Scott Keyes
Sports Scene
Everyone knows the names Grace, Cole, and Johnson as we embark on another football season in Michigan.
However, here are 10 players who will have immediate impacts on their teams and conferences this season. Some are names you might already know, but some are just emerging into household names. Sit back and enjoy the ride.
1. Kaleeb Perry, Mt. Pleasant
Perry is a playmaker who is garnering Big Ten attention. He can take over a game with his high-flying ability and speed. Perry is legitimate, and opposing teams should take notice.
2. Michael Robb, Midland Dow
At 6’6″, Robb, only a junior, has all the tools to be a Division I player,and scouts are taking notice. His only knock is that he needs to gain weight, but that will come with age. This wide receiver will play a big part in Dow’s quest to capture a Saginaw Valley League North Division title this season.
3. Will Rodgers, Saginaw Arthur Hill
Although he has yet to play a varsity game, this sophomore defensive end/stunned college coaches and scouts with impressive performances on the football camp circuit during the off-season. If he can turn his athletic ability into on-field results, Arthur Hill will have a leader this season, and the new Saginaw team will have one for the subsequent two seasons.
4. Adam Stremlow, Coleman
Coleman will again ride the arm of senior quarterback Adam Stremlow, who threw for 2,703 yards and 35 touchdowns last season with just six interceptions. Stremlow can make all the throws and is very athletic. If he gets protection, he should have another big year for the Comets.
5. Austin Neyer, Sacred Heart Academy
Austin Neyer returns as the team’s leading rusher, and Sacred Heart’s ground game could once again give opponents problems. The Irish finished 7-4 a year ago.
6. Boyd Hubbard, Alma
An all-state wrestler, Hubbard will be someone on whom new coach Dan Falor will rely this season. A smart player, Hubbard has size and speed and will pack a punch on both sides of the football.
7. Spence DeMull, Ithaca
DeMull has the capability of going up for the ball at its highest point and bringing it down for a catch over bigger and stronger players. He runs solid routes, and his separation speed is as good as they have seen at Ithaca.
8. Angus Arthur, St. Johns
A state champion wrestler, this bruising back will run over opponents in a blink of an eye. Arthur should have a big season.
9. Brock Notter, Swan Valley
Notter should see a lot of balls thrown his way this season, as coach Ken Bourbina plans to open up the offense more to take away the attention that star running back Alex Grace will receive. Notter is also a standout on defense.
10. Royce Houthoofd, Valley Lutheran
Houthoofd returns after earning second team all-conference honors a season ago when he tallied 98 tackles. Leading the defense from his linebacker position, he makes Valley Lutheran very solid up the middle.