Muskegon’s Andrew Ward
Muskegon has one of the most successful high school football programs in Michigan history. The Big Reds are poised for another run at a state championship and Andrew Ward is a big reason why. I was able to catch up this outstanding prospect for the class of 2017.
The class of 2017 is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory as far as in-state football talent, and Ward is another example of just how deep the class is. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound linebacker prospect already has double-digit scholarships, including offers from teams such as Penn State, Nebraska and Virginia Tech. Rivals.com ranks Ward a 3-star recruit.
On Wednesday, Muskegon attended the Michigan State 7v7 tournament and Ward made numerous big plays. He roamed sideline to sideline from his linebacker spot and had several interceptions. He did this with the Michigan State coaching staff watching on the sidelines.
I asked Ward about his recruitment.
“The process is great as of now I have 10 offers,” Ward said. “I spoke with (co-defensive coordinator/linebackers coach) Mike Tressel. He said they loved my length and my eye for the ball. Everything went well and he said we will be keeping in touch!”
Last year, Ward helped Muskegon to a 9-3 record by racking up 83 tackles and 23 tackles for loss from his middle linebacker spot. He has high expectations for this season.
“The team is looking better than ever,” Ward said. “We fly around in competitions and love the game. Our main goal is to get 14-0 and win State”
If the Big Reds end up a perfect 14-0, it will be the fourth time in the last 13 years they have done so. Muskegon has qualified for the playoffs for 16 consecutive seasons. In addition to winning three championships during that span, they also have been runners-up twice. The expectations at Muskegon are to always to end up at Ford Field.
The Spartans currently have one linebacker commitment for the class of 2017 in Darien Clemons of Piqua High School in Ohio. Clemons is viewed as more of an outside linebacker, while Ward is viewed as someone who could play inside or out. Ward currently plays inside for Muskegon, but has the athletic ability to play any of the three linebacker positions.
The Spartans will graduate Riley Bullough and Ed Davis this year at linebacker, so you can expect they will be selective at the position. The fact that Ward’s primary recruiter is Tressel could improve his chances of receiving an offer from Michigan State. If that happens, the Spartans should be right in the mix.
“I like the program and as far as games and the atmosphere I love it there!” Ward said.
Matt Dorsey is a recruiting analyst for SpartanMag.com and Rivals.com