Uncovered Gems – OK Green #1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The OK Green is undoubtedly one of the best leagues in Michigan. This revamped league now holds three elite programs alongside three other programs that are sleeping giants. In this first article covering the OK Green, I'll be evaluating two prospects from Mona Shores, and one from Muskegon, Byron Center, and Union. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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='1613966' first='Kevin' last='White']","_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":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"192","_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":"Mona Shores","_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-67787a2ae43d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The next great Mona Shores RB?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kevin isn't on Varsity quite yet, and Mona Shores does have a superstar RB returning next season. Though Kevin has good enough tape for me to be confident in his ability to be a rotational player next season and possibly RB1 in 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kevin's tape begins with a big 70-yard touchdown. Good job evading tackles around the line of scrimmage and then outrunning the defense from there. 0:38 is another excellent highlight. Kevin flashes a little open-field elusiveness, juking out two defenders on his way to the endzone. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lastly, Kevin also has a handful of good defensive highlights (DB). A few very good hits and instances of great play speed- could be a Varsity defender next season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19487469/66e9a0aac143394af6895435' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67787a2ae43f6"} /--> <!-- 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='1613968' first='Payton' last='Koziak']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"155","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Mona Shores","_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-67787a2ae447d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Definitely a Quarterback prospect to keep a very close eye on. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payton's freshman season tape shows a lot of promise. His relatively long 6-minute tape is filled with passing completions- the volume alone is impressive for a freshman QB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Plays like 4:19 and 0:53 show a solid ability to get the ball out on time and on target. Really, the vast majority of his throws are accurate. When Payton currently falls short is with his throw power and mechanics. For one, he throws off of his back foot far too much. Second, there were a lot of deep balls that really hung in the air, which risks an interception against any great Varsity DB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Because of the graduation of Pittman, Payton may be able to compete for Varsity time. Regardless of if he's on varsity next season or not, I'm looking forward to seeing Payton's 2025 tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16934169/673f7d3eca1e3e0a353f1e25' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67787a2ae44a0"} /--> <!-- 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='1613971' first='Chase' last='Swartz']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Byron Center","_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-67787a2ae4529"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Although Chase's tape is on the shorter side, it gives me confidence a breakout Senior season is coming. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Watch the plays at 0:13, 1:03, and 1:21. These three plays give you a solid view of his skills as a receiver. The first play is his best example of route running and hands. A solid double move fools the undisciplined DB, and he ends up screaming wide open down the sideline and securing a great high-point toe-tapping catch. Second, (1:03), Chase runs a good 5-yard hitch and does his best to fight for extra yards. Nothing much to say there other than a really solid route and catch. Last, a screen that he takes for 10 yards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chase is right there. He's just one good offseason away from having a sensational Senior season. One big question is athletic ability- but he already looks good enough of an athlete to produce at a high level. Mostly, I'm looking for more reps, better IQ, and better physicality. On the physicality front, I think Chase could block way better, which would also help him break tackles. Then, getting a ton of quality practice reps should help his IQ and confidence. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18016818/675c487b423887135b8da5b3' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67787a2ae454c"} /--> <!-- 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='1613974' first='Javen' last='Puhalski']","_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":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"305","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2405","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Muskegon","_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-67787a2ae46e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A familiar brick-wall type of lineman at Muskegon. Play after play, Javen executes very solid base blocks. Not too fancy of an evaluation- Javen just knows how to get low, hit a man, and drive him backward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Size will be an issue for colleges. Mainly his height (5'11"). Still, that won't stop Javen from continuing to be a phenomenal high school offensive lineman. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/23869509/67120df2c877cee2798884b5' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67787a2ae4707"} /--> <!-- 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='1291416' first='Damari' last='Durden']","_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":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"","_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":"Grand Rapids Union","_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-679151acf3d3f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Durden is looking like a super under-the-radar prospect in the OK Green. Just watch the plays at 0:06 and 0:18- against the D2 runners up, Damari rips off two explosive runs. During the first run, he mostly follows his blocks and takes advantage of poor pursuit angles. During the second run, Damari flashes very good vision. He cuts back, jukes a man, and turns what should have been a loss of yardage into a 4-yard gain. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Huge game against BC, and a couple of other great performances. Damari looks quite athletic, and he's already ahead of the curve when it comes to open-field elusiveness and IQ. Looking forward to seeing Damari at some point this offseason! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/19908941/67685802bb50d1ba2e21b45f' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-679151acf3fc5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->