4 Players to Watch in Week Four of the MHSAA Playoffs

Of the remaining teams in the playoffs this season, there is still some exceptional talent. There’s a good mix of sophomore’s, junior’s, and seniors who can make a big impact on the game. For this week's playoff preview, I decided to watch four players that I have not written about yet, providing readers with an inside look at our rankings process and how we evaluate. There are some intriguing matchups taking place for the semifinals, with some future college football players involved. It should be another exciting week in what has been a thrilling 2021 season. Playoff time allows scouts to look for things like leadership and physicality from a bigger lens. Big plays in September certainly count for something, but for the players who embrace the cold and play all out regardless of the conditions, that shows up on tape and helps in the recruiting trail. Who will that be this week? Let’s take a look at four players who could have big games in the semifinals. [player_tooltip player_id="188021" first="Nathaniel" last="Johnson"] The class of 2024 offensive lineman is already getting looks from some big time programs including Michigan State. Johnson has a lot of strength, which constantly shows up on tape. He’s a naturally strong player who’s size stands out on film and in person. It's not often a player his age is as good technically as he is, he keeps a square base and has good balance through the play. Good balance is on display when Johnson uses his short area quickness to shoot down the line for a pull. He has an nasty finish and has all the traits to dominate any game he's in. [caption id="attachment_235367" align="alignright" width="375"]<img class=" wp-image-235367" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/11/LDRNQHyC-e1637188311142-300x239.jpg" alt="" width="375" height="299" /> Photo: <a href="https://twitter.com/joey_silveri" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter</a>[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="30214" first="Joey" last="Silveri"] Solid ball placement with the ability to escape the pocket, Silveri brings a lot to the table. He can spread it around the field and make throws into some tight windows. He doesn't play with any noticeable hesitancy and trusts his instincts. Silveri has a lot of arm strength to be able to fit it into tight windows. A senior quarterback is huge to have, especially at playoff time. Look for Silveri to be active early versus Frankenmuth. [player_tooltip player_id="164642" first="Alex" last="DeGrieck"] The Clarkston tight end is a physical defensive end who shows up in run or pass. Don't let the size fool you, DeGrieck can move bodies and make it tough offensive lineman. He's a pass rusher that can use his strength but his high motor at the end of plays shows up a ton on film. DeGrieck has the ability to break down and make a tackle on the outside or crash the inside and stop the run. A big game for him and Rochester Adams this weekend as they face Grand Blanc. Harvard is getting a special player in DeGrieck, who is currently committed there as a senior. [player_tooltip player_id="164634" first="Keegan" last="Opper"] Part of an impressive team at Traverse City Central, Opper has short area quickness and can get to the second level. Opper has the ability to maintain a low pad level despite being 6'5, and finishes his blocks till the whistle. Solid in both pass pro and when he run blocks. Traverse City Central will be facing South Lyon on Saturday in the division two semifinals. https://twitter.com/KeeganOpper/status/1459356438699122690?s=20

Of the remaining teams in the playoffs this season, there is still some exceptional talent. There’s a good mix of sophomore’s, junior’s, and seniors who can make a big impact on the game. For this week's playoff preview, I decided to watch four players that I have not written about yet, providing readers with an inside look at our rankings process and how we evaluate. There are some intriguing matchups taking place for the semifinals, with some future college football players involved. It should be another exciting week in what has been a thrilling 2021 season.

Playoff time allows scouts to look for things like leadership and physicality from a bigger lens. Big plays in September certainly count for something, but for the players who embrace the cold and play all out regardless of the conditions, that shows up on tape and helps in the recruiting trail. Who will that be this week? Let’s take a look at four players who could have big games in the semifinals.

Nathaniel Johnson Nathaniel Johnson 6'5" | 305 lbs | OL Belleville | 2024 State MI

The class of 2024 offensive lineman is already getting looks from some big time programs including Michigan State. Johnson has a lot of strength, which constantly shows up on tape. He’s a naturally strong player who’s size stands out on film and in person. It's not often a player his age is as good technically as he is, he keeps a square base and has good balance through the play. Good balance is on display when Johnson uses his short area quickness to shoot down the line for a pull. He has an nasty finish and has all the traits to dominate any game he's in.

Joey Silveri Joey Silveri 6'1" | 200 lbs | QB Grand Rapids Catholic Central | 2022 MI

Solid ball placement with the ability to escape the pocket, Silveri brings a lot to the table. He can spread it around the field and make throws into some tight windows. He doesn't play with any noticeable hesitancy and trusts his instincts. Silveri has a lot of arm strength to be able to fit it into tight windows. A senior quarterback is huge to have, especially at playoff time. Look for Silveri to be active early versus Frankenmuth.

Alex DeGrieck Alex DeGrieck 6'5" | 235 lbs | DL Rochester Adams | 2022 State MI

The Clarkston tight end is a physical defensive end who shows up in run or pass. Don't let the size fool you, DeGrieck can move bodies and make it tough offensive lineman. He's a pass rusher that can use his strength but his high motor at the end of plays shows up a ton on film. DeGrieck has the ability to break down and make a tackle on the outside or crash the inside and stop the run. A big game for him and Rochester Adams this weekend as they face Grand Blanc. Harvard is getting a special player in DeGrieck, who is currently committed there as a senior.

Keegan Opper Keegan Opper 6'4" | 285 lbs | OL Traverse City Central | 2022 State MI

Part of an impressive team at Traverse City Central, Opper has short area quickness and can get to the second level. Opper has the ability to maintain a low pad level despite being 6'5, and finishes his blocks till the whistle. Solid in both pass pro and when he run blocks. Traverse City Central will be facing South Lyon on Saturday in the division two semifinals.

https://twitter.com/KeeganOpper/status/1459356438699122690?s=20