Grand Rapids Preseason Dream Team – Offense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's August 7, 2022, which marks 18 days until the Michigan High School Football Season kicks off! Although we haven't seen school vs. school action since King defeated DeWitt in the State Championship, the offseason has been filled with important camps, workouts, and exciting storylines. This article highlights athletes I predict will be the best of the best from the Grand Rapids/Muskegon Metro Area. So without further ado, here's my Grand Rapids Dream Team! <br><br>QB - [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'] <br>RB - [player_tooltip player_id='243089' first='Dahmir' last='Farnum']<br>RB - [player_tooltip player_id='159621' first='Timmy' last='Kloska']<br>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='407083' first='Tayte' last='Vanderleest']<br>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='407084' first='Joe' last='Mullett']<br>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='232201' first='Alex' last='McLean']<br>ATH - [player_tooltip player_id='253303' first='Destin' last='Piggee']<br>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='243090' first='Sam' last='Wahlberg']<br>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='253307' first='Miguel' last='Botello'] <br>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='329551' first='Syncere' last='Hobson']<br>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='407088' first='Jacob' last='Oleneack']<br>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='407105' first='Brendan' last='Napieralski']<br>TE/ATH - Derek Pennington Jr.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2>Analysis</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>QB - [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'] - Caledonia - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12946393/Mason-McKenzie/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12946393/Mason-McKenzie/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>A great quarterback throughout his High School Football career, [player_tooltip player_id='407081' first='Mason' last='Mckenzie'] burst onto the scene last year as he led Caledonia to the Regional Finals. The Scots played a pass-heavy offense in 2021, and Mckenzie took the reigns and ran with it, leading his team to their best season in nearly 20 years. <br>Mckenzie possesses many elements to his game that make him stand out. The first things that come to mind when I watch his tape are his quick release, confidence, and decision-making. I could go on and on, but I'll let his tape and offers from GVSU, Illinois State, and SVSU speak for themselves. <br><strong>RB - [player_tooltip player_id='243089' first='Dahmir' last='Farnum'] - Mona Shores - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13244273/Dahmir-Farnum/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13244273/Dahmir-Farnum/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>Speedy, twitchy, and explosive, I've talked extensively about Farnum's game, and for great reason. In short, Farnum knows how to play football really, really well. More specifically, Farnum's game reminds me of Deandre Swift in college. Like Swift, Farnum has a quick burst, is extremely shifty, and displays superior balance. If Farnum continues improving his best aspects while staying in the weight room, I see no reason why he can't be a great college back. <br><strong>RB - [player_tooltip player_id='159621' first='Timmy' last='Kloska'] - West Catholic - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13276912/Tim-Kloska/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13276912/Tim-Kloska/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>The best Power Back in the West, [player_tooltip player_id='159621' first='Timmy' last='Kloska'] is one of the hardest runners I've ever seen, and he broke countless records last season. The Air Force commit is a shoo-in for all-region, and I know all the OK-Blue teams are shaking in their boots thinking about facing Kloska. <br><strong>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='407083' first='Tayte' last='Vanderleest'] - Reeths Puffer - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11944204/Tayte-Vanderleest/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11944204/Tayte-Vanderleest/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>A great "deep threat," Tayte Venderleest is a tall, fast receiver who displays some unique elements for his height. His run-after-catch ability stands out, as he's often catching slants or screens that allow him to use his field vision and speed to steer his way across the field. It's safe to say that Vanderleest will be a vital part of the RP offense this season. Though standing at 6'4", 205lbs, I'd like to see what Tayte can do in more physical 1-on-1 situations. <br><strong>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='407084' first='Joe' last='Mullett'] - Grand Rapids Catholic Central - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15176705/Joe-Mullett/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15176705/Joe-Mullett/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>Mullett quietly had a nice season last year, posting 430 yards and 9TDs. You may look at those stats and say, "Yeah, that's a good season, but why would he be on the preseason dream team?" Well, let me explain.<br>Mullett is a pure athlete. In Track, Mullett placed 4th in the state in the 400M with a time of 50.58, and in his first ever season swimming, he placed 5th in the conference for the 100M Butterfly. All this, plus the departure of Nolan Ziegler, with one of the best QBs in the state, Mullett is geared up for an incredible season as my expected WR1 for the Cougars. <br><strong>WR - [player_tooltip player_id='232201' first='Alex' last='McLean'] - Rockford - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11786326/Alex-McLean/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11786326/Alex-McLean/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>McLean is a premier slot receiver getting plenty of college attention and is wholly dedicated to his craft. McLean posted 1090 all-purpose yards in 2021 and earned D1 All-Region honors. I've seen this guy work, and I know what he's about. McLean is twitchy, focused, and ready to run through a wall (or juke around one). <br><strong>ATH - [player_tooltip player_id='253303' first='Destin' last='Piggee'] - Muskegon - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15297190/Destin-Piggee/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15297190/Destin-Piggee/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>I'm so excited for this Muskegon team, and Piggee will play a significant role in the offense. The secret to stopping Piggee is simple; don't let him ever touch the football. Sarcasm aside, Piggee is a beast in the open field and can burn defenses in many ways. Standing at 5'6", Piggee is fast, shifty, and is a starter on any team in the state. <br><strong>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='243090' first='Sam' last='Wahlberg'] - Mona Shores - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13244258/Sam-Wahlberg/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13244258/Sam-Wahlberg/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>Wahlberg was one of the most impressive linemen I watched last season, as this guy is a great anchor with good technique and impressive strength. He's quick off the snap, stays low out of his stance, makes the most out of his leverage, and continues to drive through blocks. Good luck trying to get past Wahlberg in the run game. The simple fact is that if Wahlberg were 5 inches taller, he'd be getting D1 looks, but it's essential not to overlook linemen who aren't massive in height. <br><strong>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='253307' first='Miguel' last='Botello'] - Muskegon - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15560398/Miguel-Botello/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15560398/Miguel-Botello/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>I don't have much else to say about Botello that I haven't already said; he's a terrific young lineman attending a powerhouse school with excellent coaching. He's powerful as heck and is set up to make a leap in his game for his junior season, even after being named All-Region as a sophomore. <br><strong>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='329551' first='Syncere' last='Hobson'] - Grand Rapids Union - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16142415/Syncere-Hobson/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16142415/Syncere-Hobson/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>There was a buzz around Hobson when I visited Union back in February. This kid has potential, as he's already receiving information from D1 colleges. He's already a good size standing at 6'2" 260, and the sky seems to be the limit for this 2025 prospect. I would love to see Hobson at more offseason camps in the future, and I expect his game to take a leap this coming season.<br><strong>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='407088' first='Jacob' last='Oleneack'] - Rockford - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11786329/Jacob-Oleneack/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11786329/Jacob-Oleneack/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>Recently offered by Kalamazoo College, [player_tooltip player_id='407088' first='Jacob' last='Oleneack'] is a good, well-rounded lineman I expect to show improvement this season. He sports great size at 6'3" 205 and played well against top opponents last season. He's on my dream team because of his trajectory, offseason work, and last season's play. Still, I would also like to see improved footwork and leverage from Oleneack for him to break those boundaries and propel himself to the next tier of play.<br><strong>OL - [player_tooltip player_id='407105' first='Brendan' last='Napieralski'] - Grand Rapids Catholic Central - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14688248/Brendan-Napieralski/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14688248/Brendan-Napieralski/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>Being a vital part of a state-championship team, [player_tooltip player_id='407105' first='Brendan' last='Napieralski'] is an under-appreciated lineman who consistently played phenomenally against top talent. With great pass sets, impressive leverage on run blocks, good footwork, and great size, Napieralski is a well-coached, well-rounded athlete who I expect to gain plenty of deserved attention this season. <br><strong>TE/ATH - Derek Pennington Jr. - Caledonia - <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16372432/Derek-Pennington/about" data-type="URL" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16372432/Derek-Pennington/about">Hudl</a><br></strong>Standing at 6'2, 225, Derek Pennington Jr. is an incredible High School TE/H-Back who knows the game and isn't afraid to hit hard. Recently offered by Central Michigan, the 2024 prospect has been putting in work with the weight room + offseason workouts. Pennington is a great blocker and knows how to get open + fight for extra yards. With the talent of this Caledonia offense, I absolutely can't wait to see what Pennington does this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->