Last Wednesday, Michigan State University brought in a small but talented recruiting class for 2023 ranked 25th in the nation according to the 247Sports Team Rankings.
The Spartans have added 15 high school candidates and signed their consent forms as part of National Autograph Day on December 21st. Of his 15 prospects signed, nine were considered four-star prospects in the 247Sports Composite ranking, lining up with Michigan’s program record.
MSU head coach Mel Tucker met with the media on National Sign Day to discuss the 2023 class, as well as several other players the Spartans have added via the transfer portal.
Here’s what Tucker had to say about each MSU signer in the 2023 class.
The 4-star EDGE by Jobe. Community Christian School. Norman, okra.
Rankings: 82nd National, 14th Edge Rusher, 1st Oklahoma State
Tucker: “Bye was 6-4, 230 when we last saw him. He’s a four-star recruit and the #1 rated prospect in this recruiting class. Oklahoma’s #1 player.” His potential is limitless I believe he has the fastest first step in the country Combination of size and speed He is from Senegal A very special man a special story I’m looking forward to meeting Bai.”
4-star DL Andrew Depepe; Pleasant Valley High School;Bettendorf, Iowa
Rankings: 137th National, 16th Defensive Lineman, 2nd Iowa State
Tucker: “Really tough in the run game, but he’s a high-level, elite-level pass rusher. One of the best pass rushers in the country. is.”
4-star LB Jordan Hall. IMG Academy; Bradenton, Florida
Rankings: National 179th, Linebacker 16th, Florida State 41st
Tucker: “One of the best linebackers in the country. He is the true leader of the field. He’s an all-around linebacker, run and pass.Great kid,comes from a great family.He’s a middle-aged enrol.We’ve had quite a few guys come back in that position and We were really looking to add one guy, and he was the guy for us.
4-star DL Jalen Thompson; Cass Technical High School; Detroit, Michigan
Rankings: 220th National, 32nd Defensive Lineman, 3rd Michigan State
Tucker: “Really good size and speed. Four star dream team selection. Strong pass rusher. Plays with chips on his shoulder. Shows diversion and explosive power.He’s trying to make an early impact on our edge, running and passing.”
4-star OT Stanton Ramill; Thompson High School; Alabaster, Alabama.
Rankings: 223rd nationally, 20th in offensive tackles, 17th in Alabama
Tucker: “Best offensive lineman in the country. Two-time state champion. Comes from a big family. Might make an early impact.
4-star TE Brennan Palachek; Dexter High School; Dexter, Michigan;
Rankings: 327th National, 18th Tight End, 6th Michigan State
Tucker: “He’s a versatile tight end. He’s also a great baseball player.He comes from a very athletic family.He’s a mid-career.He’s one of those guys who flips the script when he hits the field.He’s just an elite competitor. ”
4-star QB Sam Leavitt. West Lynn High School; West Lynn, Oregon.
Rankings: 374th nationally, 23rd quarterback, 1st in Oregon
Tucker: “The number one player in Oregon. He was named the state player of the year and won a state championship as a senior. This guy is a football junkie, a gym rat. He comes from a football family and he ‘s father used to play for BYU’, his brother now plays for the Green Bay Packers. All throws can be done. Glad I got him here earlier this month.
4-star IOL Cole Dellinger; Clarkston High School; Clarkston, Michigan
Rankings: #407 National, #27 Interior Offensive Lineman, #7 Michigan State
Tucker: “Cole, too, is a different story for him when he steps onto the field. Four-star recruit. Comes from a very athletic pedigree. Aggressive guy. Michigan dream team selection. Middle-aged guy.”
4 star IOL Keyshawn Blackstock. Coffeyville Community College.Covington, Georgia
Ranking: 7th JUCO Transfer, 1st Interior Offensive Lineman, 2nd Georgia State
Tucker: “I have known him for several years. , when he hits the field, he flips the switch. He’s trying to make an early impact.Middle school.”
CB Chance Lacquer with 3 stars.Ryan High School; Denton, Texas
Rankings: 438th nationally, 42nd cornerback, 71st Texas state
Tucker: “Really good size and length, athleticism. Good ball skills. He’s a physical corner. “He has a bright future. He has a great personality. I’m looking forward to meeting him. He’s in middle school.”
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3-star WR Jalen Smith.Klein Kane High School; Houston, TX
Rankings: 695th National, 93rd Wide Receiver, 110th Texas State
Tucker: “He’s a football player who can do it all. He’s very versatile. We believe he’s one of the most underrated players in the country. 10.9 [second] 100 meters. great athlete. bright future. Great family – my mom and stepfather are retired NYPD. ”
3-star CB Eddie Pleasant III; Carol Woodday High School;Tampa, Florida
Rankings: National 873, Cornerback 86, Florida State 127
Tucker: “He’s a physical corner. Plays downhill, he looks for contact. Plays with chips on his shoulder. Comes from a great program and a great family. A young man with a strong heart, I’m lucky to have him.”
3-star ATH Aziah Johnson; Thomas Jefferson High School; Richmond, VA
Rankings: 905th National, 69th Athlete, 24th Virginia State
Tucker: “He’s good at speed, 4.4 40. Plays with chips on his shoulder. He’s a total alpha. I saw him play basketball the other day. No. He was named a top-team All-State on both offense and defense, which is rare.He is a playmaker and has five different methods of rushing, receiving, interception returns, kick returns and punt returns. Scored a touchdown in 2018. Great personality. He has a bright future. I’m really excited for him.”
3 star CB Sean Brown.Simi Valley High School; Simi Valley, California
Rankings: 950th National, 95th Cornerback, 84th California State
Tucker: “He’s an unusual size for a corner. He’s 10.7. [second] 100 meter guy. His size and speed, length, skill with the ball, and perhaps even the potential to be a power-five receiver. He comes from a sports family. he has a bright future. He has great versatility. I can’t say enough about him. He’s really excited to have the opportunity to actually work with him. ”
3-star ATH Jaelon Barbarin; Chaminade High School; West Hills, California
Rankings: 1135th National, 97th Athlete, 99th California State
Tucker: “He is one of the fastest players in the country. He runs 10.3 100 meters as a junior. It’s important Big personality Gives another dimension to the running back room Home run hitter He’s probably the fastest player on the field in almost every game this season With 1,300 yards this year Scored 13 touchdowns.”
In addition to the 2023 class, Tucker also talked about eight transfer players Michigan State added to its roster last week through the portal.
Defensive Lineman Tammis Adele (Texas A&M)
Tucker: “A physical player. An outstanding pass rusher. He’s one of those guys ready to play. One of Portal’s most acclaimed defensive linemen.”
Kicker Jonathan Kim (North Carolina)
Tucker: “One of the strongest legs in college football. He’s a kickoff machine. He led FBS in touchbacks in 2020. He’s also important in field goals and extra points. will affect us in
Defensive tackle Dre Butler (Liberty)
Tucker: “I’ve known Dre for a long time. Athletic big interior body.If you look back enough you can see videos of him doing backflips on Twitter.(He should be) ready to compete in no time.Middle school.”
Defensive tackle Jarrett Jackson (Florida)
Tucker: “He’s a big, athletic guy with a side job. Plays with a great motor. He’s a veteran player who adds a lot to our group. Ready for him to come in and compete.”
Running Back Nathan Carter (Connecticut)
Tucker: “Leading UConn’s 1st grade Rusher for 2021. This kid loves football. He’s 4.42 40. He’s a midfielder. I will play with no determination.”
Tight End Tyneal Hopper, Boise
Tucker: “Our offense is obviously a tight end on the field all the time. He’s threatened, he’s a versatile player, and he’ll do a great job for us in a special team.
Cornerback Semar Melvin (Wisconsin)
Tucker: “He was a four-star coming out [of high school]Transferred from Wisconsin. he has long horns He plays with really good energy and passion. was 10.6 [second] The 100m man is out and he’s ready to compete in no time.
tight end Ademarra Fale (Norfolk)
Tucker: “Now he’s about 6-7 years old, 240 years old. He’s a very good athlete, he’s fluid, he has good ball skills. He can play the entire field. He’s got a lot of potential. His hands are 11 inches.