Rockford Reloads with Rising Talent in Critical Roles
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One of the most talented and successful programs in Division 1, the Rockford Rams look well-reloaded after a Regional heartbreak against Grand Blanc. Mac VandenHout Mac VandenHout 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Rockford | 2023 State MI takes the…
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Continue ReadingOne of the most talented and successful programs in Division 1, the Rockford Rams look well-reloaded after a Regional heartbreak against Grand Blanc. Mac VandenHout Mac VandenHout 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Rockford | 2023 State MI takes the reigns at QB while Austin Harvey Austin Harvey 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Rockford | 2023 MI and Tyler Hoek Tyler Hoek 6'1" | 205 lbs | DB Rockford | 2023 MI lead an elite secondary coached by former Michigan DB Brent Cummings. They lose key pieces with All-State QB Zak Ahern Zak Ahern 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Rockford | 2022 State MI , CMU Signee Kade Kostus Kade Kostus 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Rockford | 2022 State MI , 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 & potential challenges the Rams will face this Fall.
Last 5 Seasons
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
Players to Watch
QB Mac VandenHout Mac VandenHout 5'11" | 190 lbs | QB Rockford | 2023 State MI
There’s no doubt that Mac will be physically prepared, working out at PSTS, 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.
WR Alex McLean Alex McLean 5'7" | 165 lbs | WR Rockford | 2023 State MI
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.
DB Austin Harvey Austin Harvey 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Rockford | 2023 MI
In order to win a State Championship, the secondary has to be elite, and Rockford has a few of those guys starting with Austin Harvey Austin Harvey 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB Rockford | 2023 MI . 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: Brody Thompson Brody Thompson 6'1" | 195 lbs | WR Rockford | 2023 MI , Jonny Rohen-Blanton Jonny Rohen-Blanton 5'10" | 170 lbs | WR Rockford | 2023 MI , Tyler Hoek Tyler Hoek 6'1" | 205 lbs | DB Rockford | 2023 MI , Rick Beison, Jacob Oleneack, Lucas Bassham Lucas Bassham 6'2" | 200 lbs | DL Rockford | 2024 State MI , Breckin Portoluri Breckin Portoluri 6'1" | 255 lbs | DL Rockford | 2023 MI
Hurdles to Jump
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.
Games to Watch
Week 1 vs. East Grand Rapids
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.
Week 2 vs. Mona Shores
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.
Week 6 vs. Grandville
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.
Week 8 vs. Caledonia
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.