This past Monday, Rising Stars Recruiting hosted an exclusive private workout featuring many of the program’s top performers. Athletes went through individual drills, positional work, and competitive one-on-one matchups, giving a true glimpse into who’s ready to take the next step.
Rising Stars continues to build its reputation as one of the premier development programs in the Midwest, preparing athletes for success at the college and professional level. That impact was on full display with the recent rise of Caleb Banks (Southfield A&T / Florida Gators), who trained with Rising Stars while in high school, and was selected in the first round by the Minnesota Vikings this past April.
Below is a breakdown of the standout performers from this week’s workout, along with key names to watch heading into the upcoming high school season.
Quarterbacks
Rising Stars features the top QBs in the state, with 20-30 guys putting in the work weekly at the academy training, and it shows as there are multiple state championship winners in this group, as well as a few who currently hold big-time offers.
Top Performers
Case Campbell – St. Mary’s Prep ‘29 @case_campbell2
Case was the top guy at the workout this past week, showcasing his arm talent, making throw after throw in team drills and in the one-on-one period. Campbell should be the top guy in the state and maybe in the country by the time his career is done at St. Mary’s.
He had a very productive year as the backup, putting up big numbers in 7 starts. I got a chance to watch him firsthand this spring, playing for the Rising Stars Lightning, and right away, he looked as if he could be a day-one starter in college. He picked up a recent offer from Michigan and also holds an offer from Kentucky. The offer list will grow
Jabin Gonzalez – St. Mary’s Prep ‘27 @JabinGonzales
The current Starter at St. Mary’s is coming off a State Championship. St. Mary’s will feature the top passing attack in the state and maybe even the Midwest, which will give Jabin the opportunity to put up huge numbers again this year.
Jabin is an accurate QB who did not miss any throws this past week. His current college list includes Ohio University, Central Michigan, and Yale. An impressive list where he should be in the mix for early playing time.
Drew “Lefty” Sheridan – Dearborn Divine Child ‘28 @drewsheridan9
Drew is one of my favorite QBs to watch. He’s competitive, a coach’s kid, and also coming off a State Championship performance last season.
His confidence is through the roof, and he should have a strong follow-up season this year for Divine Child, defending his state championship. Sheridan currently holds 11 offers from schools such as Penn State, Memphis, and Pittsburgh.
Hudson “Huddy” Smith Milford ‘27@hudsonsqb2027
Huddy has the arm talent that can put him anywhere in the country. The best part about Smith is his ability to read and break down the defense and make the smart throw. Smith throws a very accurate deep ball and has the confidence to fit throws over the middle in tight windows.
Huddy had a very solid 7-on-7 season, leading RS Ice to multiple wins this year. He is currently hearing from Kent State and other schools that should come forward after this season.
Kendall Franklin Belleville ‘27 @KendallF_QB1
Solid kid standing at 6’0 with a cannon. Franklin showed good anticipation on his throws during the team period and made accurate throws during the one-on-one drills during this week’s workout. Franklin is poised to build upon a strong season last year, where he threw for 25 TDs and 1800 yards.
His current list includes Colorado State, Miami (OH), and Kent State, and he may get a Big Ten offer soon. I’m excited to see what he does this season in his Senior year.
Honorable Mentions
Sammy Eyde – Brother Rice ‘27 @SameydeIII
Big, strong QB with a big arm. Eyde put up 15 TDs with a 68% completion rating while only throwing 4 INTs last year for the Warriors. He will have an arsenal to throw to this upcoming season, which will increase his numbers. Eyde will have a chance to lead his team back to the playoffs and get Rice back to the glory days. He is currently hearing from Eastern Michigan, but I’m thinking the list should get bigger with the weapons he has on the outside.
Jackson Carver – West Bloomfield ‘27 @jaxson_carver16
Carver throws a pretty deep ball and does well throwing the ball on time. He made every throw look good during the team period and made accurate throws in tight coverage during one-on-ones. Jackson is the type of kid who has put in the work each week over the years, and it is showing.
He will get his shot to lead one of the more dynamic passing attacks in the state for the Lakers this season, who expect to make a deep run in the playoffs. He currently has one offer from Kent State.
Wide Receivers
No Shortage of receiving talent in the Rising Stars Recruiting Program, as they feature the prototypical receiver who can go up and get it, quick slot guys that can get open anywhere on the field, as well as guys who can do both.
Top Performers
Chad Willis – St. Mary’s Prep ‘27 @_chadwillis1
Willis made an appearance at Monday’s workout and was as advertised. Willis is a prototypical receiver who stands at 6’2, fast, with strong hands and leaping ability. He’s best running the comeback route and catching a back-shoulder fade. He can also work out of the slot, which he showcased in the Pittsburgh Redzone 7-on-7 tournament this past April, where he repeatedly abused defenders in the slot.
He was also a top performer at the Adidas Polynesian Bowl this month. Wilis will lead the talented receiving corps this year for the defending state champion Eaglets. A recent Cincinnati commit who can see the field early and often.
Star OLSM wideout Chad Willis commits to Cincinnati – 247 Sports
Kellen Miller – Cass Tech ‘27 @KellenMiller09
Miller looked like a specimen this past Monday, where he put on a ton of muscle (275 Bench) and was recently clocked at 4.46 at the Under Armour camp in Tennessee. Miller can run every route in the tree as he dominated in the one-on-one drills, winning just about every rep.
Miller is making the move to Cass Tech this year, where he should explode as they will make another run for a state championship. Miller currently has 10 D1 offers, including Kentucky, Pitt, and Louisville.
Brannon Hardy – St. Mary’s Prep ‘28 @brannonhardy3
Hardy is a silky smooth receiver who simply gets open and makes contested catches. Going into his junior season, he is already one of the top guys in the state on a team going for their third Ring in three years.
Hardy showcased his talent at the Polynesian Bowl and also received MVP at the Pylon 7-on-7 tournament this past April, where he led the RS Ballhawks to their 2nd title in as many years in Cincinnati. Hardy already has offers from Penn State, Pittsburgh, and the University of South Florida.
Joel “JoJo” Williams – Chippewa Valley ‘28 @Thatguyjo_
JoJo is a quick slot receiver who makes defenders look silly. He may be small in stature, but this kid makes play after play, being the go-to guy. JoJo put on a show all season for the RS Heat and also chipped in on a championship effort for the Ballhawks in Cincinnati, where he got open consistently underneath. JoJo showed that he can beat press coverage repeatedly this past Monday and he doesn’t shy away from bigger defenders. Williams currently holds three offers, with his most recent coming from Miami (OH)
Lorenzo Barber St Mary’s Prep – ‘27 @LORENZOBARBER0
Barber is the second slot receiver in this group who showed up very well on Monday. Barber is a stocky receiver with quick feet and short-area quickness that allows him to get open over the middle with ease. Barber showcased his elite route-running ability during the team period and followed up with a solid performance during the red zone one-on-one drills.
Barber made All-State last year, being the go-to guy on a State championship team, which speaks volumes considering the Eaglets’ receiver room. Barber currently has 2 offers from schools such as Ball State.
Tight Ends
BJ Adams – St. Mary’s Prep ‘27 @BrandonAdamsjr
Adams would be a player every coach would love to have on their team. A TE that can move, catch the ball naturally, and be physical, standing at 6’3 “, 220 lbs. Adams can line up as a normal TE or work outside. He showcased the ability to make a nice back shoulder grab on a fade ball against a really good corner on Monday.
Adams is a solid route runner who utilizes his frame to box out defenders while catching the ball away from his body. The best thing about Adams is that he can also play LB or Rush DE, which gives coaches a number of ways to use him. Adams currently has offers from Miami (OH), UCONN, and Eastern Michigan.
Shane Dasuqi – Clarkston ‘28 @ShaneDasuqi
Shane is an Athletic TE that can go up and get it with his leaping ability. He knows how to contort his body in mid-air to make difficult catches and shield off defenders. Dasuqi lines up regularly as a receiver but projects as a TE at the next level. Dasuqi has one offer so far from Miami (OH), but that list will grow after this year.
Athletes
Jase Behmlander – Saginaw Heritage ‘27 @Jase_behmlander
Jase may have been the most athletic guy at the workout this past Monday, as he ran a 10.8 in the 100-meter dash and jumped a 6’9 in the high jump earlier in the day. Jase has been clocked in the 4.39 range and has had over 1300 all-purpose yards this past season. Jase also put up 225 12x during off-season workouts.
He put that athleticism on full display, showing his route-running ability and explosion during the one-on-one drills, beating defenders easily. Jase shone for the RS Ice during the 7 on 7 season, delivering multiple head taps and patrolling the middle of the field at safety. Jase’s recruitment is wide open, allowing teams to come in and offer one of the most dynamic athletes in the state.
Orion Stanford – Anchor Bay ‘27 @Orion_Stanford2
Stanford will make the switch and compete at Anchor Bay this season. Orion is another track athlete who can play on both sides of the ball and has performed very well the past two years. He has been clocked in the low 4.4 range and has also broken the 110-meter hurdles at his previous school. Stanford took reps at receiver and DB and competed at a very high level this past Monday, being one of the top athletes in the program. Stanford projects as a free safety or a slot receiver at the next level.
Defensive Backs
Rising Stars has multiple DBs who can line up and make plays all over the field. They are taught college-level schemes and are making a big impact on their high schools during the season. Below are this week’s top performers.
Cornerbacks
Wendell Childs – Clarkston ‘27 @wendell_childs
Childs is a coach’s favorite, a 6’2 corner, fluid back pedal with no wasted steps. Childs may be the top corner in the program who can also play inside or at safety. Childs is also a track athlete who is a State Champion in the 400 and made all-state in the 4×4 and 4×8. He currently has offers from Louisville, Miami (OH), and Toledo.
Sam Wallace – Walled Lake Western ‘27 @sam_12wallace
Wallace is another long Corner with great feet, able to bend and make plays on the ball. Wallace has an 80” wingspan, which makes him a strong press corner and one that always stays in phase. Wallace utilized his technique very well during the one-on-one period, where he was always around the ball. He is expected to be a leader this year for his team that will make a deep playoff run. Wallace currently holds 4 offers.
Trenton Gordon – West Bloomfield ‘28 @TrentonGordon_2
Gordon is the fastest-rising prospect in the Rising Stars Program. He made the switch from QB to CB this offseason and has been OFF THE CHARTS with his development. Great feet, strong hands, and most importantly, he is confident. Gordon doesn’t shy away from competition and is often seen covering the top receiver.
He was the top performer in the one-on-one drills on Monday, where he displayed patience, good eyes, and breaking ability. Gordon is expected to start at the corner this year for the Lakers and become one of their top guys.
Nickel/ Hybrid DBs
Caden Blankenburg – St. Mary’s Prep ‘27 @cblankenburg8
Rounding it out for the Eaglets is Blankenburg, who is a ballhawk on the backend. I think he can play in the slot or both safety positions. Great at route recognition and driving on the ball, and can also fly around and cover deep if needed. I liked his hips during the individual period, where he shows good change of direction and is able to get his head around quickly. Very physical during the one-on period. Blankenburg currently has offers from Central Michigan, UCONN, and Miami (OH)
Brice “Showtime” Chandler – West Bloomfield ‘27 @D1_Brice
Chandler is the vocal leader on the defensive side and backs it up with his play. He mainly plays in the slot but can also kick outside or play deep at safety with good eye discipline. Showtime displays good instincts, change of direction, and anticipation as seen during multiple breakups this week.
Safeties
TJ Reaves – Dearborn Fordson ‘27 @TJReaves3
Reaves could also be listed as an athlete as he scored 7 TDs this past season, but he is best suited at the safety position. Moves very well, standing at 6’2; I like him better as a box safety (6 TFLs) where he can roam, be disruptive, and make plays. Reaves currently has 3 D1 offers, including Miami (OH).
Up-and-Coming Prospects to Watch
Caleb Chinyaddza – Salem ‘27 @Caleb_Chinyadza
Physical corner that plays both inside and outside. Good job staying in phase during the one-on-one drills, winning most of his reps.
Jaxson Czerny – Davison ‘28 @JaxsonCzerny
Big 6’3 receiver who should have a breakout season this year. Czerny is a mainstay at the Rising Stars Academy and one of the top receivers during one-on-one drills, making contested catches, showing off his physicality, and strong hands. I think he can also shine as an LB.
Zachary Jones – West Bloomfield ‘28 @zacharyjones_1
Zac is a playmaker who will be one of the go-to guys for the Lakers’ deep receiving corps this year. Jones can play in the slot, outside, and some as a DB. He performed very well all season on the 7-on-7 circuit, especially in Cincinnati, where he hauled in 9TDs in 6 games.
Julian Hayes – Warren Cousino ‘27 @julianhayesjr1_
Hayes is a quick slot receiver who made a couple of guys look silly during Monday’s workout. Looking forward to seeing what he can do this year.
Christian Banks– West Bloomfield ‘27 @ChrisMB_2
Hayes is a guy who can play on both sides of the ball. I like him best as a slot corner, where he does very well in the trail technique, forcing the QB to make a difficult throw over the top.
Mason Hitchcock – Bloomfield Hills Andover ‘27 @mjhitchcock08
Tall Defensive Back standing in the 6’3-6’4 range. I like him as a box safety or a slot corner where he can utilize his length. Has good feet for his size. Hitchcock currently has one offer at Kent State.
Final Takeaway
The Rising Stars private workout once again proved why the program is one of the top pipelines for college-ready talent. From elite quarterbacks to lockdown defensive backs, the level of competition and development was evident across the board.
With multiple state champions, national-level recruits, and emerging prospects in the mix, expect this group to make major noise during the upcoming high school season and continue attracting college programs from across the country.
College coaches will have an opportunity to see the Rising Stars Academy in action this upcoming May 31st at the Midwest Showcase located at Northwood University. See below for details
