep career as the 6-foot-3, 265 pound offensive lineman prepares to bring his talents from Florida to Michigan.

Offensive line play will be critical and the coaching staff is working hard to put the building blocks in place for the future with the signing of a student-athlete like Csonka from a football hotbed like Florida.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: No. 25 Ferris Drops Tough 66-56 Decision To No. 5 Ashland

Christina Branch

Ferris State University, ranked 25th in the country came out and competed hard in its matchup this afternoon (Feb. 11) in Big Rapids against Ashland University, ranked fifth in the nation.

The Bulldogs competed hard and got a taste of the kind of physical play that a top-10 team like Ashland offers. At times, the Bulldogs really matched up well with the physical play. Christina Branch totaled nine points and six rebounds as she battled the Ashland big players inside. Sarah DeShone led the Bulldogs in scoring with 11 points and four rebounds. Nikki Arner had seven points and Ashley Rando came off the bench to drop in eight points.

Hats off to the Eagles with one of the best players in all of Division II in Kari Daugherty, who put up 20 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Jena Stutzman added 21 points.

The Bulldogs competed in a game that was physical and tough and came up just a bit short as the Eagles hit some free throws down the stretch to make the game maybe look not quite as close as it was in reality.

Ashland is a legit top-10 team in Division II.

FOOTBALL: Bulldogs In The Midst Of Winter Workouts

This is when championships are won.

Winter workouts and spring ball are where you prepare yourself to win championships in a Division II league as tougher as the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Ferris State University's new coaching staff, led by head man Tony Annese, is asking the student-athletes to put in the work it will take to win in Fall 2012 and beyond.

When most people are still asleep, at 5 and 6 in the morning, the Bulldog football players are grinding away on their winter workouts to be ready to go for the start of spring practice.

Follow Bulldog football on Facebook, here.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Have A Big Week Ahead ... Must Maintain Focus

Sarah DeShone

The temptation will be great for Ferris State University's women's basketball team, now ranked 25th in the nation in NCAA Division II.

The Bulldogs (15-4) know that fifth-ranked Ashland University (20-1) will be ready to take on Ferris Saturday in a matchup of nationally-ranked teams from the USA Today/ESPN Coaches Top 25 Poll.

Don't expect Ferris and standout guard Sarah DeShone to overlook one of the better teams in the conference this season, Lake Erie College, on Thursday evening. It's highly unlikely the Bulldogs will fall into this trap. The Storm is 15-5 overall and 9-4 in the GLIAC. Ferris leads the North Division at 12-1 while Ashland leads the South Division at 14-0.

Ferris has to be ready on Thursday. Ashland can and will have to wait.

HOCKEY: Highlights From Ferris' 3-1 Win Over Northern Michigan

This was a huge win for the Ferris State University hockey team to head up to Northern Michigan University and grind out a victory in the Saturday evening contest at the Berry Events Center in Marquette.

Ferris needed the three points badly and got them to move into sole possession of first place (albeit with an ever-so-slim two point lead at 41-39 over Western Michigan University.

MEN'S BASKETBALL: Bulldogs Continue To Perform Well, To The Surprise Of Some

Jerrell Sanders

Ferris State University's men's basketball team's success has been a surprise to some as the Bulldogs hold onto first place in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference North Division.

The Bulldogs have retooled after some key graduation losses from last season. Some might have thought that Ferris would have a "rebuilding" year, but that has not been the case. Veterans have stepped up and newcomers have filled some spots. Dontae Molden, Jerrell Sanders and Daniel Sutherlin have been tremendous leaders on the court for the Bulldogs.

Molden has really taken on a major leadership role as he has continued to add to his game. He is a leader, a defender, a set-up man and now, a shooter.

Sanders has bounced back from last year's season-ending injury and Sutherlin continues his consistent play on the hardwood.

The team has a big test Saturday against Saginaw Valley State University. Ferris needs a win in the worst way to maintain its first-place position and protect its house: Jim Wink Arena.

WOMEN'S BASKETBALL: Arner, DeShone Love Team's Depth

Nikki Arner

It's amazing to see the depth that Ferris State University has been able to recruit and develop during the last couple of seasons.

That depth is paying off these days. I had a chance to ask sophomores Nikki Arner and Sarah DeShone about that depth. Both couldn't hide their smiles as they talked about all of the good players who are members of the team.During games head coach Tracey Dorow has the ability to go deep into her bench and expect nothing but high level results. Arner and DeShone, a pair of starters, talked about how they're pushed in practice and how good they know players who come in off the bench are in reality.

Ferris has struck gold with recent recruiting classes and consecutive strong recruiting classes is where you can build the kind of depth that largely  defines championship teams.

Coach Dorow also talked about the leadership of the seniors to drive the team to get better during the off season. Lindsey Pettit, Tricia Principe and Kelsey DeNoyelles have been through the GLIAC battles and now have a lot of help with the emergence of the last three recruiting classes.

FOOTBALL: Highlight Video Of Brock Lavergne

Here is some video on Ferris State University recruit Brock LaVergne, a defensive end from Alcona.

FOOTBALL: Prep Coach Sees LaVergne As A 'Steal' For Ferris

Recruiting is not always an exact science, but Ferris State University has a steal with one of its recruits, according to a head coach who might know. Defensive end Brock LaVergne, of Alcona, could be a pleasant surprise for the Bulldogs on the gridiron in the future.

"It's very exciting and I'm happy for Brock," said LaVergne's coach at Alcona, Dave Schneider. "He's one of those kids who does everything he's ever been asked to do. He'll work harder than anyone else. The kid is going to be successful. He comes from a great family. He's a quality young man and recruiters are looking for character guys. Ferris is stealing one here."

The 6-foot-6, 225 pound defensive end has a wealth of potential and the Bulldogs hope to see it come to reality.

Read more, here:
https://www.thealpenanews.com/page/content.detail/id/520247/Alcona-s-LaVergne-joins-Ferris-State-football-program.html?nav=5007

FOOTBALL: Ferris Signs 31 In Annese's First Recruiting Class

Tony Annese

Here are the biographical sketches on the Ferris State University football recruits who were announced on Wednesday afternoon as part of National Signing Day.

The new coaching staff of head man Tony Annese went to work in very short period of time to put together a class that looks very strong on paper. The Bulldogs had success locally with the recruitment of Morley Stanwood's Tyler Hanks, Central Montcalm's Tyler James and McBain's Hunter Thompson. The staff had a strong group of recruits out of both the Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas - true prep football hotbeds that Annese's staff knows quite well.

Ferris signed recruits at nearly all positions and Annese is not closing the door on some of the kids possibly coming in and playing right away. With a new staff in place, the competition should be as fierce as ever as the veterans will work to solidify their spots while the freshmen and junior college signees will come in and compete for those spots on the depth chart.

Here are biographical sketches of the recruits:

Antonio Agurs
RB, 5-10, 170
Bradenton, Fla./Manatee

Led team to a 13-2 record ... Played for Florida's top-ranked team ... Chosen to play in the Memorial PAL Bowl senior all-star game ... Helped team to 7A Florida state championship ... Highly-regarded playmaker ... Chosen as area's player of the week for his performance in the state playoffs ... Coached by Joe Kinnan.

Torrey Appel
DT, 6-1, 250
Grand Haven

Was an all-OK Red conference selection ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game ... Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team pick ... Played on both sides of the line of scrimmage ... Has also competed in track and field ... Two-year starter ... First Team all-league honoree ... Helped team to conference runner-up finish ... Led team to 8-2 mark as a senior … Played prep football for the Buccaneers under Coach Mike Farley.

Corey Arnouts
DE, 6-2, 250
Grand Ledge

Three-year starter at defensive end ... Totaled 72 stops as a junior ... Was an all-conference honoree ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game ... Also a talented wrestler ... Tabbed as one of state's top players ... First Team All-State pick ... Was a Lansing State Journal All-Area recipient … Coached by Matt Bird.

Trevor Bermingham
QB, 6-3, 175
Addison, Ill./Trail

Helped lead team to state playoffs … Threw for more than 1,000 yards … Also ran for nearly 500 yards … 3-sport athlete, competes in basketball & baseball … Guided team to an 8-2 mark as a senior … All-conference honoree … All-Area selection … Threw for 286 yards and two scores in state playoff game against Carmel … Multi-year starter …. Coached by Paul Parpet, Jr.

Josh Blanton
LB, 6-2, 215
Zeeland West

2-way starter ... Led team to a perfect 14-0 mark and a Division 4 State Title ... Named to Detroit News All-State Dream Team along with Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team ... Totaled 133 tackles with 16 tackles for loss ... Also had two fumble recoveries and one interception ... Prepped by John Shillito ... Was team's top tackler ... Multi-year starter ... Posted over 300 career tackles to become school's all-time leader.

Chad Burnside
DT, 6-2, 250
Byron Center

Two-way starter ... Played both offensive and defensive line ... Participates in track and field ... Coached by Marc Cisco ... All-Conference selection ... Highly-regarded prospect ... Attended several combines and camps in the offseason ... Had a productive prep career. Led team to 2010 State Playoffs … Team's leading tackler and run stopper … Led team with 7 sacks.

Kitwana Clark
RB, 5-9, 195
Kenowa Hills

One of West Michigan's premier running backs ... Three-year all-conference selection ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game … Carried the ball 284 times for 1,740 yards and 21 TD's in 2011 ... Averaged 6.4 yards per carry ... Coached by Scott VanEssen ... Physical and strong ball carrier ... Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team pick ... Had 350 yards rushing and six TD's in a double-overtime win against Holland as a senior ... Four-year varsity player ... West Michigan All-Star honoree ... Helped team to state playoffs as a Sophomore, Junior, and Senior.

Jalen Couch
DB, 5-9, 175
Grand Rapids/Ottawa Hills

Played both quarterback and defensive back ... All-Conference honoree ... Threw for 1,000 yards and 11 TD's ... Completed 51.6% of his passes as a senior ... Also ran for 950 yards and eight scores as a QB ... Also a talented performer on the track ... Quick and elusive player… coached by Chuck Ruffin.

Robert Cuba
DT, 6-0, 250
Grand Rapids/Christian

Two-time Grand Rapids Press All-Area Dream Team selection ... Led the Eagles with 86 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss in 2011 ... Had eight sacks ... Helped lead Grand Rapids Christian to the school's first OK White Conference Championship and teams only 9-0 season in team in history ... Coached by Don Fellows ... Three-year starter ... Two-time all-conference pick ... Was a first team All-State honoree in Divisions 3-4 ...

Jalin Faison
RB, 6-0, 215
Grand Rapids/West Catholic

Competed at both running back and linebacker … Ran for 1,060 yards and 12 touchdowns as a junior … Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game … Ran for more than 1,200 yards and nearly 20 TD's in his senior season … Helped school win a state title during his prep career … Had more than 130 tackles in his final season on defensive side … Coached by Dan Rohn … Led school to fourth consecutive OK Blue Conference crown in 2011 … All-State selection … Set a school single-season rushing record … Ran for 1,967 yards on 256 carries last fall while scoring 32 TD's … Grand Rapids Press Dream Team pick.

Corbin Fuller
DT, 6-5, 290
Ontonagon

All-Conference honoree … Tabbed to the All-Upper Peninsula squad … Played on both the offensive and defensive line … Two-Time all-area selection … Has also competes in track and field … One of Northern Michigan's top linemen … Upper Peninsula All-Star representative… Coached by Dave Linczeski

Truman Hadley
LB, 6-0, 181
Chelsea

He led a Chelsea defense that gave up 17.1 points per game with 52.5 tackles during a 7-2 regular season ... Had 16.5 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown in Chelsea's two playoff games ... "He's the best linebacker we've ever had," said Chelsea coach Brad Bush ... Division 3 & 4 Honorable Mention All State.

Tyler Hanks
Slot, 5-10, 170
Morley-Stanwood

Competed at both running back and defensive back ... Talented special teams performer ... All-State honoree ... Helped Mohawks to back-to-back state playoff appearances ... Plays basketball and runs track ... Led team to two consecutive 9-0 regular-season marks ... Coached by Clark Huntey ... Twice reached the Regional Final round of the state playoffs ... Guided team to first district crown in 2010 ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game... Big Rapids Pioneer Dream Team Player of the Year ... Multi-dimensional weapon.

Connor Holbrook
LB, 6-0, 210
Mason

Tabbed as Lansing State Journal's top defensive player ... Four-year standout ... All-State selection ... Was also an all-area and all-conference honoree ... Had 95 tackles, six sacks, two fumble recoveries and an interception in 2011 ... Chosen to Associated Press All-State squad ... Has also plays basketball.

Nick Huckabay
LB, 6-2, 220
Montrose

Played both quarterback and linebacker ... Led team to Genessee Area Conference (GAC) Red Division Championship ... Multi-year starter ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game … Guided the Rams to the MHSAA State Playoffs in 2011 with a 10-1 record ... Coached by Dennis Reinhart ... Also helped team to a state playoff appearance in 2010.

Tyler James
OL, 6-6, 250
Central Montcalm

Earned Division 5-6 All-State First Team laurels ... Consensus all-state honoree ... Coached by his father, Marty ... Two-time all-state pick ... Helped team to an 8-2 mark and a state playoff appearance as a junior ... All-conference and all-area standout ... Played on both sides of the ball ... Leader of offensive line unit ... One of West Michigan's top offensive linemen.

Alex Johns-Moore
QB, 5-10, 185
Port Huron/Northern

Played both quarterback and linebacker ... Two-year starter at quarterback ... Ran for 730 yards and threw for 1,180 as a prep junior ... Dual-threat in the spread offense ... Led team to a 7-3 mark in 2010 ... Chosen among Southeastern Michigan's top players in 2011 ... Threw for 138.5 yards per game and averaged 108.5 per contest on the ground as a senior ... Threw 15 TD passes as a junior ... Helped Port Huron Northern to team's first playoff appearance in more than 10 years in 2010 ... Two-time all-state powerlifter ... Two-time all-area and all-league honoree ... Three-year starter

Quinn Kotsko
WR, 6-2, 190
Port Huron/Northern

Talented wide receiver ... Also played defensive back and served as squad's kicker ... Competes in basketball ... Earned Division 1-2 All-State laurels ... Had 45 receptions for 725 yards and eight TD's ... Named to Detroit News All-Metro East Team ... Coached by Pat Connell ... Multi-year starter ... Chosen as team's Player of the Year Award recipient.

Kyle Kujawa
DB, 5-11, 190
Holland/Zeeland West

Guided team to Divison 4 state championship and perfect 14-0 mark … Played both defensive back and running back for Zeeland West ... Coached by John Shillito... Had three interceptions ... Ran for more than 1,000 yards on the ground and 14 TD's ... Ranked as team's second-leading scorer ... Three-year starter at safety ... Helped team average nearly 44 points per game ... All-Area West Team selection ... Two-time all-conference player ... Finished with 88 tackles ... Had a 57-yard TD run in state title game ... National Honor Society member.

Brock Lavergne
DE, 6-6, 225
Lincoln/Alcona

All-State defensive end ... Competed both at defensive end and tight end ... Also kicked for Alcona ... First Team All-Huron Shores Conference selection at two positions ... Also has played basketball ... One of state's top northern prospects ... Coached by Dave Schneider ... Honorable mention all-state basketball pick.

Jamel Lockett
Slot, 5-8, 190
Warren/Mott

Chosen to C&G Newspapers' All-Eastside Team ... Caught 43 passes for 810 yards as a prep senior ... Also rushed for 225 yards and avearged five yards per carry ... Played a variety of skill positions ... Chosen among Southeastern Michigan's top players ... Named to Macomb County Tier 1 All-Star Team ... Also runs track ... Was also a talented safety on defensive side of the ball ... Recorded 97 tackles with nine deflected passes, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries on defense in 2011 ... Earned Southeastern Elite laurels as a DB.

Damonta Madden
DB, 6-1, 180
Grand Blanc

Registered 49 tackles, including 20 solo stops ... Helped team to Division I regional finals berth ... Tallied six pass breakups ... Started every game and finished with one interception and two blocked kicks in 2011 ... Played prep football for the Bobcats under Joe Delaney ... Also competes in track and field ... Ranked among state's top 30 prospects at his position by Max Preps ... Speedy and athletic defensive back.

Trevor Marceau
TE, 6-4, 210
North Branch

Played a variety of positions including tight end, wide receiver, linebacker and safety ... Chosen to the All-Thumb Football Team ... Also competes in basketball ... All-Conference selection ... Three-year starter ... Was an All-Tri Valley League recipient ... Contributor throughout prep career… Played prep football for the Broncos under Coach Pat Forrester.

Patrick Marner
DB, 6-5, 195
Machesney Park, Ill./Harlem

Led team to a 9-2 overall record as a senior ... Coached by Jim Morrow ... Has only 2 years of playing experiences, since converting from soccer … Helped team to Illinois State Playoffs and second round showing in 2011 ... Has good size and ability ... Also played wide receiver ... Team posted a 8-3 mark in 2010 and reached third round of state playoffs ... Earned all-conference first team recognition.

Aubrey Parrish
WR, 6-2, 190
Charlotte

Standout three-sport athlete ... Veteran playmaker ... Speedy receiver ... Also played cornerback ... Coached by Eddie Ostipow ... Set a school record with four touchdowns in 2011 season opener ... Also competes in basketball and baseball ... Played on elite regional 7 on 7 championship team ... Honorable Mention all-state honoree… 41 receptions for 751 yards and 12 TDs as a senior.

Preston Scheurer
OL, 6-2, 330
Portland

Coached by John Novara ... Chosen to play in the East-West Michigan All-Star Game... Two-year starter ... Detroit News All-State selection ... Named to All-Ionia County Football Team... Consensus all-state pick ... Played on both sides of the ball.

Zach Smilo
DB, 5-11, 170
Canton

Helped team to an 8-3 overall record and state playoff berth in 2011 … ... Member of 2010 team that posted a 10-1 mark and won league title along with state playoff appearance… Also competes in track and field ... Coached by Tim Baechler ... ... Served as a team captain ... Ranked as one of team's top tacklers ... His father, Dave, served as an assistant coach and played collegiate football at Eastern Michigan along with the USFL and CFL .

Brad Speet
LB, 6-1, 215
Saugatuck

Played both quarterback and linebacker ... Led Saugatuck to a 9-0 regular season and a Southwestern Athletic Conference North Division title in 2011 ... Helped Indians to a Division 8 State Playoff bid ... Rushed for 664 yards and 16 TD's in nine games ... Threw for two scores and caught one ... Also ran both a kickoff and interception back for touchdowns ... All-State and All-Conference honoree ... Led team to state title game in 2010 … Coach by Bill Dunn.

Hunter Thompson
OL, 6-4, 300
McBain

First-Team all-conference honoree … Earned Cadillac News All-Area laurels … Was league's offensive lineman of the year … Also competes in basketball ... Has played baseball … Led team to a 9-2 overall record in 2011, including perfect 6-0 mark in league action … Played on both the offensive and defensive lines for the Ramblers … Team reached state playoffs … Played in Class C Basketball State Championship Game in 2010 … Coached by Chad Grundy

John Waller
DB, 6-1, 185
Muskegon/North Muskegon

Played both Running back and defensive back for North Muskegon ... Coached by John Slocum ... Led Norsemen with 742 rushing yards and nine TD's as a junior in 2010 ... Lock-down cornerback ... All-conference honoree ... Regarded as one of state's top recruit prospects ... Among West Michigan's top 20 returning rushers entering 2011 campaign ... Attends West Michigan Christian High School ... Competes in basketball.

Mike Zawacki
DE, 6-3, 215
Monroe

Starter at both tight end and defensive end ... Netted 40 tackles and five sacks as a junior in 2010 ... Served as a team captain ... Plays with intensity ... Fast off the edge ... All-Southeastern Conference selection ... Named to all-region squad ... Has also competed in basketball and track ... Listed among top prospects in Southeastern Michigan … SEC 1stTeam All-Conference and All-Region … Coached by Eric Redmond.