Last year, the Lake Orion offense put up a record 410 points, topping the 2005 team by 51.
While playmakers like Chris Lum, Aaron Allen and David Wurst get most of the credit, it’s the big bodies up front, on the offensive line, which pave the way for success.
One such lineman is tackle Ethan Ruhland, who gave a verbal commitment last week to play his college ball at Michigan State.
Ruhland said he came to the decision on June 28, less than a week after attending a day-long camp at MSU.
Both of his parents are Spartan alumni and brother Garrett just completed his first year at the school on a swimming scholarship.
‘State has been my favorite school my whole life,? Ruhland said.
He was not deterred by a coaching change last season at MSU, saying the new staff has done nothing but intensify his desire to become a Spartan.
‘Coach (Mark) Dantonio is really down to earth,? Ruhland said. ‘He tells you exactly how it is. The entire staff does.?
A tackle at LOHS, Ruhland said the coaching staff at State might consider moving him to a guard (on the interior of the line) in college.
‘Either position, I’m comfortable with,? he noted.
Among other schools giving the rising senior an offer were Indiana, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Miami (OH), Army and Air Force. He’ll officially sign in February.
‘I wanted to make the decision before the season, so I could focus on the high school team,? Ruhland said.
‘We’ve got a lot of guys returning, especially on the offensive line,? he added. ‘It’s going to be exciting.?