Jalen Watts-Jackson verbals to Michigan State

By Branden Hunter:  Earlier today Orchard Lake St.Mary's (Mich.) 2014 defensive back Jalen Watts-Jackson made his pledge to play for the Michigan State Spartans. Watts-Jackson was offered by Michigan State on Monday, and wasted no time ending his recruitment. He joins Byron Bullough, Deon Drake and Matt Sokol as the only prospects from Michigan committed to the Spartans.

"(Michigan) State is a winning program first off," said Watts-Jackson. "The coaches played a big part in it, and they're all guys you could find yourself wanting to be around for four years." "Another thing is than when I got hurt last year, my recruitment kind of died down a lot," he added. "But Coach (Brad) Salem was always there for me keeping in touch."

"I wasn't having the best season, and they made me really feel excepted." The 6-0, 181-pounder also held offers from Idaho, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan, so this one was a no-brainer for him.

What Watts-Jackson brings to the table is a tall, long, and athletic defensive back that can play anywhere in the defensive backfield, but says Michigan State wants him at cornerback. I would say the Spartans are getting a steal in the ball-hawking two-star recruit. Watts-Jackson visited East Lansing today, where he made his commitment official.

The Spartans also offered his younger teammate, 2015 cornerback Tyson Smith, which could also play a major factor in his recruitment.

"I didn't talk to them when they offered Monday," he said. "My coach did, so I came up here today, they officially offered me, and I committed."

"Tyson and I have talked about it, because he says he like State (Michigan) too. So hopefully I can get him here so we can play together again."




Follow me on Twitter: @JustCallmeBHunt

David Walker of Harbor Springs Commits to Western Michigan

This past week the Western Michigan Broncos continued their surge on the recruiting trail.  After having already the strongest class in the MAC Conference, the Broncos added their top target in Harbor Springs, TE - David Walker.  Walker was also offered by Central Michigan but to play DE.  Walker is clearly one of the state's most versatile athletes, due to his ability to lineup at several positions.  During the season, Walker played a RB position in a wing offense.  During the offseason, Walker has attended camps and plugged right into his future position.  Walker is the 9th Michigan player to commit to Broncos, Class of 2014 and the 15th overall commit. 


Position (s): TE
Height & Weight: 6'3" 225
First Game Started: I don't remember. It was my sophomore year though.
#1 Most Memorable Game: Last year vs. Charlevoix was the most memorable game for me. It was our homecoming and the team played great. I had good amount of yards and some touchdowns and just had a blast.
Pre-game Traditions: I usually just get quiet and listen to music before games. I'm not really one to get super pumped and stuff, I like to keep calm. When I'm warming up pre-game I mentally prepare and go through situations to ready me for the game.
Post-game Traditions: Don't really have any, sometimes the team goes out to Buffalo Wild Wings. That's always a good time haha.
Athlete you try building your game around: I know it's what everybody says, but I'd have to say Rob Gronkowski is the athlete I try building my game around. He's one of the most dominate Tight Ends in the NFL and I love watching him.



The D Zone - How does it feel committing to Western Michigan University?

David Walker - "It feels great. I really feel like I found a great home for me at WMU. I'm also glad that this chaotic recruiting process is pretty much done for me."



The D Zone - What stands out the most about Western Michigan University?

David Walker - "The coaches and what they aspire to do. WMU pretty much just got an all new coaching staff that really coaches up-beat and positively. They have big goals in the coming years and I'm ecstatic to be a part of it."



The D Zone - What have you enjoyed the most while visiting the campus?

David Walker - "I really enjoyed all of their football facilities and what they plan to do with them. Western is going over almost everything and making it better and totally changing the face of the football program."



The D Zone - What do the Western Michigan University coaches like about the way you play?

David Walker - "The coaches like how versatile I am. College football is all about mis-matches and I provide just that. I'm not limited to just one position or even one side of the ball."



The D Zone - When the Western Michigan University coaches found out you committed, how was their excitement level and what did they say to you?

David Walker - "Both my position coach and the head coach were absolutely thrilled. The head coach said I made his month and that he's super excited he landed me. They said it's not often you get your #1 guy."



The D Zone - Are you familiar with any players on the Western Michigan University roster?

David Walker - "No."



The D Zone - Have you had a chance to meet with anyone from the Class of 2014 and any players you are trying to pull with you to WMU?

David Walker - "No, not yet."



The D Zone - What's in store for your future leading up to Signing Day?

David Walker - "I am going to prepare as best as I can and work really hard to better myself as a football player. I want to step onto campus with as much progress as possible toward becoming an elite football player."

C.J. Weiss - Livonia Stevenson - SB/FS - Class of 2015 Player Profile

• High School:
• Livonia Stevenson 
• Graduation Year:
• 2015
• Primary Position:
• SB
• Secondary Position (s):
• FS, RB, QB, K/P
• Height:
• 5'8"
• Weight:
• 170 lbs
• #1 Most Memorable Game:
• My most memorable game would have to be the season opener against cross town rivals Livonia Franklin. This my first game on varsity, so the atmosphere and the crowd was amazing. I scored the first touchdown for my team, and we went on to win on a touchdown pass with eight seconds left in the fourth quarter. Truly a game I will never forget.
• Pre-game Traditions:
• I am very superstitious. Before the game I always have to have the same thing to eat as I did before. I always wear the same undershirt that I have worn on game days for the past few years. When I get to the field, My headphones go in and I focus on my job, and what I need to do to help the team be successful.
• Post-game Traditions:
• Depends on the outcome of the game, if we win I usually hang with the guys and grab a bite to eat. If we lose I usually head home and watch the film on the game and see where I can improve.
• Athlete you try building your game around:
• I am trying to build my game off of any athlete who is successful and proves people wrong. I feel that I am looked over and I have to prove people wrong, so when guys like Russel Wilson and Doug Flutie with their size become successful they are role models for me.
• Anticipated Major:
• Something in the medical field.
• Experience:
• 1 year on varsity
• Greatest High School Achievement:
• I think that playing on varsity as a sophomore with the group of guys we had and leading the team in scoring was my greatest achievement next to maintaining a 4.0 through out high school so far.
• Offseason Goal (s):
• I want to be able to say I improved on every aspect of the game.
• Stats:
• Varsity-
• kickoff returns- 10 for 287 yards
• punt returns- 3 for 55 yards
• Rushing- 80 for 418 yards and 8 touchdowns
• receiving-16 for 137 yards and 1 touchdown
• 20 tackles
• Freshman-
• Rushing 63 for 980 yards and 11 touchdowns
• passing 105 for 1760 yards and 24 touchdowns
• 2 interceptions and 45 tackles
• 24-24 on extra points
 

• Colleges that you are interested in:
• Toledo, Bowling Green State, Illinois State, Central Michigan, Grand Valley State, and Eastern Michigan.
• Colleges that have shown you interest:
• Illinois State and Lafayette
• Intangibles:
• I feel that my game is well rounded. I play on both sides of the ball and am on every special teams, but if I had to pick one I would say my ability to cut and make people miss would be my strong suit.
• How I play the game:
• Smart, coachable, versatile, hardworking, and committed.

The D Zone - How has recruiting been going so far for you this season?

C.J. Weiss - "Great, have been receiving many e-mail's from different colleges."

What has been your biggest challenge in High School football so far?

C.J. Weiss - "My biggest challenge was adjusting from the pace of the game from the different levels. After a few series I got used to it."

What has been the most memorable part of high school football?

C.J. Weiss - "I think the most memorable part of football is the bonding of the team. Without any of my brothers out there on the field knowing they have my back no matter what. I do not know what I would have done. We have so many great memories together."

What have you been doing since football season ended?

C.J. Weiss - "Working out and improving on every aspect of my game."

What are keys to performing at your positions?

C.J. Weiss - "Smarts, quickness, toughness, and leadership."

What are some personal goals you have set for this upcoming season?

C.J. Weiss - "City Champions, Division Champions, and to make a run in the Playoffs."

If a college coach was interested in having you play on his team and asked you why he should accept you on his team, what would you tell him?

C.J. Weiss - "That I am coachable and an extremely hard worker. I am extremely committed to playing football and winning, and I would do anything the team asks of me to better the team."

Which game stands out the most to you in the 2013 season?

C.J. Weiss - "Livonia Churchill week 9. They knocked us out of the playoffs last year, they are also cross town rivals. This year we are out for revenge."

Who is the best player you lined up against on the field?

C.J. Weiss - "I would have to say Romello Brown from Churchill last year. He was a force and hard to tackle."

Other comments or accolades, awards, etc.?

• The D Zone Class of 2015 Watchlist
• Highlight video will be out soon.