8 Ottawa-Kent Red All-Star Sophomores
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What a season it’s been in the OK-Red. With the grand finale taking place this Friday night, I’d like to look back on the season and outline many of the outstanding sophomores who took the Varsity field. The following eight…
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Continue ReadingWhat a season it’s been in the OK-Red. With the grand finale taking place this Friday night, I’d like to look back on the season and outline many of the outstanding sophomores who took the Varsity field. The following eight players not only started on Varsity as sophomores (which is a great achievement in itself) but played exceptionally well. I fully expect every one of these players to take a leap come next season, and I see college football potential in every one of these players. Now, here are eight OK-Red All-Star Sophomores!
RB | Kayden Forbes Kayden Forbes 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB West Ottawa | 2025 State MI | 5’8 170 | West Ottawa
Forbes started last season, and he’s proven to be the real deal. With a win against Jenison this week, Forbes and West Ottawa have an amazing shot at the playoffs. Now specifically about Forbes, he’s a balanced, “elusive” type of RB. He has all the intellectual tools you’d hope your RB would have, with above-average vision, good patience, and overall good decision-making. He doesn’t make any dumb cutbacks across the field. Now, he’s still just 170 pounds. Rushing for over 1000 yards in the OK-Red is an extreme accomplishment, but I believe Forbes could play at a whole new level if he put on significantly more muscle. That with improving on the “little things” (balance, awareness, speed, vision), Forbes could catapult himself into D2/MAC offers very soon.
SB | Ruben Esparza | 5’8 145 | West Ottawa
Ruben is an extremely fast, well-utilized weapon for West Ottawa. Typically lining up in the slot, Ruben almost always gets a head of steam before he receives the ball, and follows his blocks for a good gain. He’s not a player who stops at first contact, as he’s seen oftentimes fighting for extra yards, making sure he gets absolutely everything he can on each carry. He’s also shown immense promise at RB against Portage Northern. All in all, Ruben is a great football player who, with improved athleticism and strength, could become an incredible must-see player.
DT | Carson Kubczak | 6’0 240 | Grandville
I see immense potential with Kubczak. Although he doesn’t have as much tape as some others on this list, Kubszak has great size for a DT at 6’0 240, and with a great offseason in the weight room, he could be a beast in one of Michigan’s best leagues. He’s already pretty strong, able to push aside inferior offensive lines, and has a knack for getting to the QB. I really hope Kubszak has a great offseason because if he does, he’ll become a dominant force for Grandville.
LB | Reid Graverson | 5’7 180 | Grandville
Don’t let his current size fool you. Graverson is an aggressive, hard-hitting LB. A lot of the time, I see defenders getting hit rather than hitting. Graverson’s biggest strength is his fearlessness and relentlessness in getting to the ball carrier. If he’s unblocked, he’s doing his best to be a missile to the ball. Good instincts and is a good tackler, but for now, his size and strength can be improved. Like I say for everyone on this list, a great offseason is vital. But, of course, Grandville is a playoff team.
WR | Carson Dykstra | 5’10 150 | Hudsonville
Although Hudsonville had a disappointing season, they have a bounty of young talent. Dykstra is their most well-known sophomore. Right now, he’s a very good route-runner and short-intermediate pass catcher, able to catch in traffic. His next step will be to hone in on broken tackles and get that YAC going, as he’ll be a much-improved player with that skill set. Dykstra doesn’t have any highlights past week 2, but I expect him to show out in 2023.
S | Trenton Naber | 5’11 150 | Hudsonville
Naber has been a great, consistent player for Hudsonville all season. The vast majority of Naber’s tape is stopping the run, but he’s looked solid on his few coverage highlights as well. Regarding stopping the run, Naber can be significantly more aggressive when making tackles. There are instances where he slows down or stops, just letting the ball carrier run into him, delivering a much bigger punishment than if Naber were to play more aggressively. Nevertheless, I like the ability to make big tackles. It seems that Naber is always involved is one way or another, and he’s gaining amazing varsity experience. Next season, I’d love to see him become a much more aggressive player with more coverage highlights. Still, he’s a sophomore all-star in the OK-Red and I’m impressed by his game thus far.
DE | Ethan Carter Ethan Carter 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Hudsonville | 2025 AL | 6’1 220 | Hudsonville
Carter is a DE with very good size and strength, and starting at any line position as a sophomore is a big deal. His IQ is higher than most DEs, as he has a good arsenal of moves, along with a good ability to recognize plays. More specifically, he had a phenomenal game against Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, and showed much of his potential. Not to sound like a broken record at this point, but Carter could be a phenomenal DE for Hudsonville down the line, and that decision is solely his own. If he doesn’t let up after the season ends and continues to work, he and his team will be better for it.
QB | Brody Bester | 6’2 190 | Caledonia
This is cheating a bit as Bester isn’t Caldonia’s starting QB, but oh well. Seemingly prepping to be the successor to Mason Mckenzie Mason Mckenzie 6'0" | 170 lbs | QB Caledonia | 2023 State MI , Bester runs the same offense with a bit of his own swagger attached. I love his ability to float balls over defenders while maintaining a bit of zip to the ball, and I love his ability to throw on the run with a bit of a sidearm. His throwing style is very atypical and reminds me a bit of the magical plays Mahomes sometimes makes. So, I’m not sure if the overall throwing motion is going to make colleges nervous, but hey, the ball comes out of his hands quickly and it all seems to work for him. I’m very excited to see what he can do commanding the Varsity offense next season.