Metro Detroit's Top 10 Programs heading into Fall 2024

<p>It's no question that Metro Detroit is the most prominent hotbed for High School Talent. While this site is mainly focused on individual players, here, I'll be covering my top 10 teams in Metro Detroit heading into the 2024 season. These are all incredible teams that have their eyes on Ford Field, and they all have players who'll end up on Division 1 college rosters. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. Cass Tech </h2>   <p>This has a chance to be a SPECIAL Cass Tech team. Like always, Cass Tech has several Division 1 prospects that straight-up dominate most competition. Though, in the last two years, they've been a step behind teams like Belleville and Southfield A&T. This year, they'll have 2028 Prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1111167' first='Donald' last='Tabron II'] at Quarterback while [player_tooltip player_id='212358' first='Corey' last='Sadler'] presumably takes on a different but still prominent role in the offense. On top of that, they still have one of the best offensive lines in Michigan, led by Michigan/Alabama target [player_tooltip player_id='557747' first='Khalief' last='Canty']. Plus, they have an awesome running back with [player_tooltip player_id='547391' first='De'Mari' last='Hendrix']. All this, and I haven't even mentioned their defense. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='567941' first='Marcus' last='Jennings'], [player_tooltip player_id='567933' first='Emory' last='Jones III'], [player_tooltip player_id='1246338' first='Darius' last='Summers'], and several others should lead Cass Tech to an amazing defensive season. Needless to say, I see Cass Tech posting an undefeated record this season. In a time where Belleville has dominated Division 1, it may be Cass Tech's time to take back the crown. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. De La Salle </h2>   <p>Although De La Salle fell to Muskegon in the 2023 Division 2 State Championship, I believe they're the heavy favorites to take back the title this season. Unlike teams like Muskegon, Southfield A&T, and other great 2023 programs, De La Salle has less significant holes to fill. I don't want to seem like I'm underplaying the value of guys like Caden Campbell or Ryan Ross- those were amazing players, but DLS has players lined up to replace them. For instance, I am quite optimistic about Zach Wagner filling the spot of Caden Campbell. I'm also confident that [player_tooltip player_id='551285' first='Jacob' last='Hoffman'] will take a big step up this season, mitigating the hole that Ryan Ross has left. </p>   <p>Fewer holes to begin with also means a LOT of potential improvement from their returning starters. Quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='899473' first='Sante' last='Gasperoni'] has had a very good off-season. Heck, [player_tooltip player_id='899627' first='Dalton' last='Drogosh'] came into this offseason as a nobody but now has several Division 1 offers. I could go on and on, but just know that De La Salle returns a heck of a lot more starters than your average State Championship team. I fully, fully expect to see them at Ford Field once again this November. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. West Bloomfield </h2>   <p>This may be West Bloomfield's best opportunity to compete against Belleville, Cass Tech, and others for a State Title. Last season, West Bloomfield made an impressive playoff run before being struck down by the eventual champion, Southfield A&T. As long as they can cover their losses on defense, West Bloomfield should be a better team. That said, West Bloomfield loses LB Kari Jackson, DL Brandon Davis-Swain, Jamir Benjamin, and other key defensive starters. This defense will be the make-or-break group in 2024. On the other hand, the offense will likely take a step up. Transfer QB [player_tooltip player_id='247643' first='Beau' last='Jackson'] is going to be on a mission this season. The DCC transfer fits like a glove within the West Bloomfield offense, and I expect Beau to be a Mr. Football candidate this season. On top of that, guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1312086' first='Jay' last='Gardenhire'] and [player_tooltip player_id='437972' first='Joshua' last='Tate'] make for a high-upside run game. I didn't even mention [player_tooltip player_id='899429' first='Kamren' last='Flowers'], [player_tooltip player_id='899431' first='Elisha' last='Durham'], [player_tooltip player_id='292554' first='Jaiden' last='Allos'], who should all have amazing seasons. On paper, West Bloomfield has arguably the best offense in Michigan. Bolster that defense, and we could see them hoist the D1 State Championship trophy. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. Harper Woods (D4)</h2>   <p>Look out for Harper Woods this season. I mean, who's going to stop this offense? Quarterback Nate Rochealu truly got in the zone last season, and has solidified himself as a solid MAC prospect. In addition, [player_tooltip player_id='547739' first='Dakota' last='Guerrant'] was everything advertised, and he's looking like one of the best receiver prospects in the midwest. Running Backs [player_tooltip player_id='899525' first='Colby' last='Bailey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='603737' first='Donald' last='Adams'] will be competing for carries this season, and both have an opportunity to earn D1 offers. This offense is simply incredible, especially for a Division 4 program. As for the defense, Harper Woods loses Jacob Oden, but they still have some studs on that side of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id='247693' first='Bryant' last='Weatherspoon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='603738' first='Jevon' last='Jones Jr'] will lead the defensive line, and players like [player_tooltip player_id='899580' first='Vory' last='Peacock'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1298779' first='Cory' last='Bailey'] have breakout potential. I see few holes with Harper Woods, and they should be in tight competition with teams like Groves and Southfield A&T for an OAA White title. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. River Rouge </h2>   <p>Last season, River Rouge was a bit inconsistent. Though when this team is locked in, they're able to defeat any team in the state. Last year, I watched Week 1 as Rouge almost took down Belleville. The very next week, River Rouge fell to Grand Rapids Catholic Central 38-6. I understand that GRCC is an amazing program, but that score was eye-popping. This season, [player_tooltip player_id='247649' first='McKale' last='McDowell'] needs to (and should by all accounts) lead River Rouge to great success. I am a tad worried about the overall offense- Nick Marsh isn't necessarily a replaceable player. As for the defense, River Rouge may just have the best defensive back group in Michigan. [player_tooltip player_id='568110' first='DiJon' last='Wilson'] leads this group, while guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1298664' first='Jaheem' last='Richmond'] and [player_tooltip player_id='244599' first='Irving' last='Knott'] are other DBs with Division 1 upside. Rouge also has one of if not the best defensive lineman in Michigan, [player_tooltip player_id='247640' first='Jordin' last='Farrow']. As long as the DBs give the defensive line enough time to get to the QB, this could be one of the best pass coverage and pass rush teams in Michigan. I truly hope everything comes together for River Rouge. They could very likely win a State Championship, but D3 looks incredibly stacked. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. Detroit MLK </h2>   <p>It's going to be very interesting to see how King fares this season. Now a couple years separated from Dante Moore plus the recent departure of Head Coach Tyrone Spencer, this is a new age for this program. Still, this is a team with big-time talent and one of the favorites to win the Division 3 State Championship. Offensively, everything starts and ends with [player_tooltip player_id='1233561' first='Darryl' last='Flemister']. He showed a ton of flashes last season, and has built off last fall with a simply amazing offseason. Now with offers from schools like Ole Miss and Oregon, I expect Daryll to have a true breakout season. Defensively, this group is led by Xavier Newsome and [player_tooltip player_id='437922' first='Willie' last='Fletcher']. These are two EDGE rushers that will likely have a chance to play B1G 10 football one day. Otherwise, I wonder if King's linebackers, defensive backs, and receivers can match up with the talent of Cass Tech or Cleveland Heights- an Ohio powerhouse they play Week 1. So despite a few holes, King is still one of the best programs in the Metro Detroit Area and I wouldn't be surprised if they held up yet another State Championship trophy this November. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">7. Walled Lake Western </h2>   <p>Could this be Walled Lake Western's year? It very well could be. Now, we all know that Walled Lake Western is one of the best programs in Division 3. Last season, they lost in the playoffs to the eventual runner-up, Mason. Although it was a crushing end to a great season, Walled Lake Western heads into this season with an improved roster on paper. Starting off, [player_tooltip player_id='602014' first='Troy' last='Temple'] is an absolute menace of a safety. He's one of the best run defense safeties I've seen and can fly around the field and force turnovers through the air. [player_tooltip player_id='247691' first='Liam' last='Vaughan'] will anchor that offensive line and provide huge lanes for their Sophomore Running Back, [player_tooltip player_id='427440' first='Djuan' last='Edwards']. On top of that, they have several young QBs, WRs, and defensive players who should take a step up this season. I'm very excited for Walled Lake Western's season, and they very well could finally get to Ford Field after knocking on the door for a long time. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">8. Groves </h2>   <p>Here come the Falcons. Ever since I was in High School, Groves has steadily been improving. Now, they have more prospect than I ever remember while competing well in the strongest the OAA White has ever been. Last season, they're only losses were against West Bloomfield, D1 Champion Southfield A&T, and Crosstown Rival, Seaholm. This season, I expect Southfield A&T to take a step backward, and I expect Seaholm to take a massive step backward. Needless to say, I'd be surprised if Groves was once again eliminated by Seaholm. Furthermore, Groves has a way better shot at earning a high seed in the playoffs and winning the OAA White. Running Back [player_tooltip player_id='1298776' first='Noah' last='Sanders'] had himself a breakout season last year, and he'll be one of the best RBs in Michigan running behind [player_tooltip player_id='899493' first='Avery' last='Gach'] and that great offensive line. Defensively, Groves is always incredibly physical upfront. As of late, they've bolstered their pass defense as well, with guys like [player_tooltip player_id='899621' first='Chris' last='Little'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1316917' first='Paul' last='Hubbard'] leading the charge. It's going to be a tightly contentious Division 2 playoffs this season, and Groves could realistically have a shot at De La Salle to earn their place at Ford Field. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">9. Waterford Mott (D2)</h2>   <p>For a while now, Waterford Mott has shown steady improvements that have now made them a State Championship contender. Yes, they lose Kalieb Osbourne, but Geno Sheets has taken the reigns at QB and I'm confident he'll have a tremendous season. On top of that, [player_tooltip player_id='566979' first='Maximus' last='Jansenvanvuren'] and a couple other defenders have an opportunity to beak out into true D1/D2 prospects this season. The receiving core is great, QB is great, OL is solid, and the overall defense should improve as the season goes on. It will be difficult to defeat De La Salle on the path to a State Title, but they could do it with a phenomenal season. </p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">10. Northville (D1)</h2>   <p>Northville's 2023 season was simply phenomenal. This is a team that I can confidently say played at their peak, and I have no reason to believe they won't perform the same this season. Guys like DB [player_tooltip player_id='265646' first='Drew' last='Rankin'] showed tremendous leadership through Northville's run. This season, other defenders like [player_tooltip player_id='899584' first='Hassan' last='Elzayat'] need to and should take a step up in place of those who recently graduated. Offensively, [player_tooltip player_id='601928' first='Colin' last='Charles'] still leads the charge and should have himself another phenomenal season. It's hard to predict the KLAA, but if I absolutely had to guess, I'd say Northville is still the 2nd-best KLAA program behind Belleville. </p>   <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li></li> </ol>

It's no question that Metro Detroit is the most prominent hotbed for High School Talent. While this site is mainly focused on individual players, here, I'll be covering my top 10 teams in Metro Detroit heading into the 2024 season. These are all incredible teams that have their eyes on Ford Field, and they all have players who'll end up on Division 1 college rosters.