The best 18 multi-sport (football and basketball) athletes in Michigan in 2024

Written by
Alec Brzezinski
Published
08/26/2024
Photo Credit
Jeff Corrion

High school football is just around the corner, as two-a-days have been kicking players back into shape.

Across the state of Michigan, there are a plethora of next-level football players. But how many are great at both football and basketball?

Here’s 18 of the best dual-sport (football/basketball) players in the state. Some who will have to choose between impressive college offers for both sports:

Jayden Savoury, 6-6, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s - The best football-basketball player in the state. Savoury has signed with Michigan State to play tight end for new head coach Jonathan Smith. He could, theoretically, join the likes of Matt Trannon and Keon Coleman to play both basketball and football in East Lansing after helping the Eaglets win a D1 hoops state title last winter.

Corey Sadler, 5-11, Cass Tech - One of the best junior football players in the nation, Sadler could become an NFL prospect on offense or defense. He’s a five-star football recruit. He’s also a savvy point guard who uses his physical frame to break down presses and get to the basket. He will almost certainly play football in college, but he’d also be a next-level basketball recruit.

Lincoln Keyes, 6-6, Saline - He picked up 29 offers in football from a lot of big-name, Power-4 schools. He can stretch the field with his speed and also has a big frame to catch tough passes. He’s equally effective at WR or TE. Already a major contributor in basketball, his role will certainly increase with four-star national recruit Jon Sanderson transferring out of state. He’s a great finisher and rebounder on the block. Very difficult to box out, so he snags a lot of offensive rebounds.

Amir Morelan, 6-1, Port Huron Northern - An impressive basketball player who displays consistent determination, athleticism and versatility. It was not shocking to find he might be an even better football player. One of his most impressive traits in both sports is balance. He’s rarely, if ever, knocked off his intended point of attack.

Darrin Strey, 6-7, Paw Paw - One of the most football-leaning players on the list. Strey has signed to play offensive line at Kentucky after receiving a hoard of offers. He’s a mountain in the trenches, unlikely to be moved very often throughout the season. In hoops, Strey will be the leader and post presence to help balance a young, talented group of guards.

Camden Fall Thompson, 6-6, Whitehall - The three-sport star (track) is expected to play both football and basketball at Western Michigan. Terrific size for both sports. He has incredible leaping ability which helps him make plays in both sports. A must-see player whether on the field or the court, who throws down some highlight-reel dunks.

Max Jansenvanvuren, 6-6, Waterford Mott - A physical freak in football, who still has tons of untapped potential. He’s the kind of athlete who will get D1 football offers even if the production never completely matches his physical tools. A great post presence in hoops, who often willingly does the dirty work with the occasional monstrous dunk.

Kadale Williams, 6-3, Jackson Lumen Christi - Williams earned all-region honors in both sports last year. Lumen Christi seems to always pump out great athletes, and Williams could be the next special one. He has signed with Central Michigan to play football, as he’s excelled as a running back and safety. He’s also a big, skilled guard on the court who won’t back down from anyone.

Isaac Lee, 6-1, Byron Center - He has really bulked up over the last year-plus. He packs a punch on the football field, using his strength, size and determination on both sides of the ball. He’s also a great leader. For basketball, he’s a 3-point shooting threat who can lead the offense and get to the basket. He will likely be a football player at the next level.

Phoenix Glassnor, 6-0, Warren De La Salle - A three-sport star who was once hailed as a future baseball star. However, this summer, he committed to Toledo for basketball. He’s a tremendous receiver, never scared of anything. Similar to Kalif Raymond - current Lions slot receiver. In hoops, Glassnor consistently gets good, clean looks and often converts from all over the court. He makes sports look easy.

Carson Carswell, 6-3, Mason - He’s a The D Zone Player of the Year candidate in football who will look to bring Carswell back to Ford Field in D3. He’s one of the most accomplished senior QBs in the state who is committed to play at Western Illinois. He’s also a physical, gritty guard on the court, who was a key part of Mason’s underrated 20-3 season last winter.

Tristan Comer, 6-6, Freeland - Comer, a junior, is garnering some D1/D2 looks in both sports. It looked like he was gaining more momentum as a football player, but he dominated on the court during summer-league games. He’s a great 3-point shooter and can be a rugged force in the paint. For football, he’s a growing tight end prospect who has plenty of upside.

Donovan Hamlin, 6-4, Flint Carman-Ainsworth - Hamlin might be even better than advertised at both sports. Physically dominant as a shorter post player on the court. He can fight through traffic and is a double-double threat every night. As a football player, Hamlin still stands out on the field even among a group of chiseled athletes. He uses his basketball skills to be a constant deep-ball threat and has a ton of upside at receiver. We’re excited to see him as a senior.

Graham Junge, 6-1, Flat Rock - One of the more underrated guards and quarterbacks in the state. Flat Rock isn’t in the normal hub of elite sports stars, but Junge has firmly put them on the map with a slew of impressive displays in the fall and winter. He’s a true two-sport star who could still play either (or both) sports in college.

Carson Vis, 6-3, South Christian - Vis joined the gridiron for the first time last season, posting all-state passing numbers as one of the best QBs in the Grand Rapids area. Vis chose basketball for college, though, selecting Western Michigan as his next hoops step. He’s a crafty scorer who can play any guard spot and showcases elite athleticism when getting to the basket.

Jack Janda, 6-6, Detroit Catholic Central - A special football player and one of the most sought-after tight ends in the country, raking in a plethora of D1 offers. On the court, Janda uses his athleticism and strength to snatch rebounds and get blocks. He’s still improving offensively in basketball, but he will be a football player at the next level. He has the potential to become a house-hold name.

Geno Seets, 6-4, Waterford Mott - He was an explosive and tall wide receiver his first two years of high school. He was set to become Mott’s starting quarterback before an injury over the off-season. Also a lethal shooter in hoops, capable of scoring in bunches. More of a football recruit, although he could be a breakout performer in basketball this season on a balanced Mott squad.

Kyle McGowan, 6-7, Cadillac - After a terrific summer, he’s earned a few D2 basketball offers as a rising post prospect who can also handle the ball and shoot mid-range jumpers. On the gridiron, he’s an almost unstoppable WR/TE who uses his physicality to unload punishing blocks and dominate in the red zone.