Uncovered Gems - Northern MI Legends #1

The lesser-known leagues in Northern Michigan are some of my favorites to cover. This article in particular features five players from five teams that I barely ever cover. So, here are quick evaluations for five brand-new players in the Northern Michigan Legends League!    Last I checked, Thomas didn't have full season highlights up. Though he does have highlights from his playoff game against Lansing Catholic.   He's a solid role player. The play at 0:40 is a great example of keeping contain. Then, plays like 1:04 show an ability to be physical against a tough opponent.   A shorter evaluation, but a good shoutout to a great role player for Boyne City. Still a ton to improve on before he's a college prospect, but one offseason could change everything!      Potential sleeper?   Gavin has a handful of great highlights for Kingsley. A few explosive runs (0:21) showing above-average speed, and some open-field elusiveness. Then, plays like 1:18 show an ability to catch and run. One last play I'll mention is at 2:07- watch how Gavin perfectly follows his blocks, wins the edge, changes his carry hand, and outruns the defense.   Clearly above-average speed and explosiveness, plus good open-field elusiveness. Could be a sleeper Division 3 prospect!      TC St. Francis always seems to have a great team, and Braxton seems to have had a very productive 2024 season.   Above all else, Braxton's tape shows good vision. Plays like 0:30 showcase good patience, then burst once he hits the open field. Then, plays like 1:17 show a decent ability to run through contact and fall forward. Braxton is a good running back in the Northern MI Legends league, bit still needs to improve before he's likely to earn offers. Mainly, I'd love for him to develop better physicality, contact balance, plus muscle.      Impressive sophomore season tape from Cheboygan's main signal caller.   0:26 shows off his passing ability pretty well. I'll be honest- he's very, very raw. If I really had to nitpick, I'd nitpick his mechanics and accuracy. Still, he gets the ball to where it needs to be, so I can't complain that much. Plus, most of his highlights show him getting the ball out quickly, which is something I always look for in Quarterbacks.   As expected, there are a ton of plays showcasing Nolan's rushing ability. Plays like 1:08 and 1:12 are very simple, yet show a willingness to put his head down and churn forward. This offseason, I would love to see Nolan improve upon his athleticism. One great offseason with a good weight training program could absolutely transform his game for the better!      Austin has some sneaky-good highlights, mostly as a receiver.   His tape opens with a solid 10-yard comeback in the redzone. Decent release, but pretty darn good footwork at the top of his route plus good timing from the QB to get the ball in there. 0:35 is another example of a good comeback, but this time with great contact balance and a ton of YAC. I like Austin's routes, I like that he catches with his hands (rather than body), and he looks about average when it comes to athletic ability.   There are also a handful of defensive highlights. 0:54 shows a good interception on the overthrow, while 0:20 shows a willingness to stop the run. Still, I view Austin as a WR prospect first and foremost.

The lesser-known leagues in Northern Michigan are some of my favorites to cover. This article in particular features five players from five teams that I barely ever cover. So, here are quick evaluations for five brand-new players in the Northern Michigan Legends League!