Editorial: Michigan's Underrated HS Talent

The state of Michigan doesn't always get its due when it comes to producing top recruits. Naysayers may have to eat some crow tomorrow though as it is possible that two former Michigan prepsters will go 1-2 in the NFL Draft and as many as three could go in the top 15.

Tomorrow, Jake Long will be the first pick in the NFL Draft. While he was an All-American at Michigan, Long still came a long way from Lapeer East High School. A four star recruit back then, it would have been tough to predict that he would become the dominant force he is today.

After Long goes #1 to Miami, it is possible that pick number two will be former Detroit Cass Tech Technician and Ohio State star Vernon Gholston. Even if the Rams pass, Vernon likely won't slip past 6-7, meaning Michigan, a state not often considered one of the state's top talent producers, will have two picks in the top seven.

Then you have former Canton wide receiver Devin Thomas, who exploded onto the scene for the Michigan State Spartans a year ago. Thomas is projected to go as high as 11 to the Buffalo Bills.

Beyond the 1st Round, Kellen Davis, (Michigan State/Adrian), Jason Jones (Eastern Michigan by way of Southfield), Brandon Carr (Grand Valley State/Flint Carman-Ainsworth) and Brandon Barnes (Grand Valley State/Detroit Pershing) all carry middle-late round grades.

In a year where the state is enjoying one of its deepest in terms of recruiting talent, these former high school stars are showing the youngsters what is possible and proving just how underrated the high school football in Michigan really is.