West Michigan Sophomores Poised to Breakout This Fall

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most football players make their first start during their Junior or Senior season. Some emerge during their sophomore season, and very few stand out as freshmen. All of these players stood out as freshmen and are poised to take a massive step forward starting at the end of this month. So, in this article, I'll be going over seven West Michigan Sophomores who should take a massive step up this season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1264786"],"_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-66aeac0f98c61"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I can't wait to see what [player_tooltip player_id='1264786' first='Recarter' last='Kitchen'] can accomplish this season. Last season, Recarter had a bit of a breakout season, putting up good numbers and receiving several Division 1 offers. Though Recarter was a Freshman last season, his Varsity inexperience showed. Watching Recarter's tape, there's no doubt that he's a Power 4 prospect. His size, athletic traits, stats, and the fact he attends Muskegon make for a very likely path to greatness. <br>Now, let's dive into Recarter's highlight tape. Right off the bat, it's apparent that Recarter is a very high-motor player, which is one of the top traits that an elite defensive lineman needs to have. His size and effort allowed Recarter to oftentimes effortlessly shed blocks and wreak havoc. If I had to nitpick, Recarter is underdeveloped with overall pass rush and could put on some more muscle. If Recarter can become more fluid with his hands and display some bend, he'll earn a ton more B1G 10 offers. Lastly, Recarter can combine that with added muscle, every school in the country could be after him. Recarter is currently the #1 Class of 2027 prospect in West Michigan, and I can't wait to see the legacy he leaves with Muskegon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1291356"],"_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-66aeac0f98cc3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grand Rapids Christian Football has not done well over the past couple of seasons. With [player_tooltip player_id='1291356' first='Charlie' last='King'] now at QB1, GRC could have a resurgent season. In my couple of times watching Charlie this offseason, it's become apparent that he's way ahead of the curve. His mechanics and throwing motion are quite consistent, leading to better accuracy and a sense of confidence. As for arm talent, I don't think Charlie is the strongest QB, but I absolutely don't think it limits him. This season, Charlie should focus on playing calm, confidently, and consistently. If he's able to do that, Charlie will emerge as one of the top QBs in the OK Conference. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1157443"],"_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-66aeac0f98d0a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This is Tyden's time to shine. I've covered Tyden for a while now, and even though he's still massively undersized, I think he's ready for a breakout sophomore season. This offseason, I watched Tyden workout on several occasions. In short, Tyden is incredibly athletic, smart, and has won many reps against some of West Michigan's best. I don't have much else to say other than look out for Tyden this season. He's ranked #9 in the class of 2027 for a reason, and that reason is that he's a D1 prospect in my book. I can't wait to watch Tyden perform in the three years of Varsity football ahead of him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1615750' first='Jordan' last='Shabazz']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Forest Hills Eastern","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66aeac0f98db7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shabazz is someone that I blatantly missed when making the most recent 2027 rankings update. I had seen Shabazz at PowerStrength early this year, and I watched as he put up a ton of weight and tested incredibly well. Watching <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19612336/6510cb476655540388921fe2">his tape</a>, Shabazz showed flashes of excellent contact balance. His vision and overall IQ are underdeveloped, but that's par for the course, considering his age. This season, I expect Shabazz to perform brilliantly. As long as he's able to follow his big offensive line and play within the offense, Shabazz will be able to make a ton of explosive plays. It's too early for me to say confidently, but I believe Shabazz could be a Division 1 prospect. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["742867"],"_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-66aeac0f98e02"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Beau is a hidden gem who will make his name known this season. Over the past year, I've seen Beau a few times in person, acquired testing numbers, and gained some outside opinion. At the Prep Redzone Combine Series back in April, Beau stood out. Playing receiver, I was highly impressed with Beau's route-running, athleticism, and hands. Beau also plays DB, and I'm confident he'll be able to cover just about any receiver in the River Cities Alliance. If Beau can continuously improve over the next few years, he will be a Division 1 prospect. Even if he doesn't improve much, Beau should be a GLIAC prospect. It's been a good offseason for Beau, and I can't wait to see how he's utilized on both sides of the ball this coming season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1327723"],"_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-66aeac0f98e44"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Andrew is a recent discovery. Although he's a recent discovery, I'm highly anticipating his Sophomore season. Last season, Andrew showed several impressive traits that he should be able to build off of this season. First, Andrew possesses impressive speed. He's got enough speed to outrun most second-level defenders and the explosiveness to quickly get past the front 7. If the 4.36 40 time in his X bio is correct, then that's going to be incredibly attractive to colleges looking to recruit him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another great aspect of Andrew's game is his power. Although he's a bit smaller than some defenders, Andrew is willing to lay down a shoulder and earn some extra yards. Lastly, Andrew is a patient runner who knows that it's usually a great idea to run within the structure of the play. I haven't seen too much from Andrew this offseason, but I really hope he's put in the work necessary to take that big step forward. If he did, then we could be looking at a Division 1 prospect. Time will tell, and I'm looking forward to seeing how Andrew fares on varsity this season. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1290916"],"_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-66aeac0f98e8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Desean is what I'd call a boom or bust prospect. He doesn't have much tape, but the tape he does have, in addition to his size, makes me optimistic. Last season, Desean served as a solid JV defensive lineman. He played with good effort, made some tackles, and flashed good physicality. This season, I fully expect him to take a massive step forward. For one, 6'3" 205 is great size for a defensive lineman. Secondly, I trust Mona Shores to give Desean every opportunity to develop. If Desean breaks the starting Varsity roster, then I'd be confident that he'll break out this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->