Founder of Rising Stars Academy talks group visit to Michigan, staff relationships, key in-state targets

The Wolverine spoke to Reggie Wynns, the founder and owner of Rising Stars Academy, a local year-round recruiting exposure and training facility that works with the top in-state prospects annually. On Saturday, the organization hosted their Midnight Madness Showcase which proceeded their group tour of Michigan earlier that afternoon. Wynn dives deep into his academy’s relationship with the Michigan staff and how several targets from the Metro Detroit area are progressing this offseason.

On Saturday’s trip to Ann Arbor:

“It was great. Getting back to see my babies like Cole Cabana, Donovan Edwards and Makari Paige. It was a great trip. I had a great time with Albert Karschnia. My man, Albert. They treated us like kings. It was good. The tour was good. We all checked out the facilities and everything. Miss Christina DeRuyter took care of us. They just treat us like family and I love it.”

On relationship with the Michigan coaching staff:

“I have great relationships with those guys. Mike Hart, Ron Bellamy, Sherrone Moore, Steve Clinkscale. They are good family and they do such a good job with my babies. Donovan is doing great. Cole is getting better. It’s just been great with (the staff) because they trust me with recruiting. I’m never going to send someone to Michigan who can’t play there. All of my guys think I should send them there (laughs) but not everyone can play there. So if Michigan can continue with that idea and concept, I’m giving them the best (athletes) in the state.”

On being able to watch former Rising Stars athletes compete at Michigan:

“You know, that’s what it’s all about. The most important thing is seeing these kids grow and giving them opportunities that they never had before. If I’m able to push them and make sure that they’re doing what they’re supposed to do, and they can do it, that’s the best feeling in the world. Best feeling. Seeing kids become successful and get to where they want to be.”

On Cabana’s potential with the Wolverines:

“I call him the caucasian Donovan Edwards because he can run and catch and they’re both similar running backs. Now, one of them is going to have to be that Blake Corum type. But with Cole, he can run routes, he can return punts and kicks. He’s going to play no matter what this year. He’s going to help the program and Michigan will be better in the next three-to-four years with Cole.”

On 2024 four-star defensive lineman Brandon Davis-Swain:

“When the cat is racking up 20 sacks a year, it’s hard to speak bad about that. The kid is special. I just want him to stay ahead of it, no matter where he’s at or what he does. But he’s going to have another 20 sacks next season and probably break the state record.”

On former Michigan State wide receiver commit Nick Marsh:

”We need to find someone who’s really, really going to like him. He’s a different guy. He has terrific ball skills. I want to put him in a position where he’s the big fish in a small pond. Just for him to go develop and be great. With that confidence, he’s going to be unbelievable. You can’t stop him now, but once he figures it out, he’s going to be amazing.”

On 2025 offensive lineman Avery Gach:

“Gosh, stud muffin. Avery has a different mindset. We’ve haven’t seen an offensive lineman like him around here since Garrett Dellinger. Avery has all of the tools. When we go on our spring break tour, he might get offers from every school that we see. Alabama…LSU. He’s a national recruit. He can be that guy. We haven’t had a five-star lineman in a long time and he could be that next guy.”

On 2024 three-star cornerback Jalen Todd:

“JT is going to play some nickel and multiple other positions. Might move to safety because he’s 6-foot-1 now. He’s going to be special. He’s a good corner. He’s physical and he’s long. Clink loves long corners so all that JT can do right now is get better.”

On 2025 two-way lineman Bobby Kanka:

“I like Bobby. He’s a big athlete. If he embraced offensive tackle, he’ll be that guy. He’s a really good player but we’ve yet to see how good he’s going to be. He hasn’t burst onto the scene yet but this is his year.”