Orchard Lake St. Mary's Recruiting Roundup

In case you weren't aware of just how good the Orchard Lake St. Mary's backfield was this past season, consider this:

Senior quarterback Matt Linehan recently committed to play for the University of Idaho at the beginning of this week. (Side Note: Linehan's father and current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator also played quarterback for the Vandals in the early 80's)

Then on Thursday night, running back Parker McInnis also made the leap to the next level, as he committed to play for Grand Valley State, which has continued to load up on Oakland County stars for the 2013 class.
Linehan and McInnis are joining Grant Niemiec as Eaglet backfield members who will be spending at least the next few years playing football at the college level, as Niemiec committed to play for Miami (OH) during the season.

Last season, Linehan was just about as effective as it gets as the St. Mary's signal caller recorded 15 touchdown while throwing just two interception and threw for nearly 1,500 yards on his way to leading St. Mary's to the state title game for the fourth consecutive year.

McInnis put together a memorable performance in the state title game as the senior rushed for 269 yards on just 25 carries on his way to helping the Eaglets break the state finals rushing yards record as St. Mary's finished with nearly 600 yards on the ground in an overtime loss to Grand Rapids Christian.

Niemiec will be joining former St. Mary's running back Spencer McInnis (Brother of Parker) at Miami (OH) next season. McInnis played a key role in the Eaglet's state title run in 2011.

More St. Mary's Recruiting Notes
- Junior Wide Receiver Jalen Watts-Jackson recently received an offer to play for Idaho, shortly after Linehan committed to play for the Vandals. Jackson will likely see plenty more D-1 offers over the course of the next 12-13 months before next year's signing day.

- Just a couple of weeks until National Signing Day, and I can't help but be surprised that offensive/defensive lineman Austin Johnson has continued to fly below the recruiting radar. Johnson proved to be a matchup problem all season long for teams regardless of division. Whoever is able to land Johnson will be getting a steal.