​Petoskey football opened its summer with a 7-on-7 night at Northmen Stadium on Tuesday, July 7, welcoming Boyne City, Harbor Springs, East Jordan, Cheboygan, and Benzie Central for the first football action of the season. The event marked the start of a summer filled with football activity as teams ramp up for what lies ahead.
June typically dominates the calendar on the recruiting front. Colleges run camps to bring prospects to campus, athletes participate in showcases, and visitors tour programs showing interest. It’s a lot to track. Then July arrives, and the pace slows to a crawl. We’ve entered the NCAA recruiting dead period, a time with no face-to-face contact, campus tours, or camps. It’s a window for coaches to review and strategize after a hectic month of activity. While northern Michigan isn’t known as a hotbed for recruitment, momentum is building, and talented players are starting to surface.
Case in point: Traverse City West’s junior quarterback Brayden Tillman. He’s the latest in a line of standout prospects from the area. Tillman has become one of the most pursued players in the state, with numerous Division I offers rolling in during the offseason. National outlets have taken notice of how his recruitment accelerated in June, drawing interest from major programs. He has received offers from Michigan State, Florida State, Wisconsin, Purdue, and several others, visiting campuses and attending camps over the summer. Standing nearly 6-foot-5 and around 185 pounds, Tillman’s athleticism is evident in his 35-inch vertical leap and a laser-timed 4.59 40-yard dash. He throws with accuracy and power from a hand size that his coaches describe as reliable and aesthetically pleasing.
Meanwhile, Nemec is another standout prospect, with a solid 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame, notable arm strength, and a tight spiral. Technically sound in his QB play, he has demonstrated versatility and leadership. He spent time at various campuses across Michigan, including stops at Michigan State, Central Michigan, and Western Michigan, while working with renowned quarterback coach Cheyne Lacanaria in Grand Rapids. His dedication and development over the summer position him for continued growth as a top prospect after starting as a sophomore.
Coppick has emerged as one of the more active recruiters in the region. After an all-state season, he hit the road for several college visits, including spring trips to Western Michigan, Miami University of Ohio, and Toledo. He also took part in summer camps at Michigan State, CMU, and Toledo. The 6-foot, 200-pound running back and linebacker has earned Division I offers from Kent State and Columbia so far, underscoring his rising profile and the demand for his versatility on both sides of the ball.
As the 2026 season approaches, the focus for northern Michigan players remains on continued development, exposure, and performance. The combination of camp appearances, campus visits, and high-level competition is essential for college coaches to evaluate and for players to showcase the skills that will translate to the next level. The summer period, with its mix of action across the region, continues to shape the trajectory of these young athletes, who are eager to demonstrate their abilities and seize opportunities at advancing levels of play.