07-17-2002, 12:44 PM
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm going to begin listing some of the top CMU recruiting prospects by postion. Today's segment will focus on offensive linemen. CMU expects to sign anywhere from 18-20 prospects for the Class of 2003 and of that group, probably three or four OL. We have already received our first verbal commitment - TE Joe Staley (6-5, 215, 4.6) of Rockford.
This is a down year for quality offensive linemen in Michigan, the top prospect, Jake Long (6-7, 285) of Lapeer East, committed to Michigan this week. Although I fully expect Coach DeBord and his statf to sign some of the fine prospects in neighboring states like Ohio and Illinois, listed below are eight in-state prospects that could be playing in the MAC someday.
FYI, I'm not listing prospects that are obvious Big Ten caliber, such as Nick Fincher of Chippewa Valley. CMU has offered Fincher but he has numerous Big Ten offers and will choose between those schools.
1) Pat Sharrow (6-5, 275, 4.95) of Monroe - Great technique, footwork and explosion off the line of scrimmage. Varsity starter since his sophomore year. Honorable mention all-state as a junior. Offers include CMU, Toledo and BGSU. Would be a great MAC OT, but will probably get some Big Ten offers.
2) Brandon Zukoff (6-5, 285, 5.1) of Grand Blanc - Great size, strength and balance. All-state honorable mention as a junior. Carries a 3.4 GPA. One of CMU's primary targets. Know suitors include CMU, EMU, WMU, U-M, MSU and Purdue.
3) Justin Hartig (6-4, 280, 4.95) of Charlotte - Two time all-conference and all-area selection. Last year he recorded 89 solo tackles and nine sacks but projects as an OG in college. Another borderline Big Ten prospect.
4) Dave McManaman (6-4, 275, 5.1) of Haslett - Registered 45 tackles, eight tackles for losses and two sacks on defense last season. Made the Lansing State Journal All-Area Dream Team as a junior. He projects as a guard or center in college.
5) Mike Efthemiou (6-2, 290, 5.05) of Utica Eisenhower - Three-year starter on offense and defense but projects as an OG in college. Great size and footwork. Also a standout wrestler. High school teammate of CMU PK Mike Gruzwalski. Efthemiou is a strong candidate to be wearing maroon and gold in the near future.
6) Edwin Piner (6-2, 270, 4.95) of U-D Jesuit - Will be a three-year starter at left tackle but projects as an OG in college. Honorable mention all-state last year. Extrememly physical blocker. Also excelled at DT where he made 28 tackles, six tackles for losses and three sacks.
7) Pat Frett (6-2, 285, 5.0) of Ann Arbor Huron - Good size and agility. Honorable mention all-state as a junior. Solid pass and run blocker who projects as an OG in college.
8) Joe Graham (6-2, 290, 5.2) of Farmington Hills Harrison - Another fine prospect from one of the top high school programs in the nation. Graham is one of three Div I-A prospects this year at Harrison. A former teammate of CMU TE Dave Condeni, Graham is known for his strength and agility. He projects as an OG at the next level.
FIRE UP CHIPS! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />
This is a down year for quality offensive linemen in Michigan, the top prospect, Jake Long (6-7, 285) of Lapeer East, committed to Michigan this week. Although I fully expect Coach DeBord and his statf to sign some of the fine prospects in neighboring states like Ohio and Illinois, listed below are eight in-state prospects that could be playing in the MAC someday.
FYI, I'm not listing prospects that are obvious Big Ten caliber, such as Nick Fincher of Chippewa Valley. CMU has offered Fincher but he has numerous Big Ten offers and will choose between those schools.
1) Pat Sharrow (6-5, 275, 4.95) of Monroe - Great technique, footwork and explosion off the line of scrimmage. Varsity starter since his sophomore year. Honorable mention all-state as a junior. Offers include CMU, Toledo and BGSU. Would be a great MAC OT, but will probably get some Big Ten offers.
2) Brandon Zukoff (6-5, 285, 5.1) of Grand Blanc - Great size, strength and balance. All-state honorable mention as a junior. Carries a 3.4 GPA. One of CMU's primary targets. Know suitors include CMU, EMU, WMU, U-M, MSU and Purdue.
3) Justin Hartig (6-4, 280, 4.95) of Charlotte - Two time all-conference and all-area selection. Last year he recorded 89 solo tackles and nine sacks but projects as an OG in college. Another borderline Big Ten prospect.
4) Dave McManaman (6-4, 275, 5.1) of Haslett - Registered 45 tackles, eight tackles for losses and two sacks on defense last season. Made the Lansing State Journal All-Area Dream Team as a junior. He projects as a guard or center in college.
5) Mike Efthemiou (6-2, 290, 5.05) of Utica Eisenhower - Three-year starter on offense and defense but projects as an OG in college. Great size and footwork. Also a standout wrestler. High school teammate of CMU PK Mike Gruzwalski. Efthemiou is a strong candidate to be wearing maroon and gold in the near future.
6) Edwin Piner (6-2, 270, 4.95) of U-D Jesuit - Will be a three-year starter at left tackle but projects as an OG in college. Honorable mention all-state last year. Extrememly physical blocker. Also excelled at DT where he made 28 tackles, six tackles for losses and three sacks.
7) Pat Frett (6-2, 285, 5.0) of Ann Arbor Huron - Good size and agility. Honorable mention all-state as a junior. Solid pass and run blocker who projects as an OG in college.
8) Joe Graham (6-2, 290, 5.2) of Farmington Hills Harrison - Another fine prospect from one of the top high school programs in the nation. Graham is one of three Div I-A prospects this year at Harrison. A former teammate of CMU TE Dave Condeni, Graham is known for his strength and agility. He projects as an OG at the next level.
FIRE UP CHIPS! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="smile.gif" />