Grand Rapids Union C/O 2023 Standouts

Yesterday I visited Grand Rapids Union, a program on an extremely rapid rise. The Class of 2023 is unique as they’re the only group who experienced the previous coaching staff thus, they’ve experienced the rise from a winless program to a fringe playoff team. These four athletes stand out as being potential breakthrough stars this coming season, and more importantly, they’re the senior class that gets to dictate how the world sees Union Football. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13527350/Tommy-Stevens">[player_tooltip player_id="290737" first="Tommy" last="Stevens"]</a> - QB/S - 5’8" 175lbs <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13527350/Tommy-Stevens">HUDL</a></span></strong> Union was turning heads early in the season, and [player_tooltip player_id="290737" first="Tommy" last="Stevens"] was receiving some deserved attention. Before Stevens suffered a season-ending injury during week 4, he was lighting up the field against Rival Ottawa hills, Ypsilanti, and most impressively, he had a phenomenal 1st-half against Mona Shores. He’s a dynamic QB with BLAZING speed, and his highlights are full of him escaping pressure, making guys miss, and delivering many accurate balls. Watch this guy’s film. More people should know about [player_tooltip player_id="290737" first="Tommy" last="Stevens"]. He’s very impressive. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="290732" first="Rakwon" last="Gibson"] - OG/DT - 5’9" 275</span></strong> A solid, hard-working lineman, [player_tooltip player_id="290732" first="Rakwon" last="Gibson"] was putting in some great work in the weight room. Standing at 5’9" 275, Gibson is very strong, and I hear he can move well. With a great 2022 season and an excellent hudl profile, Gibson could make a name for himself and earn some attention. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="290735" first="Najeh" last="Thorton"] - DE - 5’9" 250</span></strong> A very well-built athlete, [player_tooltip player_id="290735" first="Najeh" last="Thorton"] worked hard in the weight room while having an extremely positive attitude. On the field, he’s a hard-hitting lineman who still has a lot to learn. If Thorton builds on his lifting numbers and commits to being a student of the game, he’ll be able to turn some heads next season. <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">[player_tooltip player_id="290736" first="Meciah" last="Reed"] - DE - 5’11" 245</span></strong> A very athletic defensive end, Reed was lifting good weight and working hard. There isn’t much in the film department, though what I can gather is that Reed is a pure athlete with a lot to work on fundamentally. With a big offseason and a great spring/summer, Reed could come into Fall much more polished, possibly earning him attention.