Vote: Who is No. 1 high school football player in area?

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The best high school football players in the area.

It is a tough list to make, especially since we only have room for 10. But as we kick off the 2018 high school football season, the list below is who we consider the top 10 players in the Enquirer's readership area.

They are the players leading their teams to victories, the players dominating at their positions and putting up record numbers in yards and points. And they are the players getting noticed by college scouts as some of the best recruits our area has to offer.

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So read on to find out who are the Top 10 players in the area and why, as we count down the most dynamic and talented players for 2018 (in alphabetical order):

MORE: COMPLETE LIST OF 2018 HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SCHEDULES

Enquirer's Top 10

Aidan Belew - Marshall

Why is he on our list? Marshall has long been known as a quarterback school, sending Ryan VanDyke to Michigan State and Evan Sharpley to Notre Dame, so when one of the top players on the team is at quarterback for the Redhawks, you take notice. Belew didn't start as a junior, but showed immense athletic ability all over the field and made an impact. Marshall did play Belew at quarterback in the regular-season finale last year and saw enough potential to give him the starting job this year. Belew is expected to use his arm and his feet to beat defenses this season.

Position: Quarterback

Size/Class: 5-11, 185/Senior

40-yard time: 4.7

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens rookie QB) or Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns rookie QB) because of the way they can play on their feet."

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I am a dual threat. I can run, I can throw. I can do anything needed to help my team win."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "He wasn't the starting quarterback last year, played wideout, played DB, played special teams, but we put him at quarterback in the last game and we liked we saw. Just overall, he is very athletic and we feel like we can put him anywhere on the field and he will be successful," Marshall coach Jason Stealy said.

Goals for the season?: "No. 1 on my list is really to lead the team to the playoffs. Individually I want to limit my turnovers, have a high completion rate and have high touchdown numbers."

Recruiting Talk: "Have two NAIA offers already and have talked to several MIAA schools. They all like me as an athlete, but say I could get a chance to play quarterback as well."

Gino Costello - Bellevue

Why is he on our list? A record-breaking quarterback already at Bellevue, Costello still has his senior year to put up numbers seldom seen in this area. Costello has already thrown for nearly 5,000 career yards and has 50 touchdown passes in three seasons. Last year, Costello was a leader on a state-ranked team in Bellevue's first season in 8-man football, which advanced to the state semifinals before losing to Deckerville. The athletic quarterback is the focus of a wide-open offensive attack that should have the Broncos in contention for the playoffs once again.

Position: Quarterback/Safety

Size/Class: 6-0, 175/Senior

40-yard time: 4.9

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "I always liked Kirk Cousins (former MSU quarterback), always liked the way he was on and off the field."

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I love to throw the ball. Love running the offense out there. It's an adrenaline rush and love to help my team win and we've been lucky enough to run up some pretty good numbers."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "He has great experience, has started every game since he was a freshman. He has great composure, has a really good arm and is really accurate. He knows every bit of the offense and he has put up some good numbers in that offense," Bellevue coach Brett Wesner said.

Goals for the season?: "Want to make up for that final loss we had last year, got a taste of the road to the finals last year and don't want to fall short this year. Individually, I already broke the passing record and it's just numbers, so that's not something I think about. But would like to pass for 2,000 yards again."

Recruiting Talk: "Checking out some schools, but not anything serious right now. But would love to keep playing football after high school."

Ben Geno - Pennfield

Why is he on our list? At his height and weight, Geno is one of the biggest players on this list. And with his experience, he could be one of the best linemen in the area in 2018. Geno will be coached this year by Mike Clothier, who has taken over the Pennfield program this year. That coach/player combination could work well for the Panthers, as Clothier is considered one of the best linemen in Pennfield history and played at Grand Valley State. Geno also has the family tradition working for him, as his father Doug Geno is also in the discussion as one of the top linemen ever at the school and played at Central Michigan.

Position: Offensive tackle/Defensive tackle

Size/Class: 6-5, 240 pounds/Senior

40-yard time: 5.0

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "I love Eric Fisher because he was a No. 1 draft pick out of Central Michigan."

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "Before, I had the strength and the size, but now I have learned how to use my technique. Now that I have both, I feel like I am a better player."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "I think he has a hard-nosed personality, he his really coachable, he has quick feet and he really wants to play at the next level so he pushes himself to be better," Pennfield coach Mike Clothier said.

Goals for the season?: "Want to have a good time with my friends and if we take care of that, we'll have a good season. Individually I'm shooting to make all-state, but that's a high goal."

Recruiting Talk: "Have been talking to and have some opportunities at some D-2 schools. See how that plays out during the season."

Ke’Ondre Glass - Battle Creek Central

Why is he on our list? Glass is one of the more athletically gifted players on this list, winning the 200-meter dash in regionals last year in track and advancing to the state meet as well as being a top basketball player in the area. His best sport for the next level could be football, as he has the potential to be a game-changer at receiver and averaged 19.3 yards per catch last year. His total package of speed, height and good hands has college scouts knocking on the door of the BCC coaching office.

Position: Wide receiver/safety

Size/Class: 6-3, 180/Senior

40-yard time: 4.45

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "I like Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons) because he is a freak athlete and always makes amazing catches."

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I am a physical wide receiver and like catching the ball in traffic and making plays for my team."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "He is a talented receiver, great speeds, great hands. His challenge is to rise to the level of the competition in order to be the best he can be. When he's at the top of his game, he is a very good player," BCC coach Lorin Granger said.

Goals for the season?: "I want to break the receiving record at Central and want to help make a difference and get us back to the playoffs."

Recruiting Talk: "Schools like Michigan State and Western are talking to me and they want to see how my senior year goes. They like my speed and how I go after the ball. Teams that are doing more than talking right now are Ferris and Grand Valley."

Jalonty Hervey – Harper Creek

Why is he on our list? He was the leading rusher and leading scorer on a Harper Creek team that was undefeated in the regular season and won the Interstate 8 Conference. A 1,000-yard rusher already, Hervey has the potential to take the next step his senior year as he is one of the few returning starters on the squad and could be highlighted even more by the Harper Creek offensive coaching staff.

Position: Running back

Size/Class: 5-11, 180/Senior

40-yard time: 4.5

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "I like the style of Marshawn Lynch (Oakland Raiders) in terms of guys who have been around. And my style is a little like Saquon Barkley (New York Giants).

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I am aggressive, I like to hit. I'm not saying, let me juke you, I say let me hit you. But if I get loose I have some speed also."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "He has great size and speed. His explosiveness is what makes him special. He sees the field, he's fast and he's a load to bring down."

Goals for the season?: "I want to do what I did last year, help take us as far as we went last year, maybe get back to the semifinals or make it all the way. Also pushing for that 1,500 yards this year."

Recruiting Talk: "Hope to get some offers at the Division 2 level. It's kind of slow right now. I'll take offers from anywhere right now, just hoping to have a big senior year to open some eyes."

Chris Kubasiak – St. Philip

Why is he on our list? Kubasiak is the leading rusher, scorer and tackler for a St. Philip team that made the playoffs last year in 8-man football. Set for a big senior season, Kubasiak could improve on those offensive numbers as the Tigers will lean heavily on the running game this year with an improved offensive line, which features two players hovering around 300 pounds. The only returning player on the Enquirer 'Top 10' list from a year ago, Kubasiak brings a blend of speed and strength that is dangerous in small-school football.

Position: Running back/Linebacker

Size/Class: 5-10, 180 pounds/Senior

40-yard time: 4.9

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "I don't watch too much NFL or college, so I can't really answer that."

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I like to bring a lot of intensity to the field, not only for myself, but for my teammates. I like to get everyone ready for the next play. I run the ball hard, I like to take people head on, go full speed ahead and break tackles."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "He is going to be our featured running back. He is going to carry the ball the majority of the time. He's strong, he's fast, has the experience, he's a captain and he's a leader on and off the field. We expect him to have a big year," St. Philip coach David Downey said.

Goals for the season?: "I want us to go 9-0 so this group of seniors can go out on top. But I also want to help all the young players in the program, because I not only care about my season this year, I care about future seasons of St. Philip football and these young kids need to get some experience so we can continue to have a strong program in future years."

Recruiting Talk: "I know I'm not a large guy, so I'm not thinking too much about opportunities to play beyond high school. Just looking to go all out this year."

Jake Lane – Climax-Scotts

Why is he on our list? The leading player on and off the field in one of the strongest small-school programs in the state, Lane had to be on this list of top players. The Climax-Scotts quarterback makes the wing-T offense work for the Panthers, who will again be a contender for a deep run in Division 8 football. With standout athletic ability, Lane will mostly beat teams with his feet on keepers, but can hurt opponents with the pass if they try to cheat against the run. He's also a returning starter at safety on defense. One of the smartest athletes in the county, Lane has opportunities for scholarships in academics or football at some of the top institutions in the country.

Position: Quarterback/Safety

Size/Class: 6-0, 170 pounds/Senior

40-yard time: 4.9

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback) because he is confident and has worked his tail off to get to where he is."

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I'd say I am very unselfish. I am not here to run up my stats. I am here to help my team win and  I am the person to get everyone together and calm everyone down and says, 'This is what we have to do, let's get it done.'"

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "He is a three-year varsity starter and a key player for us on the field. But for him, it's all about what is going on above the shoulders. If he wanted, he would have opportunities to play football at a school like MIT, but recently he told me his passion is really rocket science, so he's not sure if he wants to play football and he's applying to schools like Harvard and Purdue," Climax-Scotts coach Kevin Langs said.

Goals for the season?: "Just want to be the best I can be. I am in the role as the starting quarterback at the last 11-man team we'll have here at Climax-Scotts and I want to do well in that role. We are always talking about championships here at Climax-Scotts, so those are always the goals for us as well."

Recruiting Talk: "Was talking to coaches there about playing football at MIT, but ultimately my decision is to go to school for computer science at Michigan or Purdue."

Dylan Targgart - Coldwater

Why is he on our list? Targgart is a multi-dimensional tight end on a Coldwater team that has dominated on offense in recent years. Targgart is a big body used in the blocking game, but also has the athletic ability to get downfield and be a help in the passing game. Also one of the strongest players in the area, Targgart won the state championship in both the shot put and the discus as a junior last spring and will most likely compete at the next level in track instead of football.

Position: Tight end/linebacker

Size/Class: 6-3, 235 pounds/Junior

40-yard time: 4.9

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: Kyle Rudolph (tight end for Minnesota Vikings/Notre Dame)

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I feel like the biggest part of my game is my aggressiveness. A lot of people have ability, but they aren't aggressive enough, they hesitate and that makes a difference. I also feel like I bring some strength to the field. I spend a lot of time lifting in the offseason."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "He is not only naturally gifted, but he has great work ethic. He won't be outworked by anybody and he is probably the strongest player on our team. He is getting recruited for football, but I tell coaches to hold on because it looks like he going into shot and discus in college. A lot of big schools after him for that," Coldwater coach Jeff Schorfhaar said.

Goals for the season?: "Would love it if we make the playoffs again, and maybe get a few wins in the postseason and a conference championship. I also want to take a leadership position this year on the team."

Recruiting Talk: "I pretty much want to do track in college. It would take a lot to change that and make me play football. Michigan and Michigan State came to watch me at the state track meet."

Jalen Watkins - Lakeview

Why is he on our list? The leader in rushing and touchdowns last year as junior for Lakeview, Watkins is a 1,000-yard rusher who made it happen from his running back spot in 2017. With a new offense under a new coach this year, Watkins could be even more dangerous as he switches to quarterback. In the shotgun, spread-option offense, Watkins will have the ability to read defenses and run at any time as he will be a threat on every play. His blend of quickness and hard-nosed running could help the new Spartan offense get off to a quick start.

Position: Quarterback/Safety

Size/Class: 5-10, 180/Senior

40-yard time: 4.49

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "I like Le'Veon Bell (former MSU running back) because he is really shifty and also has power."

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I just like to get the first down, so whatever it takes to get the first down, that's what I'm going to do. Playing a new position this year at quarterback and that's coming along."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "Jalen is very fast, very quick and has a nose for the ball and for the extra yard. Is very instinctive and plays with a lot of intensity," Lakeview coach Jerry Diorio.

Goals for the season?: "We want to make the playoffs this year, have a better record than we did last year. Individually, I just want to have a fun senior year and end my high school career right." 

Recruiting Talk: "Still deciding if I want to play baseball or football in college. Talking to some D-2 schools about football, Ferris and Grand Valley."

Tyshaan Williams - Battle Creek Central

Why is he on our list?: Williams has the chance to be 'the next big thing' at Battle Creek Central as the sophomore is already seen as a Division 1 recruit. With the size and strength already of a college running back, Williams showed flashes as a freshman last year as a role player. He has the chance to be the main ball carrier this season and looks to be the best running back prospect in the area since former Bearcat Larry Caper, who played at Michigan State.

Position: Running back/Defensive end

Size/Class: 6-0, 210/Sophomore

40-yard time: 4.57

Player you are most like at college/NFL level?: "I like Le'Veon Bell because he is so explosive. He just runs so hard."

Why are you a 'Player to Watch'? (according to player): "I am a power runner, but I'm also fast. Once I break a tackle, I can get upfield. I am an agile athlete."

Why is he a 'Player to Watch?' (according to coach): "Athletically, there are no questions about Tyshaan, he looks the part of a great running back. In terms of maturity, he has to improve a bit and we know that's a lot to ask because he's just a sophomore, just turned 15. But we kind of need him to be older than he is if he going to take the next step," BCC coach Loren Granger said.

Goals for the season?: "Our big goal is to make the playoffs. It would be the first team in a decade to do that here. Would also like to run for 1,000 yards this year."

Recruiting Talk: "Talking to Michigan, couple of other schools. They just saying, keep doing what you're doing. I think I have the potential to be a D-1 player."

Contact Bill Broderick (269) 966-0678 or bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on Twitter @billbroderick.

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