Wolverine Conference Prospect Breakdown

If there's one thing I am learning about the Wolverine Conference, it's that they take pride in their defense and there are plenty of under recruited prospects! Check out some of the top athletes in the WC below!    [player_tooltip player_id='1613610' first='Max' last='Rucker'] is one of the most productive defensive players in the state, and in my opinion, flies under the radar way too much. He was a major piece to a team that marched its way to Ford Field through some incredibly difficult teams. He is a high-motor EDGE/DL with a lightning quick first step, elite play recognition and discipline, and he has no issues bringing some power. He's built well, and has all of the tools to be an impact player this season and eventually the next level.     Immediately upon warm-ups of the D4 title game, Brenden stood out. A true 6'6 with lanky limbs will always put you on a scouts radar. What took him to the next level for me was the fact that he didn't move awkwardly. He showed solid agility and extremely high effort. He was the team leader in interceptions and watching his highlights it's clear to see why. He reads the play quickly and is able to high point the ball with ease. If he continues to work in the weight room, he could project extremely well as a pass catching TE that can line up all over the field at the next level.     Zeke absolutely stands out to me as a defensive back. After seeing his highlights from last season, I came away extremely impressed with his ability to play the ball through the hands of the receiver and just his overall ability to come away with PBUs. He has tremendous closing speed and ball skills that absolutely translate to the next level. I think 2025 could be a massive season for Zeke to break out.     [player_tooltip player_id='818017' first='Austin' last='Ackerman'] is big and physical and he absolutely knows how to use it. He fires off low and gets a step on the offensive lineman. He impressed me with his ability to use his long arms to grab the running back just outside of arms reach of most defensive linemen, but not Ackerman. He's a sure tackler with plenty of aggression and all of the ability in the world to be a major standout. We currently have him ranked inside the top 20 at his position, and I think a big senior season could slide him up the board even more. At a position that colleges are always looking for, Ackerman could be a fantastic option.     This is a kid who seemed to have a pretty special season in 2024, and displayed his versatility in the process. Tate showed the ability to be a cover guy who can stick with receivers and play the ball. He is good for PBUs and interceptions at any time. He also has great closing speed, takes good angles and can deliver some devastating hits. He can play physical in the box and be a force in the run game as well as a ballhawk on the back end. I'll be keeping my eye on what kinds of strides he makes in his game this season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1682879' first='Brayden' last='Carpenter'] is another skilled defensive back with tremendous ball skills and speed. He displays clear instincts and the ability to high point the ball and utilize his closing speed to make life impossible for receivers. He plays far beyond his years as far as instincts and football IQ, which can carry players a long ways. I am excited to see him continue to evolve his game.     There aren't a ton of highlights out there, but from what I see, there is a ton of potential with Faile. He's a powerful runner who can get behind his pads and use his good balance and vision to be a threat. He can develop into one of those players that wears a defense down. If he can continue to develop physically, he could become a bruising back that defenses hate to see in the 4th quarter.

If there's one thing I am learning about the Wolverine Conference, it's that they take pride in their defense and there are plenty of under recruited prospects! Check out some of the top athletes in the WC below!