Tecumseh sends four football players on to college ranks

Lenawee County will have football players all over college rosters next fall.

At least 11 area seniors from Lenawee County schools have committed or signed to play college football next fall, including four players from Tecumseh’s record-breaking season from last fall. Interestingly, half of those players are receivers.

On Wednesday, the considered to be National Signing Day, the four Tecumseh players held their signings at the high school with family, coaches and friends.

Ryder Zajac will play at Northwood University, Gavin Chenevey at Hillsdale College, Jobe Benschoter will go to Wayne State and Jaret Alcock will stay close to home and play at Siena Heights University.

Tecumseh head coach Greg Dolson said it was a great day for the football program. He expects at least two more players from last year’s 10-1 team to make college commitments soon.

“We believe this is a reflection of their talents on and off the playing field as well as having a strong set of parents who have supported them,” Dolson said. “Our football program is extremely proud of the work these young men have put in.”

After reaching out to every school in the county, here’s a rundown on this year’s seniors who are planning on playing college football:

Zajac – An All-County tight end, Zajac came on strong early in the season and turned heads as a blocker and receiving threat. He caught 48 passes for 598 yards and 7 touchdowns last season in what was, essentially, his first full varsity football season. His 48 receptions led the county. He signed with Northwood, who is coached by Dustin Beurer, a Deerfield graduate who played for BD in high school and most recently coached at Albion.

It was thought Zajac might decide to play basketball, but he chose football.

“We all know that Ryder can play basketball at a high level, and everyone is aware of his family's connection to the game of basketball,” Dolson said. “Ryder struggled with the idea that he would have to give up his vision of playing college basketball, but everyone at THS and Northwood University believes he made the right choice.”

Alcock – Coach Matt Kohn landed Alcock, who was all-league and all-county. He’s 6-0, 230, and plays offensive and defensive line.

Chenevey – He held multiple offers from colleges in the region and throughout Michigan and chose Hillsdale, a 5-6 team in the G-MAC last year. Dolson said he has a chance to be a high-level football player.

“Everyone in our area and around the state is very much aware of Gavin's athletic ability,” Dolson said.

Chenevey led the county in interceptions with six and was in on 66 tackles.

Benschoter – Another outstanding receiver, Benschoter rebounded from significant injuries during his time at Tecumseh to earn a college scholarship. At Wayne State University, he will be coached by Tyrone Wheatley, who recently accepted the head coaching job there.

Benschoter was named second team All-State by The Detroit News.

Ty Cantrell – The Blissfield senior signed during the early period back in December to play at Ohio Wesleyan University. He had an outstanding season for the Royals, catching 33 passes for 617 yards and six touchdowns.

Easten Strodtman – The Hudson senior added his name to a long list of great Tiger running backs. He rushed for 1,149 yards a year ago while earning All-State honors as a linebacker. He was an integral part of the 2021 Division 8 state champions and is averaging in double figures this season for the Hudson basketball team.

Hudson head coach Dan Rogers said that Strodtman committed to Adrian this week.

Haydn Stover – Stover rushed for 701 yards on just 129 carries last year for Madison. He is another Adrian College commit.

Holden Davies – The Adrian senior committed to Siena Heights University in January and signed this week. The 6-1, 170-pounder was all-league and all-county performer.

Joel Przygodski, Adrian’s head coach, said Siena Heights is getting a good one in Davies.

“I couldn’t be happier for him,” Przygodski said. “He has worked very hard to develop as a student-athlete and it is awesome to see his hard work pay off. I’m very excited for him to get the chance to stay local.”

Collin Davis – One of the best 8-Player football players in the state, the 6-foot-6 Davis committed to Hillsdale soon after the prep football season ended. He was the top receiver in the area with 823 yards and 12 touchdowns last year. He also played on two state championship teams.

Nate Smith – The Clinton product will join the Siena Heights University football next fall. He was first team All-State choice by the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association at linebacker last fall.

Elijah Terrill – Another Adrian senior who will stay local for college football, Terrill will play at Adrian College. He was recruited as a linebacker.

“We are very happy for Eli and are excited to see him progress to the next level,” Przygodski said.

In addition to a couple of local signees, Siena Heights will bring in about 50 players next season.

SHU head coach Matt Kohn said his coaching staff has been busy all off-season going through the recruiting process with dozens of potential Saints.

“We have collected 46 NAIA National Letters of Intent,” Kohn said earlier this week. “I’m very pleased with the class, especially in the offensive and defensive line.”

The Saints didn’t just recruit high school players. They also have dipped into the transfer portal for a quarterback from Wayne State University and a linebacker from Ohio University.

“Both of those guys are players we recruited when they were in high school,” Kohn said.

The Saints are coming off a 5-5 season that included an upset of No. 22 ranked Saint Francis (Ind.).

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Tecumseh sends four football players on to college ranks