OC All-Decade - Defensive Lineman

 

1. Gabe Watson (Southfield) - An all-american and two-time all-state defensive lineman in high school and a two-time All-Big Ten selection in college at UofMichigan. Senior year in high school for the Bluejays in 2001 made 80 tackles and collected 10 sacks. Drafted by the AZ Cardinals in the 4th^th round of the NFL Draft in 2006, Watson has been in the league and with the Cardinals organization ever since.

 

2. Will Johnson (Lake Orion) - Possibly the best pass rusher in the county in the 2000s, garnering over 20 sacks during his junior and senior campaigns with the Dragons in 2002 and 2003. Played at the University of Michigan - from 2005-2008 -, where he was All-Academic Big Ten multiple years) in college.

 

3. Mike Martin - (Novi Detroit CC) - Currently in his junior year in college, starting at nose tackle at Michigan, where last season he was named MVP of the team's defensive line. In HS with the Shamrocks was a dominant presence in the trenches, collecting over 205 career tackles (96 his senior year, 36 for loss of yardage, to go along with 7 sacks) in three years starting on the CC varsity. Was named the Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Michigan in 2007. In the winter, Martin doubled as an all-state wrestler

 

4.Tyler Hoover (Novi) - Expected to start at defensive end for the MSU Spartans this season as a redshirt sophomore, after an all-state prep career at Novi. Hoover stacked up 110 tackles and 8 sacks as a senior in 2007.

 

5. Jonathon Strayhorn (Oak Park) - This Oak Park grad was under the radar in recruiting circles but exceptional at his craft, putting up gaudy numbers (120 tackles, 70 solo, 6 sacks) his senior year in 2005. He is slated to compete for time on the 'D-Line for Michigan State this season as a red shirt junior.