These 12 Detroit athletes could become the city's next big star

Marlowe Alter | Detroit Free Press

Detroit's four professional sports teams have had plenty of stars emerge this millennium.

From Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg with the Detroit Red Wings, to Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups with the Detroit Pistons, to Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer with the Detroit Tigers, and Calvin Johnson and Matthew Stafford with the Detroit Lions, Detroit hasn't lacked star power.

Last July, we ranked the top 20 pro athletes in Detroit. But after many underperformed or were traded, we thought it was appropriate to look to the future.

Who's the next big talent in Detroit?

Our sports staff evaluated each roster, and some prospects, to compile a list of potential stars on the rise.

We then ranked the athletes based on who's most likely to become a star in our city, as we try to break a 10-year championship drought.

The qualifications: The athlete must be younger than 25 years old as of July 31, 2018, with no more than three years of experience in the pros.

Come star hunting with us, then let your voice be heard in the comment section.

12. Jamal Agnew, Lions returner

Age: 23.

Acquired: Drafted 165th overall in 2017.

Stats: 13 games, 29 PRs, 447 yards, 15.4 Avg, 2 TDs.

Why he will become star: As a rookie, Agnew earned All-Pro honors for his electric return ability. He led the NFL in punt return yardage, yards per punt return and two touchdowns, including his 88-yarder against the New York Giants.

Why he won’t become star: The NFL is a league of adjustments, so this season teams will do as much as they can to limit Agnew’s ability to hurt them. Agnew would like to get playing time as a nickel cornerback and that could limit his effectiveness as a returner.

11. Pistons guard Luke Kennard

Age: 22.

Acquired: Drafted 12th overall in 2017.

Stats: 73 games, 7.6 points, 1.7 assists, 41.5 percent from 3-point range.

Why he will become star: Forty percent 3-point shooting is the foundation. Skill set is more similar to Manu Ginobili than J.J. Redick in that he can make plays with the ball.

Why he won’t become star: To become an All-Star, it helps to be one of top-2 players on a good team. Don’t think Kennard’s ceiling is that high.

More: Luke Kennard was groomed to be NBA player — by his dad

10. Jarrad Davis, Lions linebacker

Age: 22.

Acquired: Drafted 21st overall in 2017.

Stats: 14 games, 96 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 FF, 1 FR.

Why he will become a star: Davis had his ups and downs as a rookie, but he's just 23 years old and he'll play this fall in a defense that showcases its linebackers (see: Jerod Mayo and Dont'a Hightower). This also happens to be a city that loves its gritty defensive players.

Why he won't become a star: Are middle linebackers really, truly stars? Davis needs to make a huge improvement this year after he struggled mightily against the pass in 2017.

9. Tyler Bertuzzi, Red Wings forward

Age: 23.

Acquired: Drafted 58th overall in 2013.

Stats: 48 games, 7 goals, 17 assists.

Why he will become a star: He’s a combination of skill and grit, a guy who does not back down. He worked himself into the Wings’ top-six mix in his first year of pro hockey. It might be at least a couple years before we see it with the Wings, but Bertuzzi is the type who stands out in playoffs.

Why he won't become a star: Already has a history of injuries (recent ones: wrist injury last autumn, ankle sprain during 2016-17).

8. Joe Jimenez, Tigers reliever

Age: 23.

Acquired: Signed as amateur free agent in 2013.

*Stats: 46 games, 4-1, 2.72 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 43 IP, 48 Ks.

Why he will become star: Jimenez is living up to his billing as the Tigers' closer of the future. He has lights out stuff and has shown immense maturity in improving on last season.

Why he won’t become star: For a reliever to become a star, he must be very, very good. He has yet to be challenged with closing opportunities on a regular basis.

More: How Joe Jimenez went from fringe big leaguer to All-Star

7. Kenny Golladay, Lions receiver

Age: 24.

Acquired: Drafted 96th overall in 2017.

Stats: 11 games, 28 catches, 477 yards, 3 TDs.

Why he will become a star: Golladay is a big, physical receiver who showed flashes of brilliance during a 28-catch rookie season. He'll be a popular fantasy football name this year, and while that doesn't make him a star, he's gifted enough that he'll turn heads on plenty of highlight reels.

Why he won't become a star: Golladay turns 25 in November, so he's old for this list. He'll also spend this fall as the Lions' No. 3 receiver, behind Marvin Jones and Golden Tate. Other younger NFL receivers who had more catches last year include Stefon Diggs, Tyreek Hill and Juju Smith-Schuster, and even if Golladay turns into a very good player, he probably won't ever be Calvin Johnson.

More: Kenny Golladay among 10 players 'primed to break out'

6. Michael Rasmussen, Red Wings forward

Age: 19.

Acquired: Drafted 9th overall in 2017.

Stats: 47 games, 31 goals, 28 assists in Western Hockey League.

Why he will become a star: He’s a 6-foot-6 center who goes to the hard areas and has a scoring touch around the net. Could provide a boost especially on power plays. Very mature, very driven. Can play wing if needed.

Why he won't become a star: Can he still make his size work to his advantage once he faces better defenders?

5. Kerryon Johnson, Lions running back

Age: 21.

Acquired: Drafted 43rd overall in 2018.

Stats: 12 games, 285 carries, 1,391 rushing yards, 4.9 YPC, 18 TDs at Auburn.

Why he will become a star: The youngest player on the Lions' roster, Johnson has the makings of a fine NFL running back. He's a patient runner who excels between the tackles, has enough speed to get outside and can be a factor in the passing game. The Lions thought highly enough of Johnson to trade up for him, and plenty of young backs have made an impact in the NFL recently.

Why he won't become a star: Johnson's durability is a question at one of the NFL's most demanding positions, and first-year Lions coach Matt Patricia has advocated for a backfield-by-committee. Also, have you seen the list of running backs the Lions have trotted out since Barry Sanders?

4. Matt Manning, Tigers starting pitcher

Age: 20.

Acquired: Drafted 9th overall in 2016.

*Stats: 14 games, 5-3, 3.24 ERA in 72⅓ IP, 96 Ks in Single-A.

Why he will become star: Manning, an ultimate athlete, has taken great strides this season, improving across the board in his development. He recently pitched in the All-Star Futures Game.

Why he won’t become star: There is still much progress to be made in terms of his consistency. His very raw ability has yet to be polished. His results have varied wildly in the eyes of scouts.

3. Casey Mize, Tigers starting pitcher

Age: 21.

Acquired: Drafted 1st overall in 2018.

Stats: 17 games, 10-6, 3.30 ERA, 114⅔ IP, 156 Ks at Auburn.

Why he will become star: Mize was the Tigers' No. 1 pick in the draft for a reason. Though many predict him to safely slot as a middle-of-the-rotation pitcher one day, there could be more in there, given his pitching pedigree.

Why he won’t become star: Mize has yet to throw a professional pitch. He should get his feet wet at some point this season in Class A ball, but it's hard to put a "star" tag on a pitcher fresh out of college.

More: Tigers midseason prospects rankings: Where's Casey Mize?

2. Filip Zadina, Red Wings forward

Age: 18.

Acquired: Drafted 6th overall in 2018.

Stats: 57 games, 44 goals, 38 assists in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

Why he will become a star: Has the talent to be a game changer with the way he finds ways to score, and he makes plays, too. Could turn out to be a steal from the 2018 draft, even at sixth overall.

Why he won't become a star: Can he translate his swagger to the NHL, especially as he faces the best defenders from opponents?

More: Filip Zadina, Michael Rasmussen look like future stars

1. Dylan Larkin, Red Wings forward

Age: 22 on July 30.

Acquired: Drafted 15th overall in 2014.

Stats: 82 games, 16 goals, 47 assists.

Why he will become a star: He has established himself as a top-two line center in the NHL, and has been a go-to guy for the U.S. at two World Championships. He plays in all situations, makes good decisions with the puck and shows creativity. He’s a great skater, and has a high internal drive to be an elite player.

Why he won't become a star: Can he continue to find ways to produce more?

How did we do? Share your thoughts in the comment section of this story.

*Stats through July 19.

Free Press sports writers Helene St. James, Dave Birkett, Carlos Monarrez, Anthony Fenech, Vince Ellis and Ryan Ford contributed.

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