The Best Seniors of Mid-Michigan

Mid-Michigan is a frequently overlooked part of our state. Although it doesn't have the talent that Metro Detroit or Grand Rapids does, the metro areas of Lansing, Jackson, and Mount Pleasant still produce amazing talent. This article will feature the top 7 seniors that reside in Mid-Michigan. So, from DeWitt to Jackson, here are the seven best seniors in Mid-Michigan!    Last Fall, Abram had his breakout season. During his sophomore season, he began showing flashes of what he'd eventually perfect during his Junior year. Last season, Abram looked significantly smarter and more athletic than he did during his sophomore season. Playing in the Slot, Abram has a knack for turning a minimal gain into an explosive play. There are several instances where Abram secures the ball on a reverse, slant, whip, (etc) before surgically breaking through the defense into the open field. The very first play in <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15741163/6547dcfbb3d3030adcca1e42">his highlight tape</a> shows Abram securing a reverse, patiently following his blocks, breaking several tackles, then going the distance for the 36-yard touchdown. There are a few other plays, like the one at 1:54, where Abram further showcases his IQ and contact balance from the backfield. Abram is also capable of being a phenomenal deep threat, which further exemplifies his versatility.   Considering his current play style and size, I'd expect Abram to be utilized in a very similar way at Grand Valley as he is now at DeWitt. A ton of the short game, with some reverses and deep routes sprinkled in. I truly hope Abram has a successful, healthy senior season that leads to further success at one of the best D2 programs in the country!     Man, oh, man. Jace is a flawless example of someone with a ton of talent who has worked tirelessly to reach his high school ceiling. Last season, Jace proved that he was deserving of B1G 10 offers. Jace's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16810455/655c04704bb2390b90aa98ea">highlight tape</a> is chalk-filled with phenomenal between-the-tackles running. Take the highlight at 1:00 as an example. Jace receives the handoff, then immediately explodes up the middle, quickly jukes right, makes a defender miss while juking left, then again exploding up field for a touchdown. This kind of explosiveness and athleticism is something that I've only seen from a handful of Running Back prospects. Jace lists his 40-yard dash time at 4.4, and I believe it. In addition, I'd imagine his pro shuttle and 3-cone times to be similarly phenomenal. At Michigan State, I expect Jace to be a balanced runner. Under Mel Tucker, I would have Imagined Jace has a 3-down back similar to Kenneth Walker. In all honesty, I'm unfamiliar with Jonathan Smith's scheme, but I'd still expect Jace to be a 3-down between-the-tackles running back.     I recently discussed Kadale in my article about <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/08/breaking-down-the-highest-ranked-central-michigan-commits/">In-State Central Michigan Commits</a>. Now, there's good reason why Kadale has been able to break through the noise to become a Division 1 prospect. In one word: production. Kadale straight-up produces. On a state-championship program, Kadale is always the #1 weapon. He typically lines up in the backfield as is utilized as a running back. Though, in college, I could easily see Kadale playing slot, running back, or even defensive back. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16587230/657bb7040dcad70864dc750a">Watch his highlight tape</a> and you'll see why he's a big-time Central Michigan commit!     There's a great case to be made that Gregory is the best lineman in Mid-Michigan. In fact, he's one of the best sub-6'4" linemen in the entire state. Now, I think that Gregory could start immediately at Michigan tech. He's a very polished all-around offensive lineman. You can watch his film and consider what I have to say about his offseason. This offseason, he's proven to have a steady, consistent pass set with a great punch and good recovery. Even against some very good talent, Gregory consistently wins. In addition, he's far more athletic than you'd expect from his size. In college, he can be someone you can rely on to pull, get to the second level, and execute other difficult blocks. A great lineman with good numbers, look out for Gregory to be an immediate impact player at Michigan Tech!     You can click on Cason's profile and scroll through the several times I've discussed him. Although I've talked about him a lot, it was impossible not to include him in this list. Cason is a perfect example of hard work paying off. Over the past four years, Cason has grown from a D3-projected prospect with wonky fundamentals + inconsistent accuracy to a fringe D1 prospect with consistent fundamentals, much better throw power, and much more consistent accuracy. He's also greatly improved is IQ, having picked apart several defenses last season on Mason's road to the State Championship. I know that Cason is able to read a defense, make any throw, and compete at a high level. In college, Cason projects as a pure pro-style passer. This season, he'll lead Mason as they need to replace several key positions.     Mason has had his ups and downs over the past several years. Heading into his senior season, he's still one of the best receivers in Mid-Michigan while being committed to a great GLIAC program, Saginaw Valley State. At SVSU, Mason projects as a great deep threat. Much of the time, Mason explodes out of his stance and is able to use his momentum to speed past defenders on deep posts/streaks/etc. At his best, Mason is utilizing his speed and explosiveness to generate explosive plays. Considering his 6'0" 175lb size, he also has a ton of potential has a physical route-runner. In college, I think he'll have to develop for a few years, but once Mason is ready, I expect him to be a much-polished route runner and someone you can rely on deep downfield.     Braden is a unique addition to this list. The reason he's unique is that he's the only uncommitted prospect! So far, Braden has earned offers from Davenport and Valpo. Though, considering his ranking, I believe he deserves several more (D2) offers. I know that the slot wide receiver market is an incredibly saturated one, but I believe Braden has the traits necessary to develop into a college star. For one, I've seen Braden's competitiveness shine through on several occasions. Without a fierce competitive spirit, it can be extremely difficult to develop at the next level. Secondly, Braden has some of the best footwork and route-running I've seen from a slot receiver. You won't see it a ton on tape, but I've seen first-hand how Braden can use his lower and upper body to fake out defenders and get himself open. He also has very reliable hands in addition to good open-field abilities. My hope is that Braden will be able to have a standout senior season, resulting in a lot more college attention.

Mid-Michigan is a frequently overlooked part of our state. Although it doesn't have the talent that Metro Detroit or Grand Rapids does, the metro areas of Lansing, Jackson, and Mount Pleasant still produce amazing talent. This article will feature the top 7 seniors that reside in Mid-Michigan. So, from DeWitt to Jackson, here are the seven best seniors in Mid-Michigan!