Former (2025) Watch Listers ready to Break Out this Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All placing form #164 - #238, these former Watch Listers have earned very respectable rankings. These athletes are on the brink of being considered the best of the best in Michigan. With a great season, any one of these players can earn that honor. Here are seven newly-ranked 2025 Players ready for a breakout season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899615"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d2d0af9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malik served as a rotational role player for Belleville last season. Of course, Belleville has the most talented roster in Michigan, and many good players can be buried on the roster. When Malik was out there, he performed well. First off, he's a solid power running back who sports good contact balance. As a defensive back, he's a solid run defender. Plus, he's had a great offseason, has been training, and I'm confident he was good DB fundamentals. The big hole in my evaluation is his testing times, and I honestly have a hard time getting an idea of his athleticism based on the film. I'm a bit bullish on Malik and I hope he continues his positive momentum into this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["602311"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d2d0b4e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grant served as a solid safety for Dexter last season. Most notably, Grant picked off several balls. Most of those interceptions were via horrible throws from the quarterback, but I still love his focus on catching the ball and returning it the best he can. He doesn't play man coverage much since he's a safety, but Grant has shown some good reactivity and break on the football- he needs better ball skills when a PBU is possible. Grant is also a solid run defender, but can improve in this area. <br>I'm expecting a very good season from Grant, and have him ranked relatively high. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["600297"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d2d0ba3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With Chase, bringing him up to the Rankings was a no-brainer. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16460413/654be9ca2ab0e705fca8fe40">Turning on the tape</a>, Chase is utilized as a Swiss army knife player. Offensively, Chase is the Quarterback. On special teams, Chase returns kicks, Defensively, he plays Safety.<br><br>Starting with Special teams, Chase showcases his good open-field vision and powerful running. I wouldn't call Chase an elite kick returner, though he displays the athleticism to be a great returner at the college level. Defensively, he's a good safety. I would like to see better aggression when it comes to run defense. Still, put Chase at safety, and you won't need to worry about much.<br>Where Chase truly shines is on offense. Although he's put at Quarterback, his true upside comes in his running ability. Running the option, Chase has a few instances of phenomenal vision. In addition, he has the top speed to explode up field and good contact balance. Plus, he proved to have great athleticism at the recent Western Michigan camp. Chase has the stuff to be a good D2 prospect. I'd love to see better twitchiness and change of direction in the future, and if we see improvement next season, he'll earn offers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899617"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d2d0bf8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm expecting Derek to show sizeable improvement next season. Last season, Derek proved that he deserves to be put on the rankings. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16208277/6594d3949a90dc08b45117b0">His tape</a> showed very good off-ball linebacker play for Catholic Central. Consistently, Derek read the play quickly and immediately pursued the opposing ballcarrier. Regarding inside run defense, Derek is one of the best in Michigan. The things holding Derek back are his size and athleticism. First off, his current height and weight will significantly hurt his recruitment. Second, I'd love to see better sideline-to-sideline speed. Regardless of those flaws, Derek is a high-IQ and high-effort linebacker who will continue to perform well on a State Championship team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["899544"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d2d0c4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A TE/DE/T, Duane has earned a ranking with an excellent offseason. Before this offseason, I was unsure where Duane fit into the DCC team. Now, I'd expect him to earn playing time on both sides of the ball. Offensively, Duane is a physical player. Lining up in-line and outside, Duane is a very productive blocker and is not afraid to physically dominate someone. Defensively, he's shown some great stuff this offseason. He seems to line up as a 3-tech, but I wouldn't be shocked if he lined up anywhere from a 2-5tech. <br>At 3-tech, Duane has flashed fast hands and an explosive getoff. Namely, he has a solid swim and rip move. I'm not entirely sure how he'll fare next season, but I am excited to see how this season pans out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["602103"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d2d0ca1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tristian has earned a ranking after his very productive 2023 season. I need to look into him a bit more, but<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15545255/653b129f42066505c0459e09"> his film</a> makes me optimistic. For one, Tristian is an incredible playmaker at QB. There are so many instances where Tristian turns nothing into an explosive play. He does this by standing in the pocket as long as he can, carefully evading pressure, and scrambling when necessary. <br>As a pocket passer, Tristian could use some work. Mainly, his accuracy is quite inconsistent and his footwork is equally inconsistent. Clean that up, and he's an amazing GLIAC prospect. For now, he's an awesome athlete who can and will make plays for you at QB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["587892"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-668427d2d0cfa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've mentioned Owen a few times already. Based on my evaluations, Owen is the #38 receiver and #238 in the overall rankings. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16658554/655f84d34bb2390b90ad58c1">The tape</a> shows a lot of promise, but there is a lot to work on. For one, his release and hands are good. Especially when running deep routes, Owen can scream down the field and secure a semi-difficult catch. However, I'd love to see better athleticism, first and foremost. After the catch, Owen is able to earn a few extra yards, but he could be lethal with better contact balance and open-field athleticism. I'd also love to see Owen run the route tree with more detail. I really like the foundation, love the size, and think Owen can be a greatly improved player this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->