Ferris State adds Muskegon pair to impressive recruiting class

Ferris State gets a lot of attention for its elite football program, and rightly so, but the Bulldogs are also building something special in men’s hoops.

Over the weekend, within minutes of each other, Muskegon Big Reds teammates Elija Langston (6-8) and Keashaun Johnson (6-4) both committed to Ferris State.

The senior teammates are part of a three-headed monster at Muskegon, joined by junior guard James Martin (6-3). Langston is a guard-forward who has developed into one of the best shot blockers in the state. His offensive game continues to improve as he gets more comfortable calling for the ball and creating his own shots.

Johnson is an athletic wing who likes to drain corner 3-pointers or drive to the basket. He has a long wingspan and muscular build, making him a versatile defensive weapon. Both players should quickly make an impact at the next level.

Muskegon head coach Keith Guy, one of the most successful coaches in the state, transferred to Ferris State from Muskegon Community College as a terrific guard.

Even though Guy played for Ferris State, he’s become synonymous with Michigan State’s Breslin Center because he frequently took Muskegon Heights and now Muskegon to the state semifinals.

Despite becoming Division 2 college commits, Langston and Johnson still don’t have a plethora of varsity experience. Johnson became a starter and regular player just last season. Langston will only finally be a starter as a senior this winter - that’s how loaded Muskegon has been recently. They reached the state finals in 2023 and lost in the quarterfinals last winter.

Ferris State also has a verbal commitment from Parchment star guard Jalen Kampen (6-4). Kampen is a fluid athlete and smooth shooter from mid-range and deep. His recruitment sky-rocketed last summer when he showcased the ball-handling and poise to hang with more recognized names. Now, Kampen is known throughout the state as one of the best seniors in Michigan.

Western Michigan collected four in-state commitments over the summer - South Christian’s Carson Vis (6-3), Whitehall’s Camden Fall Thompson (6-6), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Sharod Barnes (6-2), and Grand Rapids Northview’s Brady Swartz (6-7). Despite that incredible group, Ferris State is putting its name in the hat for best in-state 2025 recruiting class.