'09 MI QB Andrew Maxwell (Michigan State Verbal)

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'09 MI QB Andrew Maxwell



Pro-style quarterback
Midland (MI) Midland

Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 180 lbs
Class: 2009 (High School)

Midland QB commits to Michigan State, report says | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Midland quarterback Andrew Maxwell committed to Michigan State on Sunday during a visit to the East Lansing campus, where he attended the MSU-Indiana basketball game, SpartanMag.com reported.

The Web site said Maxwell has been Michigan State's top priority at quarterback for the 2009 recruiting class since shortly after Mark Dantonio was hired as coach in November 2006. A three-year starter for Midland, Maxwell has led the Chemics into the playoffs each year and helped extend their streak of winning seasons to 31 years. Last fall, Midland reached the Division 2 state final, which it lost to Detroit King.

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Midland Daily News - Chemics' QB Maxwell verbally commits to play at MSU

Andrew Maxwell has a small picture of Spartan Stadium in his bedroom. From time to time, he looks at the picture and dreams of donning a Michigan State football uniform, That dream came one step closer to reality on Sunday.

Maxwell, who quarterbacked Midland High to a berth in the Division 2 state championship game last November, verbally committed to MSU. Maxwell, a junior, declared his intentions at the Spartans' basketball game against Indiana, telling MSU quarterbacks coach Dave Warner before the game of his decision.

"I think (MSU head coach Mark) Dantonio has the program headed into the right direction," Maxwell said of the reason he chose State. "I think he's a great guy to lead State and do great things. They have great facilities, great coaches and great people in their program. They have great players coming in and I just want to be a part of it."

He later talked with Dantonio at halftime.

"He was excited, but calm and businesslike," Maxwell said.

Maxwell can't officially sign with the Spartans until next February's National Signing Day. According to NCAA rules, college coaches can't comment at all on Maxwell until he's officially signed. But Maxwell says the Spartans indicated to him that they're excited about his future.

"He (Dantonio) said they're real excited," Maxwell said. "They're having a great recruiting class so far, and I'm just another piece of the puzzle. It's just another step in getting the caliber of players that they want."

Maxwell talked with Dantonio on this year's signing day back in February. Dantonio had some encouraging words.

"He told me that one year from today, we want you in green and white, putting your name on the paper," Maxwell said.

Maxwell has several Midland High passing records, including the season record of 2,024 passing yards as a junior; the career record of 3,456 passing yards for his three-year career; and the single-game record of 329 yards in last year's semifinal win over Lowell. His 31 career touchdown passes is second to Brad Blasy's 32.

Maxwell said that Northwestern, Western Michigan and Central Michigan were also interested in him. He decided to sign with MSU after visiting Northwestern last weekend.

"I went to a junior day at Northwestern and they told me that they already had offers to four or five quarterbacks," Maxwell said. "That was the school where I wanted to see where they stood with me. When I heard that, I knew State was the place."

Maxwell told former Chemics' head coach Terry Wilczek of his decision on Sunday night.

"He gave me a great opportunity for me during my freshman year to come in and play on varsity," Maxwell said. "I think the only way you can learn to be a good quarterback is you have to take your lumps, make mistakes and learn from them.

"Playing in my freshman year and starting my sophomore year, I took my lumps and I learned from it and that really helped me be a better player this year."

He also told new Midland High coach Eric Methner on Sunday night.

"I'm extremely excited for Andrew and his family," Methner said. "He's worked extremely hard and it couldn't happen to a more deserving kid. He's very coachable and never misses a session of anything we do. He always wants to learn more and work on his game and his skills."

Methner thinks that Maxwell will succeed at MSU.

"I think he'll do great," Methner said. "He's a prototypical pro-style quarterback. (He excels) at shotgun throws, play-action passes. That's his style. He's a Tom Brady-kind of guy. He stands tall (in the pocket) and throws the ball downfield. That's the kind of offense that they run. He'll fit into that scheme perfectly."

As a junior, the 6-foot, 3-inch, 195-pound Maxwell threw for 18 touchdowns. He helped the Chemics to an 11-3 record. Maxwell, who also started as a freshman and sophomore, says that the pressure is now on to have a good senior season at Midland.

"The pressure is turned on now because I know where I'm going and I have to work harder to make sure I'm ready," Maxwell said. "I have to work harder so I can prepare myself for it."

What's the biggest thing Maxwell needs to improve on in his senior season at Midland?

"I (have to) be more consistent," Maxwell said. "Being mentally tougher, being thick-skinned and not let things bother me."

Maxwell credits playing against opponents like Lowell and Detroit Martin Luther King for preparing him to play at the college level.

"Those schools have big-time players and I think that gives me a taste of the speed and the intensity of the players in the game at the next level. It gave me a great taste of what it's going to be like."

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ESPN - Timmons, Allen, Blake emerge at Dallas NFTC - Insider

Stock Up

Elite 11: QB Andrew Maxwell (Midland, Mich.)

Maxwell is a recent Michigan State verbal commitment who has burst on the scene. He led his team to the state championship game as a junior and his stock should continue to rise. A drop-back passer with good feet and overall athleticism, he will be a nice fit in the pro-style scheme. He showed the most consistent accuracy of the group and displayed adequate-to-good arm strength and smooth delivery mechanics. We have yet to evaluate him on film or in game situations, so we are looking forward to seeing how his performance here translates to the gridiron.

Best of the Best

Elite 11: QB Andrew Maxwell (Midland, Mich.)

We have already mentioned Maxwell, but he was the most consistent and accurate of the group. This group of QBs was just above average and nobody truly separated himself from the pack. Casey Pachall (Brownwood, Texas) showed some flashes as did Drew Allen (San Antonio, Texas/ Alamo Heights). It's interesting to note that Allen does not grip the ball on the laces; instead, he grips the ball on the seams. Troy Aikman used to do this as well. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.

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Rivals.com Football Recruiting - Elite 11 Day One: Every's Top Six Performers

Andrew Maxwell, 6-3, 192 PQB Midland (MI) Midland

Assets: Has a quick release and good spin on his passes.
What was most impressive on Monday: He was very consistent and has good feet.
On the Hoof: He is a very lean, athletic-looking prospect who has wide shoulders and a frame that can add at least 20 more pounds.
Conclusion: Without a doubt, the top signal caller in the state of Michigan and perhaps Big Ten territory. He is someone Michigan State can build a solid team around.

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Simply Super | Freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Midland High School quarterback Andrew Maxwell stars in the role of Clark Kent aka Superman. Clark Kent showed early signs of super human abilities, he resolved to use for the benefit of mankind. The photo was taken at Midland High School on Thursday, August 7, 2008.

(RASHAUN RUCKER / DFP)

August 28, 2008

Andrew Maxwell still recalls "The Hit."

Midland's Superman was wheeling and dealing in the Division 2 title game against Detroit King.

He had Midland's offense running up and down the Ford Field turf in staking the Chemics to a 21-7 third-quarter lead.

But earlier a big hit from King's Nick Perry left him a little woozy -- it was like the Man of Steel being exposed to Kryptonite.

That hit seemed to change the momentum, and King went on to claim the first state football title for the Detroit PSL.

But the quarterback has opened eyes since then, becoming a hot college prospect.

He was invited to the prestigious Elite 11 quarterback camp this past summer and excelled.

But Superman needs to avoid those big hits if Midland is to make it back to downtown Detroit.

Vince Ellis

Superman: the Vitals


Base of operations: Midland Community Stadium


Other aliases: Max or Maxie.


Superhero category: Quarterback.

Continued...

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ESPN - Tom Luginbill: Looking at the skill sets of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2009

Best intangibles

What Scouts Inc. looks for: A player with the ability to succeed on toughness, leadership, savvy and creativity. Some guys have great tools along with intangibles and others lack great measurables and physical gifts, but find ways to win regardless. Intangibles are extremely difficult to define, but you know it when you see it.

3. Andrew Maxwell (Midland, Mich.)

Maxwell is quiet, workmanlike and very poised. Maxwell is the type of guy that leads by example and production, shows good leadership skills and has a knack for making plays with a phlegmatic demeanor.