MHSAA Eval Week: Jackson PM Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I very nearly didn't attend this camp, but I'm extremely glad I did. Out of all the MHSAA camps, this one showcased the most quality talent. Better yet, there was talent from a ton of smaller schools, or lesser-known programs that aren't near major metro areas. This was an extremely worthwhile camp, and a lot of college offers are going to be sent out because of performances here. Now, here are the top 9 prospects that stood out to me in Jackson! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR | [player_tooltip player_id='827829' first='Mekhi' last='Wingfield'] | Concord | 2024 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15098869/Mekhi-Wingfield">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827830,"width":361,"height":237,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0528-crop-1308x859-1684301007.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-827830" width="361" height="237" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I've known about Mekhi for a while now, and I first discovered him during the Legacy RISE Showcase way back in January (<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/01/under-the-radar-gems-from-the-legacy-rise-showcase/">view what I had to say about him then</a>). In short, I loved Mekhi's athleticism then but didn't see much in the receiving game. In Jackson, Mekhi looked even better athletically (4.4 HT 40-yd) while showing improvements against the actual competition. His athleticism, size, and current skillset make him a Division 2 prospect, at the very least, in my opinion, as other skills can be coached in due time. In the 7v7 period, I liked Mekhi's routes, and he made a few good catches. He didn't drop any balls from what I saw, and his speed allowed him to fly by a ton of DBs. Mekhi is the most athletic receiver I watched in all of the MHSAA camps. Has length and athleticism that reminds me of deep threats like Jameson Williams. Please, take a look at this kid if you haven't already! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR | [player_tooltip player_id='305339' first='Connor' last='ORourke'] | Mattawan | 2025 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15830888/CONNOR-ORourke/about">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827827,"width":341,"height":224,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0529-crop-3024x1986-1684300848.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-827827" width="341" height="224" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Connor is doing everything humanly possible to get his name out there, and I hope his efforts result in offers soon because he deserves it. He's well above average when it comes to athleticism, and his route-running is his biggest strength. Connor has quick feet, loose hips, and is able to stop, start, and cut very well. Connor sported a 4.19 shuttle during this showcase, and he was open during most of his routes. He still needs to work on his overall hands and focus when coming down with a catch, but other than that, this is a very well-rounded receiver who deserves a Division III opportunity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL | [player_tooltip player_id='827824' first='Nick' last='Saade'] | Mason | 2024 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11651388/Nick-Saade/about">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827825,"width":342,"height":224,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0523-crop-2732x1794-1684300758.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-827825" width="342" height="224" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'3" lineman was putting in great work in Jackson, as he won the vast majority of his 1-on-1 reps. I really liked his overall hand placement, as he did a great job at keeping his hands low and to his opponent's frame. If his hands were ever swiped away, he'd quickly re-engage. Even on reps where he technically lost, he was always somewhat engaged with the opposing defensive lineman, never outright beat. I see Nick projecting more as a Guard at the next level, and I can honestly see him getting some good DII - MAC opportunities with a great Fall season. For now, a good college prospect on a State-Championship contender. College coaches at all levels should keep an eye on Nick. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL | [player_tooltip player_id='827821' first='Aiden' last='Pastoriza'] | Lumen Christi | 2024 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14995547/Aiden-Pastoriza/about">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827822,"width":334,"height":219,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0519-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1684300586.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-827822" width="334" height="219" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Aiden earned himself his first two offers following this showcase. One from Central Michigan and one from Wayne State. Needless to say, Aiden killed it. He's huge at 6'7" and is a very well-rounded blocker. He's fit and skinny enough to move around, pull, or generally win against faster defenders while also having the power, mentality, and aggressiveness to go win against the power DL players. Aiden tested well in all drills and was the best performer in the 1v1 portion. His recent offers are surely warranted, and I see more MAC offers coming very soon for Aiden. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>QB | [player_tooltip player_id='589851' first='Cason' last='Carswell'] | Mason | 2024 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12070034/Cason-Carswell">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827817,"width":321,"height":210,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0533-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1684300341.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-827817" width="321" height="210" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Every time I see Cason, he's better. In Jackson, Cason played like a Division 1 prospect. Every single one of Cason's throws were on the money, and he played with incredible confidence, feel for his receivers, and general poise. There were a few deep balls in particular that were absolutely perfect, and he was able to zip it into a few tight slants as well. I love a QB that can consistently and continually improve throughout his High School career. It shows dedication, a healthy love for the game, and the types that continue to improve typically continue to show progression through college. I would be absolutely shocked if Cason doesn't receive multiple DII opportunities, and I think he should be a MAC prospect pretty soon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>QB | [player_tooltip player_id='247646' first='Aspen' last='Keyes'] | Jackson | 2025 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11683391/Aspen-Keyes/about">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":827819,"width":333,"height":218,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0532-crop-3024x1986-1684300411.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-827819" width="333" height="218" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I had heard of Aspen quite a few times through the past couple of years, but this was the first time I'd seen him in person. I honestly hadn't heard much about him since his transfer to Jackson, and I didn't know what to expect from him going in. I've got to say, I was very impressed. Aspen can sling it! He has a lot of power behind his throws, and there were a few short-mid-range passes that were perfectly-thrown missiles. His deep ball wasn't bad either, but a tad more inconsistent. I hope Aspen can continue to improve, and I hope he's able to earn his name being back in the conversation of elite 2025 QBs. Currently someone to keep an eye on, but I don't currently have a college projection for him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB | [player_tooltip player_id='661544' first='Tucker' last='Wrubel'] | 2024 | Mattawan | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14411618/Tucker-Wrubel/about">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":832524,"width":352,"height":231,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0531-crop-3024x1986-1684614776.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-832524" width="352" height="231" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tucker is another one of those guys that the more I see of him, the more I like him. Before I even knew names to numbers, I wrote down #86B as looking great in agility drills, and being very built and fit (passes eye test). I was especially impressed during the 7v7 period when Tucker was being very vocal and closing in on the ball quickly. I liked his ability to cover and loved his ability to lead, and be vocal. Some might say this is a Dan Campbell type player. As long as Tucker can continue this trajectory, I see a Division 2 future for him. I look forward to seeing more of Tucker in the next few months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL | #80B | Edwardsburg | 2024 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/team/v2/35167/Boys-Varsity-Football/team">Team Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":832526,"width":364,"height":239,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0521-rotated-crop-2784x1828-1684614869.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-832526" width="364" height="239" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I foolishly seem to have lost one sheet of paper that included notes on this player and a few other defensive standouts. Though, I know this was #80 (black shirt) from Edwardsburg. I remember him having a few very impressive IDL wins during the 1v1 period, and I was pleasantly surprised by how he ran during testing. Powerful lineman on a team knowns for winning in the trenches. If anyone knows who this guy is, let me know! Sorry for misplacing the notes! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL | [player_tooltip player_id='832529' first='Rollen' last='Smith'] | Concord | 2024 | <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15098758/Rollen-Smith/about">Hudl</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":832535,"width":377,"height":248,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/05/IMG-0520-rotated-crop-3024x1986-1684615121.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-832535" width="377" height="248" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lastly, we have [player_tooltip player_id='832529' first='Rollen' last='Smith'], another 8-man prospect. Lining up as an EDGE rusher, Rollen was able to club and rip past many blocks, and he was absolutely relentless in doing so. After every win, Rollen would let out a scream, and it was great to see that type of energy. Honestly, Rollen is still a pretty raw prospect, but if he can put on some weight, he'll improve his college readiness tenfold. I hope he can continue having a great offseason and eventually get some NAIA attention. Rollen seems like a guy who genuinely loves football, and I really hope he's able. to play at the next level! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->