From Friday nights to college lights: WMC football players announce commitments

It has been close to three months since the football season ended, and the off-season has begun. Many of the top players we saw this past season in the West Michigan Conference had not decided on their future until the off-season. Now that they have had some time, a total of nine commits are continuing their football careers. Below is a breakdown of each athlete, including where they are attending, past season stats, and accolades.

Asa Barnhard (LB) – Fremont – Adrian College

The senior linebacker had a leadership role all season for the Packers, as he was viewed as the captain of the defense by some. Barnhard recorded 68 total tackles, along with two sacks and one interception. He was nominated as a WMC-Lakes Honorable Mention and an MLive All-Area Honorable Mention. Barnhard will continue his academic and athletic career at Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan.

Camden Thompson (WR) – Whitehall – Western Michigan University

One of the most highly anticipated prospects across all sports in West Michigan committed to WMU last summer. Thompson will join the Broncos’ football and basketball teams, earning scholarships in both sports. Although Thompson is projected to be a wide receiver at the next level, he was a dual-threat quarterback for Whitehall this past season. He finished the year completing 86 of 137 passes for 1,363 yards and 15 touchdown strikes. The senior also rushed for 862 yards and 15 touchdowns.

During Thompson’s junior season, he was able to play his true position on the perimeter. He accounted for 706 yards and nine touchdown receptions.

TJ Byard (WR) – North Muskegon – Lawrence Tech

Byard is an exceptional athlete in three sports: football, basketball, and baseball. The senior could have played at the next level in any of those sports. He is the most recent commit on this list, as he chose Lawrence Tech this past Wednesday. Byard played on both sides of the ball for the state title-contending Norseman. He recorded 685 receiving yards, catching 10 of his total 35 receptions for touchdowns. Defensively, he played in the secondary, where he accumulated 21 total tackles and four interceptions.

Byard received first-team honors for the WMC, MLive, and MHSFCA, as well as All-Regional recognition.

Henry Husmann (MLB) – North Muskegon – Lawrence Tech

Husmann will join his teammate at Lawrence Tech in the fall, where he profiles as an athletic linebacker capable of covering sideline to sideline. The All-Conference first-teamer recorded 102 total tackles, along with 11 tackles for loss. The 2024 season was remarkable for the Norse, marking the second-best defense in school history in terms of points allowed, behind only the 2022 squad. Husmann was a huge contributor to that success, playing the mike linebacker role.

Lucas Dye (DE) – North Muskegon – Olivet University

In the Division 7 regional final in November 2024, Dye recorded five tackles, one for a loss, and recovered a fumble, aiding in a 23-0 win that advanced the team to the state semifinals. His total season stats included 30 tackles, four tackles for loss, and seven quarterback pressures. Dye is committed to playing at Olivet University in Olivet, Michigan.

Tristan Thomas (RB) – North Muskegon – Adrian College

Thomas was an explosive back for the Norse last season. He had a breakout game in Week 2 when he rushed for 92 yards on five carries and two touchdowns. The rusher totaled nearly 300 yards on the ground with four touchdowns. Thomas also played a key role defensively, recording 59 total tackles. In his senior season, Thomas earned honors for both Academic All-State and Academic All-WMC.

Evan Jozsa (DE/OT) – Oakridge – Saginaw Valley State University

Jozsa stands at approximately 6’7″, with long arms that help him reach the backfield or prevent pass rushers. The SVSU commit is projected to play on either the defensive or offensive line. Jozsa recorded 30 tackles, three sacks, and five tackles for loss last season. He earned All-Conference honors, as well as MHSFCA All-Region and All-State defensive line recognition. He is expected to sign his letter of intent in the coming weeks.

Riley Mulder (TE/DE) – Montague – Saginaw Valley State University

Mulder stands over 6’5″ and weighs approximately 220 pounds, a prototypical build for a tight end or defensive end. Mulder excels in the run game and is an above-average open-field blocker. He is also a strong student in the classroom, boasting a 4.04 GPA. Mulder visited SVSU last summer and built a connection with the coaching staff before committing in the fall.

Nash Hoffman (DE) – Ravenna – Albion College

Hoffman’s performance on the field has garnered attention from several colleges. He received offers from Albion College, Adrian College, and McPherson College. Ultimately, he committed to Albion College, where he plans to continue his football career at the collegiate level. Hoffman received first-team All-Conference honors in the WMC-Rivers Division. Standing at approximately 6’3″, Hoffman has a dominant build that will allow him to be a disruptive force on the defensive line at the next level.

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