Season of signings: A list of where local high school football players will call home

METRO DETROIT — Early signing day, a three-day period from Dec. 4 to 6, has come and gone for Division I collegiate football players looking to put pen to paper, and many local athletes took advantage of the opportunity.

The national signing period will begin Feb. 5, which is when Division II commits can also begin signing.

Below is a look at local high school football signees/commits (Top 160 according to 247Sports) who either signed, are currently committed, or are still on the recruiting trail.

Rankings according to 247Sports:

4. Avery Gach, Birmingham Groves (****) 
Position: OL
College commitment: University of Michigan (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-5, 290

Why he chose Michigan: “It was the coaching staff, the campus, the education, and the location of how close it is from my house. It’s an O-line-type program, and I like the culture that they have there.”

Goal for freshman year: “I want to play. That’s a good goal.”

An integral part of Birmingham Groves’ undefeated regular season and state playoff run, Gach, a first team all-state honoree this year, was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the line this season. 

His physicality showcased itself when he’d bull-rush the interior offensive line and make a play in the backfield, or when Groves’ running backs would run right behind him because they knew he was going to create space for them. 

He’s as hard-nosed as they come, and he’ll fit right in with the Maize and Blue’s longstanding history of fielding elite-level talent in the trenches.

Gach will be an early enrollee for the Wolverines and plans to travel with the team for its ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against the University of Alabama Dec. 31 in Tampa, Florida.

 

7. Charles White, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (****)
Position: LB
College commitment: Michigan State University (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-3, 202

A state champion and just getting his four-star bump on 247Sports on Dec. 3, White is as high up on cloud nine as a player can be.

An anchor for the Eaglets’ defensive unit, White is a gifted athlete in not just football but track and wrestling as well, earning all-state honors in both sports.

His combination of speed and physicality makes him an extremely valuable asset on the defense.

He will be joined by a few of his St. Mary’s teammates on the trip to East Lansing as White and company hope to turn the Spartans’ woes around.

White led St. Mary’s with 113 total tackles this season while adding five tackles for a loss and an interception.

 

12. Di’Mari Malone, Macomb Dakota (***)
Position: LB
College commitment: Michigan State University (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-2, 220

Malone did just about everything Dakota needed him to do, anchoring the linebacking core while also catching passes and getting a few carries in as well.

Malone, a first team all-state honoree this season, has a natural nose for the ball and will be a great addition to a Spartans defense that is in desperate need of help, especially at the linebacker spot.

His fellow Cougars teammate Justin Bell will also be making the trip to East Lansing as well.

Malone tallied 53 total tackles and 11 tackles for a loss while adding 10 total touchdowns and 651 total yards offensively.

 

14. Bryson Williams, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (***)
Position: ATH
College commitment: Michigan State University (COMMITTED)
Height/Weight: 6-2, 200

Williams put on a show-stopping performance this season, helping the Eaglets bring home the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state championship with 13 rushes for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the state finals.

With the kind of month he had in November, it wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone if Williams earned an extra star and was named Mr. Football in the state of Michigan.

Williams’ speed and athleticism made him a threat whether he was lined up as a wideout or as a running back, and he can hurt you either way.

The future Spartan tallied over 1,300 all-purpose yards and had 21 touchdowns this season.

No matter where he’s at on the field, fans should be happy as long as he’s wearing the Green and White.

 

15. Kamren Flowers, West Bloomfield (***)
Position: WR
College commitment: University of Toledo (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 5-11, 170

The nickname “Ferrari” is a dead giveaway for the kind of player Flowers is on the field.

If you blink, he’s already past you – he’s got that kind of speed, which is a big reason why he’s an all-state honoree in track.

Whether it’s on jet sweeps, lined up in the slot, or on the outside, Flowers will find any way he can to make an impact on the offensive side.

He’s known for his elite-level speed because that’s the first thing you see as a viewer, but his ability to make the aggressive catches makes him a complete wide receiver.

 

17. Danilo Guberinich, Detroit Catholic Central (***)
Position: OL
College commitment: Texas Tech University (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-5, 300

It’s been kind of a crazy month for Guberinich, who decommitted from Western Michigan University the first week of November, but it’s paid off for him.

Guberinich, a first team all-state honoree this season, then received offers from Purdue, Vanderbilt, and finally Texas Tech University, whom he committed to on Nov. 21.

Guberinich is a big-time offensive lineman who will make his college quarterback very happy when he’s on the line, but he was a force as well this season defensively for the Shamrocks, tallying 37 total tackles, 13 tackles for a loss, and three sacks.

 

20. Justin Bell, Macomb Dakota (***)
Position: OL
College commitment: Michigan State University (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-8, 295

Bell seems to garner attention when he steps on the field just from his size alone, but then it’s all eyes on him after a few snaps.

Bell and Malone both signed Dec. 4 and plan to enroll early at Michigan State University.

His location on his X social media account being set to “Pancake City” should tell you enough about what he brings onto the field, and he delivers game in and game out.

The Cougars relied heavily on the run game this season, and it made the lives of their running backs much easier with Bell, an all-Region honoree this season, on the offensive line.

 

21. Jayden Savoury, Orchard Lake St Mary’s (***)
Position: TE
College commitment: Michigan State University (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-6, 225

Another St. Mary’s state champion made the list.

Birmingham Groves’ fans got to know a little bit about Savoury when he made a remarkable one-handed grab in the Eaglets’ state semifinals win.

Savoury has a quick release off the line and great hands, but what makes him the complete package as a tight end is his run blocking ability.

The positive side to St. Mary’s being such a run-heavy offense is that Savoury gets plenty of chances to show what he can do at the line, and he imposed his will on opposing defensive ends and linebackers all season long.

 

22. Desmond Straughton, Roseville (***)
Position: S
College commitment: University of Illinois (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-0, 195

He’s set to play safety in college, but the Fighting Illini should probably find a way to get him the ball on offense as well.

One of the more explosive ball carriers in the state, Straughton paced the Roseville offense night in and night out, earning Macomb Area Conference MVP and first team all-state honors this season.

Defensively, he’s a safety who displays speed and physicality, which he should have no problem continuing at the college level.

 

27. Deshaun Lanier, Clinton Township Chippewa Valley (***)
Position: WR
College commitment: Bowling Green State University (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 5-11, 165

Why he chose BGSU: “Me and my receivers’ coach, coach (Erik) Campbell, we connected very well. He also played at Michigan with one of my cousins. I know him a little closer than others would say, so I really saw our connection and the way he’s developed his receivers throughout the years. I knew it was a good fit for me.”

Goal for freshman year: “I want to be able to get started in the rotation and maybe get freshman of the year in the MAC (Mid-American Conference). Right now, it’s just about getting faster and bigger before the first game so I can go out and compete with the best.”

A do-it-all kind of player for Chippewa Valley, Lanier is a big-time wideout who always finds a way to get open for his quarterback.

He possesses great speed and hands, but what separates him, literally and figuratively, is his route running ability.

Lanier, an all-Region honoree this season, runs extremely crisp routes, which combined with his hand-eye coordination make him a very strong wideout. 

 

29. Cade Wilhelmi, Detroit Country Day (***)
Position: OL
College commitment: University of Toledo (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-5, 285

Why he chose Toledo: “They were kind of like my later offers, but they were very consistent with reaching out and asking how I’m doing. I got up on campus two or three times before I committed, and when I was on my official visit, and just taking away the coaching aspect of it, being around those guys is when I knew. I told my mom the first night that I was committing here. I know for a fact I’m committing here.”

Goal for freshman year: “Obviously the goal is to get on the field, but if I’m being realistic we are deep in the O-line room. Honestly I’m just focused on improving my speed, weight, and strength to become the best offensive lineman I can be.”

Another player who has already put pen to paper, Wilhelmi signed Dec. 5 to play college football at the University of Toledo.

Wilhelmi, also a star first baseman for the Yellowjackets and first team all-state honoree this season in football, will likely be blocking for someone else on this list very soon.

Toledo just keeps on nabbing recruits from the state of Michigan.

 

31. Spencer Beckeman, Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (***)
Position: OL
College commitment: Western Michigan University (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-6, 300

Why he chose Western Michigan: “It really felt like family. I feel like I can be developed there. They have Rimington award finalists and the second-highest rated player in the nation on Pro Football Focus at offensive line.”

Goal for freshman year: “One goal I plan on checking off is really finding my place in the program. I hope to have my body physically ready to play at this next level.”

A first team all-Region selection this season, Beckeman had a fantastic season for the Cougars, who were able to reach the state playoffs.

Beckeman, an all-Region honoree, is a physical lineman who will have no problem adjusting to football at the college level given his size and physicality.

 

34. Noah Sanders, Birmingham Groves (***)
Position: RB
College commitment: University of Toledo (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 5-11, 170

The improvement from his junior to senior year was immeasurable, and that says a lot because he was a great running back his junior year.

Tallying 1,100 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns this season, Sanders did everything he could to help the Falcons reach the state semifinals.

Once they got there, Sanders was untouchable, rushing for 183 yards and three touchdowns against the eventual Division 2 state champions in Orchard Lake St. Mary’s.

Defenses would see Sanders lined up to take the snap in wildcat formation and they still couldn’t stop him.

He’s got elite-level speed with a level of physicality you wouldn’t expect from seeing him at first, but he’s never afraid to lower the shoulder or stiff-arm an opponent to the ground.

 

35. Jay Gardenhire, West Bloomfield (***)
Position: OL
College commitment: University of Colorado (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-8, 350

You would’ve thought Gardenhire was an all-Pro lineman the way other Oakland Activities Association players looked at him when he stood up during the conference’s media day.

One of the bigger offensive linemen you’ll see in the state, Gardenhire will help usher in the next era of Colorado football.

 

39. Dalton Drogosh, Warren De La Salle Collegiate (***)
Position: LB
College commitment: Saginaw Valley State University (COMMITTED)
Height/Weight: 6-0, 210

Why he chose SVSU: “When I went there for the first time, it really felt like home. The coaches and players made me feel like I was part of their family already.”

Goal for freshman year: “I want to learn as much as I can and develop as a player and a man.”

A very recent addition to the Saginaw Valley State recruiting class, Drogosh was unstoppable on both ends of the field this season for De La Salle.

Drogosh, a first team all-state honoree, was a tackling machine on the defense side while also playing wideout for the Pilots, hauling in a 41-yard touchdown catch and run in the regional finals.

Drogosh is a physical tackler who can go sideline to sideline in efforts to chase down a ball carrier.

Drogosh has the kind of ability that could make him an immediate plug-and-play guy if Saginaw Valley State needed him to be.

 

44. Jaden Pydyn, Detroit Catholic Central (***)
Position: ATH
College commitment: Army (SIGNED)
Height/Weight: 6-1, 200

For what he brought to the Shamrocks this season, it’s hard to not crown him as Mr. Football.

Whoever receives the award is obviously deserving of it, but Pydyn’s 1,319 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns to go along with 57 total tackles and three interceptions helped lead the Shamrocks to an undefeated regular season and the state semifinals, where they lost to the eventual Division 1 state champions in Detroit Cass Tech.

Pydyn, a first team all-state honoree, is a hard-nosed running back who embraces contact and can play all over the field defensively.

The way Army utilizes the run game, especially now that they’re surging as a program, it will be fun to watch Pydyn play at the next level.

 

Other local signings/commitments:

• 54. Brendon Rice, North Farmington DL – Bowling Green State University (SIGNED)

• 65. Eric Slater, Roseville WR – Howard University (SIGNED)

• 68. Bryce Hurley, Utica Eisenhower RB – Grand Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 81. Jordan Simes, Roseville QB – Ferris State University (COMMITTED)

• 106. Chris Little, Birmingham Groves CB – Grand Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 107. Michael Chude, Roseville EDGE – Grand Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 111. Jacob Hoffman, Warren De La Salle Collegiate OL – Colgate University (SIGNED)

• 121. Jaielen Peacock, Troy WR – Saginaw Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 123. Jacob Tur, Warren De La Salle Collegiate DL – Grand Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 129. Noah Oury, Troy QB – Grand Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 137. Michael Dziadula, Utica Eisenhower OL – Ferris State University (COMMITTED)

• 139. Noah Hart, Grosse Pointe South CB – Grand Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 140. Elizah Jolly, Roseville EDGE – Grand Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 141. Lucas Tic, Troy OL – Grand Valley State University (COMMITTED)

• 153. Brady Hamby, Macomb Dakota LB – Ferris State University (COMMITTED)

• 157. Shawn Jones, Roseville OL – Northwood University (COMMITTED)

 

Still on the recruiting trail:

• 16. Antonio Johnson, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s OL – Offers from Illinois, Michigan State, Maryland, Penn State, West Virginia, Boston College, etc.

• 41. Elisha Durham, West Bloomfield WR – Offers from Wisconsin, Toledo, Western Michigan, Marshall, Akron, Ball State, Central Michigan, Bowling Green, etc.

• 74. Sante Gasperoni, Warren De La Salle Collegiate QB – Offers from Wayne State, Grand Valley State, Ferris State, Colgate.

• 84. Jaiden Allos, West Bloomfield ATH – Offers from Wayne State, Kent State, Davenport.

• 96. Isaiah Jones, Warren De La Salle Collegiate DB – Offers from Saginaw Valley State, Grand Valley State, Ferris State, Ashland University.

• 99. Beau Jackson, West Bloomfield QB – Offers from Colorado, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Ferris State, Miami (OH)

• 101. Santino Cicarella, Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett WR – Offers from Dartmouth, Davenport, Wayne State, Ferris State.

• 104. Josh Tate, West Bloomfield RB – Offers from Eastern Kentucky, Marshall, Toledo.

• 136. Conner Temple, Utica Eisenhower WR – Offers from Grand Valley State.

• 142. Axel Newell, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s QB – Offers from Toledo, Cornell.

• 149. Chase Dawkins, Detroit Country Day RB – Offers from Hope, Wayne State.

• 151. Jaden Mills, Ferndale ATH – Offers from Grand Valley State, Davenport, Wayne State, Central State.

• 156. Darryl Carter, Detroit Country Day ATH – Offers from Davenport, Hope.