Lansing-Area Prospects Ready for Takeoff

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lansing area has consistently pumped out big-time talent. In 2026, there are plenty of player I believe have the makings of breakout stars. Below are 5 Lansing-Area players ready to show up and show out this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["427417"],"_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-6a1b0516bc044"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The 2-way East Lansing lineman has been on our radar for quite awhile, and put together his best film yet in 2025. Offensively is where he really shines. He is a violent and versatile player that can rotate to a variety of positions across the line. Great first step, stays low and blocks through the whistle. He's extremely high effort, with great technical skills and the right disposition to match. He can pull, block in open space or absolutely wash down the whole defensive line in one movement. I love his versatility, and am extremely excited to see how he anchors the EL line throughout his senior season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925362"],"_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-6a1b0516bc0f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Parker was one of my favorite discoveries last season. In the game I watched in person, Parker was extremely disruptive defensively, racking up TFLs by flat out abusing slower and weaker tackles. He does a great job of diagnosing plays and getting to his spot, breaking down and wrapping up. Offensively, Parker flashed reliable hands and great body control adjusting to jump balls. He was one of Williamston's spark plugs in 2025, and I believe 2026 will undoubtedly be even better. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1680107"],"_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-6a1b0516bc179"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hayden was a tone-setting LB that displayed all of the traits you hope to see from a true off-ball backer. When I watched him last season, he carried the defense with confidence, and displayed tremendous football IQ. Making sure everyone was lined up, making calls and diagnosing plays and getting to the point of attack. He showed that he could get physical and play in the box, or drop back and play the pass and cut off passing lanes. One of the top pure LB's in the area, huge incoming season for Hayden. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1577120"],"_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-6a1b0516bc1f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">You may get tired of me taking about Lawrence in the coming months, because I am incredibly high on Burton and his upside. Best used in the slot and as a gadget guy, Burton has a great burst of speed, abrupt change of direction and extremely impressive hands. He runs good routes, hits top speed immediately, and can get behind DBs with ease. You cannot lose track of him, or he will hit you with the jets. When he gets the ball in space, he has great vision and can make defenders look silly diving for his ankles. I'll be watching his season closely, watch for him to continue to rise the rankings. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1682679"],"_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-6a1b0516bc26d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">2025 was a really productive year for Gavin. I absolutely love how Okemos utilizes his special skillset. He's a major deep threat that runs good routes and embodies the “if he's even, he's leavin'” saying. Great speed with great vision and the ability to make guys miss with a subtle juke. He has quite a few special teams highlights, where he was able to find a small crease, out run some angles and hit the sideline for a huge return. If he has continued to evolve and work hard this offseason, he could be a major problem on Varsity this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->