Defensive Minded

With the class of 2011 signed, sealed and delivered, the class of 2012 has a more defensive look and plenty of Division 1 schools are fully aware of that. Less than one month after national signing day for the 2011 class, offers are rolling in for some of the top defensive prospects for next year.

*Schools the athletes are considering is according to ESPN.com and Rivals.com*

James Ross- OLB, Orchard Lake Saint Mary’s

Ross, who burst onto the scene as a big time performer as a sophomore in 2009, turned in a dominant 2010 campaign which has grabbed the attention from a number of Big 10 schools. Ross is said to be considering Michigan and Michigan State along with Purdue and Illinois as well as Pittsburgh from the Big East.

Matthew Godin- DT, Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Godin proved to be a dynamic force on the interior for the Shamrocks in 2010, proving that he could stop the run at times and put some pressure on the quarterback. Like Ross, because of Godin’s 2010 season, he has a number of offers on the table from Big 10 schools like Michigan, Michigan State, Northwestern and Purdue.

Mario Ojemudia- DE, Farmington Hills Harrison

Ojemudia has been a match-up nightmare for opponents on a game-in-game-out basis, and proved to play an enormous role in Harrison’s run to the Division 2 state title. Ojemudia showed his power all year long on his way to making 101 tackles and six sacks, a stat line that has caught the attention from in-state powers Michigan and Michigan State, and will continue to catch the eye of several other schools.

Leviticus Payne- CB, Southfield Christian

Payne, a two way player, figures to play in the secondary at the next level, and for good reason. Payne has shown the speed and athleticism to keep up with some of the top receivers in the county, which should translate to the college game well. Payne is looking over offers from Iowa and Toledo and is sure to have more offers on the table by the end of his senior season.