Michigan fields six in the first 2017 Rivals 250

The first numerical Rivals250 for the class of 2017 was released today at noon, with the state of Michigan fielding six players, including four on defense. Detroit Cass Tech led the way with two players, while wide receiver and defensive back were the most popular positions, with two each. So who came in at numero uno in the Great Lakes State?

Cass Tech wide receiver, Donovan Peoples-Jones, grabbed the top spot in Michigan, at No.55 nationally. The 6-2, 188-pounder is a freak of an athlete, which just happens to be the nickname he was given, because of his speed, size, and jumping ability all combined into one. Peoples-Jones currently holds offers from just about everyone in the country, including Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, USC, Miami, and Notre Dame, and figures to see his stock grow even more. He is currently competing in The Opening in Oregon.

Detroit King may have the fastest player in the state on their squad, in two-way standout, Ambry Thomas. He made the list at No.133 in the nation, and number two in the state. He is listed as a cornerback, which he will probably end up playing at the next level, but also has tremendous wide out skills at 5-11, 165-pounds. His offer sheet is impressive as well, with Arkansas, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, LSU, and Wisconsin all coveting this special athlete.

Detroit Cass Tech is known as "DBU" in Michigan with all of the defensive backs they've produced over the years, and Donovan Johnson is another good one of that program. The No.155 spot is where he came in at, which is pretty good for him. He's only about 5-10, but so were many of the other cornerbacks from Cass Tech. And like them, he can ball. He only has three total offer so far, but that'll change over time. SO far, Toledo, Cincinnati, and Tennessee are his offers.

The first player to earn an offer from the state of Michigan in the class of 2017 was Orchard Lake St. Mary's linebacker, Joshua Ross, who came in at the No.166 spot. Other players have since caught up with Ross, whose older brother, James, plays the same position at Michigan. Many think the younger Ross, who is of the same build, is a Michigan lean, but Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Oklahoma are all after him as well.

Does the name, Andre Rison, sound familiar? Well he played football in the NFL and at Michigan State. And his son, Hunter Rison, of Ann Arbor Skyline, figures to follow in his dad's footsteps, at least to Michigan State, where the 5-11, 190-pounder is committed. He came in at No.185 in the nation, and does have other offers from Arizona State and Akron.

The lone player on the west side of the state is 6-3, 246-pound defensive end, Corey Malone-Hatcher. No.223 is where he fell at on the list. But with his offer list, you would think that he would have been ranked higher. Either way, only schools like Alabama, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Tennessee are after this speed-rusher.