The D Zone 7‑on‑7 Shootout in Detroit gathered some of the state's most promising high school football players, offering a rare platform for athletes who often fly under the radar of national recruiting services.
Scouting Highlights
Andre' Dawson, a 5‑foot‑10, 197‑pound senior from Redford Thurston, combined eye‑catching physical metrics — a 500‑pound squat, a 315‑pound bench press and a 4.52‑second 40‑yard dash — with versatility at running back and outside linebacker, yet still awaits his first college scholarship offer.
Christian Gillings, a 5‑9, 150‑pound receiver and defensive back from Farmington, proved that size need not limit impact; his route running and coverage skills attracted attention from Division II programs such as Ferris State, Grand Valley State, Northwood and even an FBS-level look from Bowling Green.
Tatum Moore of Redford Union continued to reshape his profile, adding nearly nine feet to his broad jump and boosting his bench to 285 pounds; the senior now holds offers from Davenport and Lawrence Tech as a running back, underscoring his rapid development.
Rashard Bowens, a 6‑2, 180‑pound quarterback from Waterford Mott, stepped onto the field with the poise of a seasoned starter; mentored by former Southfield A&T standout Isaiah Marshall, Bowens aims to follow that path while targeting 6‑3 receiver Tory Robinson, who already carries a Kent State offer.
Beyond personal stats, Bowens will also serve as a mentor to younger quarterbacks, including St. Mary's transfer Darrius Bracey, ensuring a pipeline of talent that could reshape the local recruiting landscape.
The event also underscored the breadth of collegiate interest, with multiple universities — Central Michigan, Ferris State, Syracuse, Wayne State, Grand Valley State, Northwood, Bowling Green, Davenport, Lawrence Tech, Olivet Nazarene, Iowa State, Kent State and others — actively scouting the participants.