Max Macklem
Max Macklem
About Max
Badges
Riser
Expert Analysis
Tyler Graham | Prep Redzone Scout
I’ve talked about Max a number of times, but it’s for good reason! He is just flat out an overall athlete. He shines just as bright defensively as he does offensively. At receiver, his ability to line up anywhere and be a mismatch is something you just don’t see often. If he lines up outside the numbers, he’s an immediate threat to take you deep and score over top, or he can line up inside or off the line of scrimmage and take short slants, curls and hooks for first downs consistently. On top of all of that, he can take sweeps and pitches and beat you with speed outside. There aren’t many things he can’t do! He’s also a super respectful kid that you’d love to have in your program, and CMU gets that honor! I predict Max will thrive at any role they have for him in Mt. Pleasant.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationAlex Pallone | Prep Redzone Scout
Max finished the day with 4 receptions, 100 yards, and 1TD. He also posted 3TFLs for 13 yards of lost yardage.
The matchups were there for Max, and he simply took advantage. I was surprised to see that Max was sometimes on an island out wide. Goodrich took advantage, took a couple deep shots to Max, and he was always open on those.
Defensively, Max played very, very well. The Niles WRs couldn’t block him, and he made a few great tackles in space. Great way to end his High School career, and I wish Max the best of luck at CMU!
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationAlex Pallone | Prep Redzone Scout
- Goodrich’s X-Factor on both sides of the ball
- Will be KEY in stopping Niles’ runs outside the tackles
- Should have a couple pass defense oppurtunities
- Will be an extremely useful weapon on offense
- Speed and route-running should allow Max to get open very consistently against an OK Niles secondary
- Excited to watch Max in his final high school game before he goes to CMU
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationAlex Pallone | Prep Redzone Scout
- Arguably the best player in Division 4
- All-around excellent athlete
- Consistently good route running
- Excellent speed-in-space player & good vision
- A few spectacular catches
- Very good DB; will have a ton of opportunities to make plays against Harper Woods
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationTyler Graham | Prep Redzone Scout
On top of being a superstar on offense, Max has been just as effective defensively! He is a good sized DB who has no issue sticking with receivers and has great closing speed. In the run game, he takes good angles and is an extremely sure tackler. He can match any caliber of WR physically and athletically with no issues. Max is a super well-rounded athlete who has definitely earned his D1 opportunity, and I have no doubt he will make the most of that opportunity. But first, he wants to finish this quest to go out a state champion!
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationAlex Pallone | Prep Redzone Scout
Out of all the D1-committed skill position players in Michigan, I’ve seen the least amount of attention directed toward
Max Macklem
Max
Macklem
6'0" | 180 lbs | ATH
Goodrich | 2025
State
MI
. I recently discussed Max in my In-State Central Michigan Commits article.
In short, Max is a player who can thrive in multiple positions. As a receiver, Max is an open-field threat and an overall explosive player. That said, he’s not a one-trick pony and he’s very well-rounded. Ask him to run deep and snag a contested ball? Max can do it. Want him to run a reverse? Max can do that too. In addition, he’s got the athletesism to play defensive back at a very high level. I’ve seen a ton of athletes who are great at a few things, but lack in other areas. In Max’s case, he’s earned the opportunity to play at Central Michigan through extremely hard work to become the most well-rounded player he can possibly be.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationAlex Pallone | Prep Redzone Scout
Similar to Kadale, Max is someone who thrives in multiple positions. As a receiver, Max has an excellent release and has the physicality to beat press coverage and snag contested balls. He’s also a huge threat in the open field. Look at the highlight at 0:54– Max receives an extremely shallow crossing route and outruns the entire defense for a touchdown. At Central Michigan, Max could easily be a dominant deep threat with great physical abilities as well.
Max also plays DB. His tape is a bit shorter in that area, but he has a few instances of good off-man coverage in addition to spectacular run defense. Most of Goodrich’s opponents are extremely run-heavy, so it makes sense that Max is extremely strong in defending the run.
At Central Michigan, Max will likely sit for a year or two before breaking out as either a receiver or DB. I’m excited to see what Max can do at the next level!
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationTyler Graham | Prep Redzone Scout
Max has been a guy I have become a big fan of over the last year or so. His game is so fun to watch, and his natural athleticism is absolutely awesome to watch. He is sure to rise the ranks in the newest update. Offensively they get him the ball in a variety of situations, and nearly always he is getting big gains. He makes one cut and can scoot when he gets some open space. Defensively, it feels like Max is in on every tackle, and does a great job in coverage. He is a wrestler as well and it shows as he is extremely physical and shows great body control. Overall he is one of the biggest stock risers in my eyes this season, and I am pumped to see where he may land this next round of updates.
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationTyler Graham | Prep Redzone Scout
Max is an extremely talented athlete. He gets north and south in a hurry and doesn’t dance and waste time. Once he gets to the next level, he makes one cut and makes a guy miss and can break away quickly. I was really impressed defensively as well as he is a sure tackler and is always in the right spot. He’s a leader on his team and I really think any college would be lucky to get this kid in their building. He raises the stakes for himself every time I see him and always lives up to the hype!
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationTyler Graham | Prep Redzone Scout
This guy was absolutely a gamechanger for Goodrich. They needed his leadership and athleticism, and they got it! He was able to get north and south and didn’t dance much at all. He showed some awesome athleticism making guys miss in the open field, and was a huge part of their game winning drive until he was hurt with about 8 seconds to go in the game. Still, he showed a ton of grit all game, and as long as he is able to get back on the field with no lasting injury to speak of, he’s going to be a huge reason why the Martians are able to make another huge playoff run!
Access all of Prep Redzone
Subscribe to read about this player
Read EvaluationPlayer Claimed
News
Recruiting
- School
- Offer?
- Visit
- Offer graphic
Related Players
View other players from the same high school.
