JD Ross

JD was named to the 2015 Associated Press Special Mention to the All-State Team as an All-Purpose player. He was also named Detroit Free Press Honorable Mention Defense Back, Detroit News Honorable Mention Defensive Back, Lansing State Journal Dream Team Defensive Back and Capital Area Activities Conference Red Division First Team Running Back and Honorable Mention Defensive Back. Ross, a junior, seemingly did something different in every game to help the Panthers to their 10th CAAC Red Division Conference title. From making a big run or a key reception or defensive play or a return, his physical approach always led to a big play when the team needed it. His stats were not gaudy but demonstrated his versatility. He carried the ball 75 times for 800 yards for whopping 10.7 yards-per-carry average and scored nine touchdowns including a long of 85 yards. Ross pulled in 14 receptions for 283 yards (20.9 per catch average) and a pair of touchdowns. Defensively, JD had 46 tackles, 3 batted passes, 3 interceptions and two blocked punts. Special teams, he was special. Along with teammate ShonQuise Trainor, the duo made many teams kick the ball out of bounds on kickoffs. When teams did challenge Ross, he returned eight kickoffs for 308 yards and two touchdowns, his longest being 93 yards. His return average was nearly 39 yards per return. And, he led the team with 10 smuks.

Update 2016. JD was named 2016 Associated Press Special Mention Running Back, Detroit Free Press Receiver, Lansing State Journal Dream Team Running Back and Capital Area Activities Red Division Running Back. He was also named to the Michigan High School Coaches Association All-Star team. The variety of positions which he was recognized demonstrated his value to the team and effect during a game. One of the most physical players to play at DeWitt, he would literally have opposing players avoid contact. Perhaps the shining example was the Regional Final loss to D1 player laden Orchard Lake St. Mary with a four touchdown night. Ross scored on a 90 yard run, an 90 yard kickoff return, a 27 yard pass reception and a 8 yard blast up the middle for a touchdown. For his career, Ross scored 43 touchdowns. 12 receiving touchdowns for 1,007 yards on 48 receptions, 27 rushing touchdowns on 148 carries for 2,016 yards and 806 kickoff return yards on 26 returns and four touchdowns. Defensively, JD finished with 75 bone jarring solo tackles, 33 assists, 7 interceptions and 32 “smuks”. DeWitt Coach Rob Zimmerman said of Ross "JD had a great career for us and a tremendous senior season. He played with a level of intensity and toughness that is rarely seen in high school football. His passion and desire to win was infectious and made those around him better. He will be extremely difficult to replace!!"