Michigan's Top Junior Football Stars: The 2028 Class Making Waves

From all-state athletes to state champions and Division-I college commits, the Grand Rapids area is loaded with talented football players this fall. Now, as part of a multi-week project recognizing the area's best football players, we're taking a look at the top juniors that have shined on the gridiron this season.

The 2028 class is packed with standout performers who are already making a name for themselves on the field. Here's a look at the players who have caught our attention so far, and you can vote for the one that stands out most. Readers have unlimited voting until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, and the results will be announced on Monday.

What makes this junior class special?

This group of juniors features a mix of versatile playmakers, dominant linemen, and lockdown defenders. Many of these athletes are already drawing interest from top college programs across the country, with several holding multiple Division-I scholarship offers.

Note that this list is only juniors, and we will highlight the top sophomores and freshmen next week. Click here to read about the area's top senior football players.

Top junior offensive playmakers

Jack Cummings, Rockford - The speedy slot receiver has been a consistent producer for a Rockford offense that has relied heavily on its passing game this season, but he's also shown his versatility by being a threat to run the ball on jet sweeps, and he has even thrown a touchdown pass this year.

Finn Galloway, Holland - Blessed with strong hands and blazing speed, Galloway is the top weapon for a Holland team that's averaging 36 points per game. Holland is down to its third-string quarterback after injuries to the position in consecutive weeks, so it will be interesting to see if Galloway's role evolves in the new offense, though he did catch a touchdown pass from converted receiver Julius Hall in last week's loss to Fruitport.

Jayce Hopewell, Grandville - The 5-foot-11, 175-pound running back burst onto the high school football scene this season while filling in for an injured DJ Hardiman, and though Grandville's No. 1 ball carrier has since returned to the lineup, Hopewell has continued to get significant work, combining for three touchdowns in the past two weeks for the 2-4 Bulldogs.

Crue Huisman, Lowell - An all-conference receiver a year ago, Huisman has continued to develop into one the area's top pass catchers and was instrumental in Lowell's stunning 35-34 comeback win over St. Joseph, collecting 131 yards and a touchdown on seven grabs in that game. Huisman has also returned a punt for a touchdown and is a threat to score every time the ball touches his hands.

Garner Hulst, Hamilton - Speaking of players that can find the end zone in a variety of ways, Hulst accomplished the rare feat of scoring five touchdowns four different ways in Hamilton's win over Holland Christian, opened a lot of eyes to the junior receiver's talent level. Last week, Hulst scored three touchdowns and intercepted a pass against Wayland, and the Hawkeyes will continue to rely on the 6-foot-3, 185-pound athlete for big plays down the stretch.

Wyatt Kloosterhouse, Coopersville - The versatile slot receiver has emerged as one of Coopersville's top pass catchers, even setting a record for receptions in a game with 15 earlier this year, and he has also contributed heavily to the Bronco ground game, including a 251-yard performance in a win over Cedar Springs.

Henry Vandenberg, Comstock Park - The 6-foot-5, 190-pound receiver is a matchup nightmare for cornerbacks and has been a bright spot for the 2-4 Panthers, collecting 16 catches for 258 yards and five touchdowns in the last four weeks alone.

Justin Ungurean, Lowell - The first-year starting quarterback has stepped in nicely as a replacement for all-state signal caller Logan Dawson, and while he's not the same type of running threat as his predecessor, Ungurean has enough speed and awareness to extend plays and use his strong arm to drive the ball down field.

Dominant junior linemen and defenders

Kenneth Harris, East Kentwood - At 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Harris has ideal size for the cornerback position, and that's a big reason why he holds scholarship offers from eight Division-I college football teams. Those measurables also translate to on-field production, as Harris is coming off a sophomore season that saw him log 17 tackles and an interception. This year, he has helped the undefeated Falcons limit opponents to 15 points per game.

Eli Langejans, Forest Hills Eastern - Eastern has built a reputation for producing talented linemen, and the 6-foot-3, 240-pounder appears to be next in that list. One of the top blockers on an offense that's averaging 249 rushing yards per game, Langejans has also contributed 24 tackles (4.5 for loss) and 1.5 sacks for a defense that is holding opponents to 21 points per contest.

Austin Nelson, East Kentwood - Another Division-I college football prospect from East Kentwood's secondary, Nelson holds offers from seven Power-Four programs, including Washington, Kentucky and Pittsburgh. His production this season has reflected his offer sheet, as the 6-foot, 175-pound defensive back has two interceptions, two touchdown receptions and two more return scores for the 6-0 Falcons.

Walker Roosien, GR Catholic Central - Part of Catholic Central's loaded junior class, the 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman is on track to be a four-year starter at a powerhouse program that has gone 23-7 since his arrival.

Brody Shilts, South Christian - The 6-foot-2, 185-pound athlete began last season as a starting safety, but transitioned to quarterback to give the Sailors a run-first option, and while his time on offense this year has been limited to Wildcat packages, he's been consistently strong in the secondary, highlighted by a game-sealing interception in the win over Unity Christian.

Tanner Snip, GR Catholic Central - The 6-foot-1, 205-pound linebacker was Catholic Central's second-leading tackler last season behind current Purdue Boilermaker Brayden Sweeney, and he's putting together another strong season, tallying 20 tackles, including three for loss, through the Cougars' first four games.

Ky Spencer, Caledonia - The only sophomore to make an appearance on last year's OK Red all-conference team, the 6-foot-2, 260-pound Spencer now anchors an offensive line that has helped Caledonia average 36 points per game against a tough schedule.

Odin Spencer, GR Catholic Central - The 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback is in his third year as a starter at Catholic Central, and he has led the Cougars to a 23-7 record in that span, including a state semifinal appearance in 2024. A dual-threat quarterback capable of making plays with his arm and his legs, Spencer has Division-I scholarship offers from Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (OH) and Western Michigan.

Grayson Tidd, GR Catholic Central - The 6-foot-1, 190-pound athlete has been a contributor in Catholic Central's secondary since his freshman season, and he's coming off a sophomore campaign that saw him collect 24 tackles, one stop for loss, one interception, four pass breakups and one fumble recovery for a Catholic Central defense that allowed 9.6 points per game. This year, he has resumed his role as a lockdown cornerback, while also adding some explosiveness to the offense at the receiver position. Tidd has scholarship offers from eight Division-I programs, including Iowa and Pittsburgh.

Tommy Wilbon, GR Catholic Central - The 6-foot-5, 300-pound lineman with a 7-foot-2 wingspan has the frame of a college football player, so it's no surprise he holds scholarship offers from Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Akron and Miami (OH). Catholic Central is happy that he'll be protecting the quarterback and opening running lanes for the next two years, as the Cougars aim for their first state title since 2023.

Malachi Young, GR Catholic Central - The 6-foot-2, 225-pound edge rusher is putting together a strong season for a unit allowing 16 points per game against a tough slate of opponents. Through the Cougars' first four games, Young tallied 21 tackles (7 for loss), three sacks and 16 quarterback pressures.

How to vote for the top junior player

Readers have unlimited voting until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, and the results will be announced on Monday. Vote for the junior player that stands out most to you.

This article was adapted from original reporting by John Damon for mlive.