Most high school football players get their first taste of Varsity football during their Junior season. Most develop into great role players, while few step onto the varsity field and immediately become superstars. This article will cover five prospects, all of which who’ve taken a MASSIVE step up for this season.

ATH | Samson Gash | Detroit Catholic Central

Detroit Catholic Central is arguably the State Championship Favorite, and Samson is a massive reason why. He’s utilized mostly as a slot receiver, earning touches in several speed-in-space type plays, as well as deep routes. I know several prospects who fit the same type of role as Samson on their respective teams, but I’ve never seen anyone play at the level Samson’s been playing at.

QB | Tommy Carr | Saline

Tommy was one of the most highly anticipated (new) Varsity starters this season. Of course, he’s following up his brother, CJ, who’s now at Notre Dame.

You never truly know what you’ll get from a Quarterback until he makes a few Varsity starts. Very quickly, it became obvious that Tommy has great IQ and arm talent. In a QB-friendly offense, Tommy has been thriving. Look out- Tommy is a sleeper Mr Football candidate for next season!

WR | Austin Abbate | Saline

An elite high school QB usually means breakout seasons for some of the other offensive weapons. This is 100% the case for Austin. Throughout the season, Austin has been the prime playmaker for the Saline offense. His connection with Tommy is unmatched, and he does an excellent job at finding holes in the defense when the structure of the play breaks down. Here are a few other notable things helping with Austin’s breakout year.

WR | Ahman Edmonds | East Kentwood

There were a lot of changes made at East Kentwood this past offseason. In addition, their WR room is extremely good. Not only was Ahman able to crack the starting lineup, but he also became EK’s best offensive weapon. Having watched EK in person earlier this season, I can safely say that Ahamn is their best overall route-runner, and one of their best athletes.

DL | Max Kruger | Seaholm

With a media space obsessed with covering the D1 prospects, I’m happy to be talking about one of the more unsung players in this Junior Class. Although I don’t view him as a Division 1 prospect, he has stepped into varsity and immediately started to produce on both sides of the ball. Max has an excellent shot at earning D3 offers this spring and could work his way into GLIAC attention if he steps on the gas early in the offseason.