MUSKEGON – Two of Muskegon’s best, quarterback James Young and linebacker Darekeo Speech, signed letters of intent to their respective colleges on Thursday.
After a quiet season from the Big Reds, they continue to produce college-level talent.
Along with Young and Speech, Muskegon had two of the best offensive linemen in the state sign with Division One programs. N’Kye Wynn signed with Rutgers University, while Jim Harris signed with the University of Virginia.
Speech committed to Saginaw Valley State University shortly after the 2024 season on November 25th, while Young took his time and chose Davenport University on February 7th of this year.
Young, who spent most of his career with North Muskegon, transferred to Muskegon before his senior season.
“I can’t say enough great things about North Muskegon. I grew up there, so I have friendships that will last a lifetime,” said Young. “The community showed me so much love while I was there, and I truly appreciated every single one of them.”
During his junior year and his final season with the Norse, Young led his team to a 12-1 season and the Division 7 state semifinal appearance. On the season, Young went 151-241 and threw for 2,623 yards while picking up 33 touchdown passes. In the district final game, Young ran for a 40-yard touchdown that sealed the game and gave North Muskegon its first district title since 2006.
Soon after, he went on to join the legendary head coach Shane Fairfield at Muskegon.
“Coach Fairfield is not just a great football coach but a great man to have in your life. He truly cares about me and anyone he gets to coach,” Young said.
Young showed an immense amount of appreciation toward Coach Fairfield. “He obviously wins football games, but he also preaches life lessons every day to us.”
The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder is listed as a two-star on 247 Sports and ranked 144th in the state of Michigan.
Young has been successful his whole high school career, and as he prepares to play for a premier Division Two program, he has some goals he’d like to accomplish.
“I want to be able to put some pounds on this year and also improve my speed and explosiveness,” Young said. “If they decide to redshirt me, it will not only be a great time to do that but also a great time to learn the playbook and learn from older quarterbacks on the team.”
With offers from schools such as Northwood, Calvin, and Lawrence Tech, Young decided on Division Two Davenport.
“When I went on my visit, it felt like home. I loved everything they had to offer, from the great classroom support to the amazing football facilities,” said Young. “Davenport is on the rise in Division Two, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”
After Muskegon quarterback M’Khi Guy graduated in 2024 and went on to play football for Wayne State, there were questions about who Muskegon would slot in at QB. Needless to say, Fairfield found his guy and a leader throughout the season.
“Amazing young man with super abilities to lead and play football. James broke three school records in just eight games,” Fairfield said.
Young is the record holder for most touchdowns in a season (21), most passing yards in a game (345) against Archbishop Moeller, and most passing yards in a season (1,496).
“He (Young) was chosen as a captain right away by his teammates. He has the ability to walk into a room and be welcomed and respected right away,” said Fairfield.
Speech has been a defensive captain for the Big Reds for the past three years and is an athletic freak on the field. The 6-foot, 218-pounder took snaps in the backfield last season as well.
As a sophomore, Speech recorded 93 tackles and earned an all-conference honorable mention. In his junior and senior seasons, he was an all-conference, all-region, and all-state linebacker. Totaling 112 tackles as a junior, Speech was named MLive Defensive Player of the Year.
After 287 tackles and a plethora of accolades, Speech was bound to take his talents to the next level.
“I chose SVSU because they have standards and expectations just like Muskegon. They run things like Coach Fairfield, and they have a blueprint for me already,” Speech said. “But the biggest thing for me was that they told me what I could work on. They didn’t just tell me how good I was—they told me things I could improve on so I can be great.”
SVSU head coach Ryan Brady, who is entering his sixth season with the team in 2025, was asked about Speech and had nothing but good things to say. “Reek is a dominant football player. He plays fast and physically. He has a relentless motor and loves the game.”
Saginaw Valley State finished 7-4 last season and lost by just three points to the Division Two National Champions, Ferris State.
“A few goals of mine are getting my body right, working on my speed, working on my grades, and even if I do redshirt, I’ll be the best scout team player and help my SVSU boys win a championship,” Speech said about what he wants to accomplish in his first year on campus.
Both Speech and Young showed great gratitude toward Coach Fairfield and wanted this to be about him as well.
“Every time I called and needed something, he was there. He taught me never to have a circle of friends where I’m the smartest, the strongest, or the fastest. Always have somebody in your circle that you can compete with or someone who can push you to be the best you can be daily,” Speech said.
Fairfield has had the opportunity to coach Speech for three seasons, and much like Speech toward Fairfield, he has many great things to say about Speech’s work ethic and intensity.
“Amazing leader, he has done it for three years. He will be greatly missed in the hallways, weight room, and on the field,” Fairfield said. “I’m so excited to watch him play at the next level.”
Speech and Fairfield share a unique bond. When I had the opportunity to talk with both of them, they each spoke about Speech being like another son to Fairfield and Fairfield feeling like another father to Speech.
Fairfield is Muskegon’s all-time winningest coach with 157 wins and is undoubtedly one of the best coaches ever in the state of Michigan.
After 15 seasons with the school, Fairfield has made it to nine state title games and had nine double-digit win seasons. The Big Reds won the 2023 state title under Fairfield, with Speech serving as a captain.
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