Preseason watch list: KLAA North

Justin Santana - RB/DB - Waterford Kettering
Santana can do it all, and that’s what he’s going to do. He’ll run the ball, catch the ball out of the backfield, line up at receiver and probably do a couple of other things while he’s at it. Santana will get as many touches as anyone in the KLAA North and rightfully so, with his speed and athleticism making him one of the most dangerous players in the conference. Pair that with a much improved offensive line, Santana is in line for a big time season.

Matt Okaiye - DL - Waterford Kettering
Last year, Okaiye proved to be one of the divisions top linemen… As a freshman. This year, Okaiye is stronger and faster and will only be a sophomore, that spells trouble for opposing teams for the next three years.

Evan Underdown - QB - Waterford Mott
Underdown was the main source for Waterford Mott last year as a junior, and things should be much easier for the quarterback for the 2011 season, as he will have more weapons at his disposal. Underdown can make the throws, but where he is most dangerous is in the open field where his speed and athleticism really shows.

Zach Leimbach - QB - Walled Lake Central
It’d be pretty hard to imagine the Vikings signal caller to not be on this list. Leimbach has a cannon for an arm and if Central can find a big target for the senior quarterback, it won’t be out of the question for Central to make another deep playoff run.

K.J. Schultz - RB/DB - Walled Lake Central
Schultz gives the Vikings offense another dimension out of the backfield with his quickness. Schultz can run between the tackles and he can bounce the ball to the outside at any given time. The senior running back is a home-run hitter and big things can happen any time he touches the ball.

Chuck Sanders - ATH - Lakeland
If you don’t know about Sanders yet, now would be a good time to do so. Sanders is an athletic freak who will line up at running back, but you could see him line up in a number of places. The Eagles will utilize him in a number of different ways and he will be a difference maker in the KLAA.

Brent Zdebski - LB - Walled Lake Western
Zdebski has racked up the tackles in just about any way possible. As a senior this year, he might be even better. Zdebski and the Western defense will be the key to the Warriors success when the season begins.

Jason Gamble - DL - Walled Lake Western
Gamble can wreak havoc on the run game, and by busting plays in the backfield, his presence instantly makes things easier for the Warriors defense.

Collin O’Donnell - QB - Walled Lake Northern
O’Donnell, only a junior this year, is a pass first quarterback, but can also pull it down and run for a first down. O’Donnell did lose some weapons from last season, but he can create opportunities in a number of ways, which makes him all the more dangerous.

Others: Alec Spurlock, RB, Kettering; Jake Ginster, RB, Northern; Andy Rabaut, LB, Northern; Josh Strange, K, Western; Anthony Waite, DB, Lakeland; Chris Saikalis DL, Mott




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