LOOK: Michigan football WR commit Jaylen Pile makes impressive grab in 7-on-7
LOOK: Michigan football WR commit Jaylen Pile makes impressive grab in 7-on-7
Michigan football has just three commitments in the 2026 class at this juncture with a cornerback, an offensive lineman, and a wide receiver pledged. Recruiting is heating up with spring visits on the horizon as the Wolverines begin spring ball in a matter of days (March 18) but one current maize and blue commitment is making a name for himself off campus as he goes through the 7-on-7 circuit.
2026 Dallas (Tx.) Parish Episcopal School three-star wide receiver Jaylen Pile has been pledged to the Wolverines since Oct. 16. 2024 but on Saturday, he's participating in the Overtime 7-on-7. On3 recruiting and scouting guru Steve Wiltfong happens to be on-hand and captured a moment where Pile managed to high point a throw in the end zone, showing off his impressive ability.
Pile is rated by the On3 Industry Ranking as the No. 615 player in the country, regardless of position. He's rated highest by Rivals which has him as a four-star at No. 217 overall and the ninth-best wide receiver in the country. He's listed at 6-feet, 178 pounds.
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New York Times
2 hours ago
- New York Times
43 thoughts on the Detroit Lions' offensive players
DETROIT — One thought for every offensive player on the Detroit Lions roster. QB Jared Goff: QB1 is motivated now more than ever to win a Super Bowl. QBs coach Mark Brunell said it's the only thing that drives the veteran signal-caller, having accomplished a number of individual feats in his career — including a top-5 MVP finish last season. While it's easy to tie Goff's success to big-name playcallers like Sean McVay and Ben Johnson, maybe it's time to give Goff his flowers. Goff, 30, is at an age where quarterbacks have seen everything this league has to offer. That he's playing the best football of his life as he's aged is no coincidence. He continues to produce at a high level, and another year of this play under John Morton should quiet critics who believe his success is coordinator-driven. Advertisement QB Hendon Hooker: It's Year 3 for Hooker, and it's time for him to establish himself as Detroit's clear-cut No. 2 quarterback. That wasn't the case as a rookie, as he was recovering from a torn ACL suffered in college. You could certainly understand that. And you could understand it to an extent in Year 2, since that was closer to a true rookie season. However, the Lions plucked Teddy Bridgewater out of retirement to serve as Goff's backup ahead of Hooker vs. the Commanders — and ended up needing him. This offseason, they signed Kyle Allen to compete with Hooker for the No. 2 job. The game seemed too fast for Hooker at times last offseason. He was holding onto the balls in 7-on-7s and team periods instead of throwing them. That can't happen anymore. It's go-time. QB Kyle Allen: Allen is here to push Hooker. Plain and simple. It's a smart tactic to apply pressure with a veteran who has starting experience. However, a journeyman like Allen beating out a former third-round pick like Hooker would be a disappointment from a draft capital standpoint. The Lions will go with the best guy, but Hooker should be given every opportunity to beat out Allen. RB Jahmyr Gibbs: Gibbs had an All-Pro-caliber sophomore season, and it remains to be seen what his true ceiling is. He benefits from one of the league's best offensive lines and less wear and tear because of David Montgomery's presence, but Gibbs proved he can elevate this offense when Montgomery went down late last season. He's a special weapon and his skills have helped turn a good offense into a great one. One of the most dynamic players in football. RB David Montgomery: Knuckles to Gibbs' Sonic, Montgomery is a core player on this team. His physical nature makes life easier for Gibbs and harder for opposing defenses. He's excellent in pass protection and is automatic in short-yardage situations, with some underrated wiggle in space. The definition of a ball player, and one-half of the league's best RB tandem. Advertisement RB Craig Reynolds: Reynolds has stuck around as long as he has because he's endeared himself to everyone around him through his work ethic, knowledge of the game, special teams contributions and personality. He knows the protections, the playbook and can be trusted whenever called upon. The Lions value that. RB Sione Vaki: Vaki is the wildcard of the RB room. The Lions selected him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, in part, because GM Brad Holmes woke up feeling like he couldn't leave the weekend without him. His floor as an ace special teamer has already been realized, but Holmes was enamored with Vaki's natural athleticism as a part-time running back, spending most of his time at safety in college. That transition led to minimal offensive snaps as a rookie working with Scottie Montgomery, so it'll be interesting to see where he's at in Year 2 under new RBs coach Tashard Choice. Vaki was limited this spring but we'll learn more when the pads go on. I liked what I saw from him last summer. RB Anthony Tyus: Tyus signed with the Lions as a UDFA, beginning his career at Northwestern before transferring to Ohio. His final season saw him rush for 1,215 yards and nine touchdowns. He had some impressive runs during rookie minicamp. He's a one-cut, downhill power back through and through, and isn't the only one the Lions added. RB Kye Robichaux: A UDFA out of Boston College, Robichaux, like Tyus, is more of a power back. He seeks out contact like his job depends on it — and it often does. He lacks long speed and won't offer much after contact, but the Lions should have space for a back on the practice squad. Both Tyus and Robichaux will have the opportunity to present their cases. WR Amon-Ra St. Brown: St. Brown has developed into a true star, with back-to-back First-Team All-Pro honors. Detroit's offense had more mouths to feed in 2024, but St. Brown remained Goff's go-to receiver. St. Brown revealed he underwent offseason knee surgery to 'clean up' something, but he's expected to be ready to go for training camp. One of the NFL's most consistent receivers, expect another strong year from St. Brown. Advertisement WR Jameson Williams: Lions coaches expect a breakout year from Williams, which is saying something after last year's breakout year. It was the first time Williams began a season as a starter, en route to 1,001 receiving yards in just 15 games. More than anything, it appears the game is slowing down mentally for Williams. Coaches talk about how engaged he's been, the questions he asks in team meetings, and how he's teaching the young receivers the way the Lions do things. That's exactly what you want to hear. Williams' long-term financial fit in Detroit remains a question, but for now, the Lions are happy to have him. WR Tim Patrick: A veteran who had previously struggled with health in Denver managed to play in all 17 games for the Lions last season, shoring up a WR3 competition that unfolded in training camp. Patrick is an excellent blocker and a big-bodied target for Goff in the red zone. He's also an excellent character fit. Back on a one-year deal, Patrick should remain a starter in 2025. WR Isaac TeSlaa: TeSlaa is arguably the most intriguing player on the Lions' roster, considering the draft capital the Lions parted with to acquire him. At 6-foot-4 with 4.4 speed and the ability to make contest catches, he's a ball of clay with endless potential. The Lions are betting on that — and their own infrastructure — moving forward. TeSlaa was a wing-T QB in high school who went the D-II route as he switched to receiver, and was so good he landed in the SEC. He must gain experience beating physical corners in press-man and expanding his route tree, but he's got the goods, the athleticism, the talent and the coaching to reach his potential. WR Kalif Raymond: A steady contributor on offense and a dynamic punt return when he gets going, Raymond is back for another year and remains a key culture figure in the locker room. Beloved by pretty much everyone, he's a sounding board for St. Brown and so many others. WR Dominic Lovett: Lovett is a quick-twitch slot receiver with a vibrant personality and natural charm. He started at Missouri before transferring to Georgia, posting back-to-back 600-yard seasons. Lovett and Raymond are a bit redundant in skill set, so it'll be interesting to see whether the Lions make room for him on the roster or try to stash him on the practice squad. We saw a similar situation unfold with Isaiah Thomas last season, and the Lions ultimately lost him to the Browns. WR Tom Kennedy: Always there when they needed, yet seldom needed. There's peace of mind having Kennedy around. He knows the playbook and is a grinder in every sense. He'll have a place on the practice squad as long as Campbell and company are here. WR Ronnie Bell: In a move that's flown a bit under the radar, the Lions signed former Michigan product Ronnie Bell this offseason. He was a standout in Ann Arbor but faces stiff competition in Detroit. Curious to see if he can separate from a crowded pack, or at the very least, stick around on the practice squad. Advertisement WR Jackson Meeks: Meeks, the nephew of former Lions edge Za'Darius Smith, crossed paths with Lovett at Georgia before transferring to Syracuse for a better opportunity. It helped him eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in his final season. Meeks has good size at 6-foot-2 and is a solid route runner, but his lack of speed (4.64 40) pushed him to UDFA territory. Curious to see if Meeks can stick around on the practice. WR Malik Taylor: A Flint, Mich. native and Ferris State product, Taylor has primarily bounced around practice squads, while dealing with injuries that have ended a couple of seasons prematurely. He's in his hometown now, though — earning a tryout invite for rookie minicamp and parlaying into a signing. Now the veteran will at least get the summer to convince the Lions he can help them in some capacity. WR Jakobie Keeney-James: A shifty UDFA out of UMass, Keeney-James pairs 4.37 speed with a 40-inch vertical out of the slot. A tremendous athlete who could earn some looks in training camp. TE Sam LaPorta: In the eyes of some, LaPorta had a bit of a down year relative to his rookie season. But consider this: LaPorta missed much of training camp, dealt with nagging injuries the majority of the season, and was part of a Lions' offense littered with weapons. He still finished sixth among TEs in receiving yards. Four of the five in front of him were No. 1 receiving options on their teams. LaPorta remains a threat in this offense and continues to improve as a blocker. TE Brock Wright: The Craig Reynolds of the TE room, Wright has the complete trust of the coaching staff in terms of the playbook, protections and the beautiful chaos around him. He's not flashy, but he does his job and gets it done. TE Shane Zylstra: Zylstra is one of those glue guys who has managed to stick around as the roster increasingly strengthens. He's not a lock for the roster, but expect him to contribute this fall when called upon. TE Kenny Yeboah: Signed as a free agent this offseason, Yeboah comes over from the New York Jets after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign. Known more for his special teams contributions than his blocking or receiving, that could be where Yeboah leaves his mark. Advertisement TE/FB Zach Horton: If the Lions are looking to return to the days with a fullback on the roster, Horton would be their guy. Horton is a true throwback player. The former James Madison and Indiana product is an excellent blocker and physical in the run game. Listed as a tight end, he's here primarily for his ability to get after it. Have to think his skill set appeals to guys like Campbell and new TEs coach Tyler Roehl. TE Luke Deal: A UDFA out of Auburn, Deal was invited to rookie minicamp on a tryout and impressed enough to stick around. That's saying something, considering the team waived fellow UDFA Caden Prieskorn, who had been given guaranteed money. Deal was a two-time captain at Auburn. Thought he flashed at rookie minicamp. RT Penei Sewell: A two-time First-Team All-Pro who is somehow only 24 years old, Sewell is entering his true prime. He is, in my opinion, the game's best run-blocking tackle. Big men shouldn't be able to move like him. The heart and soul of this team. Enjoy him for years to come, Detroit. LT Taylor Decker: Decker is still at it, going on Year 8 in Detroit. He's been an above-average tackle for much of his career and earned his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2024 as Sewell's replacement. Decker was banged up last season, but we've yet to see a true decline in play that should warrant a conversation. He's tough as nails and represents everything the Lions are about. G Christian Mahogany: Mahogany is a self-described 'dirtbag' who plays with that mentality on the field. He was excellent as a spot starter in his rookie year, and that was without the benefit of training camp as he recovered from mono. Imagine what he could do with a full offseason, like the one he's been afforded this year? The Lions are hopeful Mahogany can offer them a young, inexpensive option along the offensive line for years to come. We need to see more, but he's off to a good start. G/C Graham Glasgow: There was a time when Glasgow's place on the 2025 Lions seemed murky at best. The Lions have drafted three interior linemen in recent years, and Glasgow is coming off a rough — albeit injury-riddled — season. But after the retirement of All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, Glasgow feels more important than ever. He offers meaningful experience at center and his football IQ might fit better there than at guard at this stage of his career. If the Lions want experience under center this fall, Glasgow will be the starter. G/C Tate Ratledge: Glasgow's biggest challenger would appear to be Ratledge, who took first-team center reps in OTAs. How much should we make of that? Hard to say. Ragnow wasn't around, and the Lions clearly like the idea of Ratledge being able to play both center and guard. If he's the best center in training camp, the job will be his. But this could also be a case of the Lions exposing Ratledge to center duties now so he can take over in 2026. It worked for Ragnow. Regardless, Ratledge should have a clear starting path, one way or another. Advertisement T Giovanni Manu: In a perfect world, Manu replaces Decker down the road and blossoms into the next Jordan Mailata. Worlds are rarely perfect, however, and Manu has plenty of work to do before he's mentioned in that light. But he's got everything you want in a tackle. He's appreciative of his setting and wired the right way, he's a gym rat, he has on-field mentors in Sewell and Decker and one of the game's best teachers in Hank Fraley. He's set up well to succeed. G Miles Frazier: Could the Lions' interior offensive line of the future feature Frazier, Ratledge and Mahogany, in addition to Sewell and Manu? If so, what a haul that would be for Holmes and company? Frazier is your typical mauler in the run game, like Mahogany. Physical at the point of attack. A top-100 prospect in the eyes of The Athletic's Dane Brugler, before falling to the fifth round. He should be ready to go sooner rather than later. C/G Trystan Colon: After the news of Ragnow's retirement spread, the Lions worked quickly to add Colon, a 2020 UDFA out of Missouri who started seven games for the Cardinals last year. Colon has experience at both center and guard in the NFL, and considering Glasgow was the only player with an NFL snap at center under his belt before this move, Colon adds some experience. G/C Colby Sorsdal: Crucial year for Sorsdal — a 2023 fifth-round pick who was a healthy scratch for most of the 2024 season. A former tackle in college, Sorsdal made the switch to guard in the NFL, and has most recently been working at center. It might be his best path to making the team with an influx of talent along Detroit's offensive line. T Dan Skipper: A fan favorite whose place on the team was once decided annually on cutdown day, Skipper is one of the guys now. He is Detroit's jumbo tight end, a tone-setter in practice and the reserve most trusted to take the field when a starting tackle goes down. He has his limitations, but the Lions like what he brings to the table. G Kayode Awosika: Awosika has been a mainstay in Detroit over the years, often stepping in when a guard has been hurt in games. Last season, Mahogany filled that void. The Lions have added a handful of guards since then. Awosika is a smart player and an easy-going locker room presence, which the Lions value. Can he play some center to increase his value? C/G Michael Niese: Niese was Detroit's No. 3 center last season behind Ragnow and Glasgow, and saw some action in mop-up duty a few times. He made the roster out of training camp, but again, there will be more competition in 2025. Advertisement C Kingsley Eguakun: A multiyear starting center out of Florida, Eguakun was viewed as a Day 3 prospect before going undrafted in 2024. The Lions stashed Eguakun on their practice squad and have quietly been developing him behind the scenes. I'm keeping an eye on him. Think he has a chance to work his way onto the roster before the year is over. T Jamarco Jones: Campbell sometimes refers to the practice squad as the 'vet squad,' and it makes sense when you consider players like Jones sticking around. Jones was drafted in 2015 out of Ohio State and signed with the Lions last August. Just knowing a player with seven career starts is around in case you need him has to be a comforting feeling for Campbell and his staff. G Netane Muti: Muti is a bit of a mystery. He was signed by the Lions in February 2024, suffered a season-ending injury in training camp and missed the entire season, but would still poke his head around the locker room from time to time. Now he's back for another go at it. Muti has four career starts in the NFL. Vet squad candidate? T Mason Miller: Miller, a UDFA out of North Dakota State, brings eye-popping size at 6-foot-7 and some familiarity to the tackle position. He's now reunited with Roehl — NDSU's offensive coordinator before leaving in 2024 to coach RBs at Iowa State — in Detroit, and will look to impress this summer. With four preseason games, he'll have plenty of opportunities to prove he belongs.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Notre Dame 2026 edge target McHale Blade chooses the Michigan Wolverines
Notre Dame 2026 edge target McHale Blade chooses the Michigan Wolverines A Notre Dame target from the Class of 2026 has decided to play college football elsewhere. McHale Blade, who had offers from USC, Georgia and Florida among many others outside of the Fighting Irish, announced his commitment to Michigan Monday 6-foot-4, 245-pound four-star edge from Simeon (Chicago, IL) received his offer from the Wolverines last May and took his official visit to Ann Arbor the weekend of June 6. But Notre Dame was considered a strong contender for Blade prior to his official visit to Michigan. Obviously Blade's time was a success for both parties, and the Wolverines are up to eight commitments in the 2026 class. Blade is ranked No. 5 in the state of Illinois and No. 21 at his position in his class, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. Despite losing out on Blade, the Irish currently have three defensive linemen in the fold for their very strong 2026 class, and they remain in the mix for several top prospects. Contact/Follow us @IrishWireND on X (Formerly Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Notre Dame news, notes, and opinions. Follow Dave on X: Miller_Dave
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Wisconsin football top class of 2026 target commits to a familiar Big Ten rival
Wisconsin football top class of 2026 target commits to a familiar Big Ten rival Wisconsin top class of 2026 target, edge rusher McHale Blade, committed to the Michigan Wolverines on Monday. The Simeon High School prospect was one of the top players to visit the Badgers on May 30, but instead chose to continue his playing career at Michigan after visiting Ann Arbor on June 6. 247Sports ranks the four-star recruit as the No. 169 player in the class of 2026, the No. 21 defensive lineman and the No. 5 player from the state of Illinois. He joins a Michigan class of 2026 that currently ranks No. 40 nationally with eight players committed. Other top programs on his offer sheet include Notre Dame, USC, Georgia, Miami, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Texas A&M. Blade headlined Wisconsin's May 30 official visit group, which also included four-star prospects running back Amari Latimer, wide receiver Jayden Petit, offensive tackle Kamari Blair and athlete Jackson Ford. While it's tough for Wisconsin to see a top target chose an in-conference rival, the Badgers have plenty of top targets making their commitment decisions in the coming weeks. Wisconsin's class of 2026 currently ranks No. 36 nationally and No. 10 in the Big Ten with 11 players committed. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
