College conference eyes area for recruits
Mid-American teams tap county talent
Central Michigan tapped into Macomb County to help build its 2021 football recruiting class, and other Mid-American Conference teams followed the Chippewas’ lead.
DJ Stepney and Eric Reese of Dakota and Michael Heldman of Romeo signed with the Chippewas on Wednesday, a busy day for county athletes with Division I aspirations.
Reese is a defensive back, Stepney a running back/defensive back and Heldman a defensive lineman who will join 17 others who signed with CMU.
Twins Jaillen Howze and Quillen Howze of Chippewa Valley signed with Buffalo, and Eisenhower offensive lineman Dalton Dueweke signed with Western Michigan, raising to six the number of county players signed by the Mid-American Conference.
A third Dakota player, receiver Clinton Roberson, has been offered a scholarship to CMU and plans to officially join the Chippewas later, Dakota coach Greg Baur said.
Romeo offensive lineman Weston Jones signed with BYU.
Offensive lineman Giovanni El-Hadi of Stevenson signed with Michigan and defensive lineman Tyson Watson of Warren-Mott signed with Michigan State.
This recruiting season was unique because of COVID-19 restrictions. Many players across the country signed without visiting campus or meeting their future head
coach face to face.
Wednesday marked the start of a 72-hour early signing period. Recruits can also sign on Feb. 3.
Stepney and Reese helped Dakota share the MAC Red Division championship with El-Hadi’s Stevenson squad.
Jaillen Howze was recruited as a linebacker at Buffalo, and Quillen is projected to play in the defensive backfield, Big Reds coach Scott Merchant said. Jaillen had 33 tackles with nine tackles for negative yardage in 2020. Quillen had 19 tackles and broke up three passes despite missing two games after having surgery.
The twins were among 16 recruits who signed with Buffalo, the MAC East champion.
Heldman and Jones are part of a Romeo team that won a district championship and is awaiting word on whether the
playoffs will continue after a shutdown because of COVID-19.
Heldman made 44 tackles and had 16.5 tackles for losses before the playoffs were paused.
“Michael has a motor that never quits and brings great pass-rushing ability off the edge,” CMU coach Jim McElwain said. “He’s had tremendous production and can wreak havoc in the backfield, both in run and pass defense. I love his energy and excitement for the game, and it’s something that the entire team can feed off of.”
The 6-foot-5, 255-pound Jones was one of 16 prospects who signed with BYU. The Cougars’ signees
hailed from seven different states. Jones, who played guard and tackle for the Bulldogs, picked the Provo, Utah, school from a list of suitors that included Michigan State, Indiana and Iowa State.
Stepney was a two-year captain who had 2,675 career rushing yards plus eight interceptions. He was named MVP of the MAC Red Division as a senior.
Reese made 77 tackles and intercepted two passes this season.
“DJ is a really dynamic player and when you watch his film you see him making plays at running back, wildcat quarterback, safety, and in the return game,” McElwain said. “He’s got a great feel for the game and has a great energy to him.
“You can’t watch Eric play without noticing the incredible speed he has. I
love the skill set and athleticism he’s bringing to this team, and he’ll be able to help us in more ways than one with his versatility. His energy is contagious and he just loves to go out there and compete.”
El-Hadi, who is 6-5 and 305, helped Stevenson reach the state Division 1 semifinals in 2019. A fouryear starter, he did not allow a sack in his senior season.
Watson, who is 6-6 and 275, committed several weeks ago to coach Mel Tucker’s first MSU class. Watson had 14 tackles with 1.5 sacks and three pass deflections as the Marauders won a co-championship in the MAC White Division.
Tucker said hundreds of players are in the NCAA transfer portal and that MSU hopes to add additional talent via that system. “We are building a team,” Tucker said.
Tim Lester, the coach at Western Michigan, called the 6-4, 290-pound Dueweke a “tough, athletic, physical offensive lineman.”
“Plays with good pad level and finishes his run blocks very well,” Lester added. “Has very good feet and length for pass protection. Can play inside and outside. He plays through the echo of the whistle. Strong leadership ability too.”
“Dalton is a big and athletic lineman,” Eisenhower coach Chris Smith added. “He is the type of kid that can play all five O-line positions.”
Western Michigan signed 19 players.
Recruits can begin signing with Division II schools on Feb. 3.