Rockford Reloads with Rising Talent in Critical Roles

One of the most talented and successful programs in Division 1, the Rockford Rams look well-reloaded after a Regional heartbreak against Grand Blanc. [player_tooltip player_id="232200" first="Mac" last="VandenHout"] takes the reigns at QB while <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13320210">[player_tooltip player_id="241258" first="Austin" last="Harvey"]</a> and <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13320293">[player_tooltip player_id="232202" first="Tyler" last="Hoek"]</a> lead an elite secondary coached by former Michigan DB Brent Cummings. They lose key pieces with All-State QB [player_tooltip player_id="54861" first="Zak" last="Ahern"], CMU Signee <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11362829">[player_tooltip player_id="80476" first="Kade" last="Kostus"]</a>, and many others, but Rockford has proved time and time again they can reload. Though like many elite programs, they have one of the most challenging schedules in the West, with a few teams in the OK-Red knocking on the door. This article will preview Rockford’s season and will discuss game-changing players &amp; potential challenges the Rams will face this Fall. <strong>Last 5 Seasons</strong> 2017: 7-4, Divisional exit vs. West Ottawa 2018: 7-5, Regional exit vs. Saline 2019: 8-2, 1st-round exit vs. East Kentwood 2020: 8-1, Semifinal exit vs. Davison 2021: 11-1, Regional exit vs. Grand Blanc <strong><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Players to Watch</span></strong> <strong>QB [player_tooltip player_id="232200" first="Mac" last="VandenHout"]</strong> There’s no doubt that Mac will be physically prepared, working out at <a href="https://www.powerstrengthpro.com/">PSTS</a>, but the question is if he’ll be mentally prepared. He’s one of the most intriguing athletes in MI, as he’s had great success as a receiver, though he hasn’t had many Varsity QB snaps besides garbage time. I’ve seen some but not a ton of praise of Mac during the 7-on-7 season, but I’m confident he’ll lead the offense well, with a potentially tweaked playbook to compliment his dual-threat style of play. <strong>WR [player_tooltip player_id="232201" first="Alex" last="McLean"]</strong> McLean has earned a top-tier D2 offer from Grand Valley State, and he’ll have the opportunity to receive many more being WR1 for Rockford. McLean had over 1,000 all-purpose yards last Fall, being one of the best slot receivers I watched all season. He’s another PSTS guy, and he’s a ripped 5’7 165. McLean is a speed-in-space player, as he runs away from tacklers, follows his downfield blocks, and if he can score, he will score. McLean is also a great route-runner, though I would love to see McLean improve to the Elite tier in route-running, and if he does, he’ll be borderline unguardable. This means quicker cuts and a tad quicker burst after making those cuts. <strong>DB <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13320210">[player_tooltip player_id="241258" first="Austin" last="Harvey"]</a></strong> In order to win a State Championship, the secondary has to be elite, and Rockford has a few of those guys starting with [player_tooltip player_id="241258" first="Austin" last="Harvey"]. Playing mostly zone, Harvey has a great sense of his job and performs at an elite level. Many of his PBUs are the result of quick reflexes and hard hits once the ball is thrown. In addition, Harvey has proven to be a great run-stopper not allowing RBs to take advantage of the edge. Harvey also displays terrific effort and great pursuit angles. Other Players: <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13320147">[player_tooltip player_id="286467" first="Brody" last="Thompson"]</a>, <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13320119">[player_tooltip player_id="286474" first="Jonny" last="Rohen-Blanton"]</a>, <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13320293">[player_tooltip player_id="232202" first="Tyler" last="Hoek"]</a>, <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13320108">Rick Beison</a>, <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11786329">Jacob Oleneack</a>, <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13603286">[player_tooltip player_id="253242" first="Lucas" last="Bassham"]</a>, <a class="uni-link--implied" href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13320088">[player_tooltip player_id="286465" first="Breckin" last="Portoluri"]</a> <strong>Hurdles to Jump</strong> Winning the OK-Red This is a goal Rockford has succeeded in for 3-straight seasons, but Caledonia returns many starters with college offers. With that being said, the OK-Red will be competitive, and Rockford could realistically lose 1 game this season but still lose the league. Getting off to a Hot Start With a new QB, key losses to the defense, and a challenging start to the season, Rockford needs to come out of the blocks fast and avoid any hiccups. This is a great program with a solidified coaching staff, so I don’t expect much trouble, but Rockford’s first few weeks may prove to be challenging. <strong>Games to Watch</strong> <strong>Week 1 vs. East Grand Rapids</strong> When a opposing program has a countdown to playing you, you need to take notice. East Grand Rapids is coming in with a new head coach, but if they click on all cylinders, they could give Rockford some trouble. <strong>Week 2 vs. Mona Shores</strong> This is one of the most significant week 2 matchups in the state. It’s no secret that Mona Shores is one of the most successful programs in Michigan, and they have a ton of returning talent. The Rams will have to be locked-in for this one. <strong>Week 6 vs. Grandville</strong> The Bulldogs have been highly formidable opponents over the past few seasons, taking Rockford to 2OT and 3OT twice in the past 3 matchups. Grandville may be the most motivated team to kick Rockford in the teeth, and if Rockford does fall here, it would significantly shake up the OK-Red. <strong>Week 8 vs. Caledonia</strong> Like last season, I expect this matchup to decide the OK-Red. It’s crazy how good Caledonia has gotten over the past few years, and they were a game away from a state title bid (but the blizzard heavily favored TC Central’s play style). This season, Caledonia looks to be just as good if not better than last season, and that will at the very least make for a legendary Week 8 matchup to decide the league.