Michigan State Recruiting: Top 2017 football targets to watch

Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp (1) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans safety Kurtis Drummond (27) during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: MSU won 27-22. Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

The Spartans’ defense is going to be one of the best in the nation for as long as Mark Dantonio roams the sidelines. Each year, he recruits the top talent in the nation on that side of the ball and it all began with two and three-star recruits who made it all happen.

Michigan State’s stellar defense began with the under-recruited guys who no other college wanted to take a chance on, but Coach D saw something special.

Now, East Lansing is becoming the new home for some of the more highly-touted national prospects and that just makes everything even scarier for opponents. Four-star free safety Paris Ford is the epitome of a Dantonio recruit.

Ford, ranked No. 33 overall player by Rivals, is like any other play Dantonio recruits. He’s not afraid of contact and he loves hitting people. He never shies away from contact and he is a ballhawk.

The Spartans have extended an offer to Ford and he seems to be very interested in the Green & White. Expect Michigan State to go all-in on Ford in the coming months as Dantonio and his staff will be watching his high school games closely, making sure he fits the Spartan mold.

My guess is that he doesn’t release a top-10 list until next summer and a commitment will come during or after his senior year because the offers are still rolling in.

Next: 7. Tyshon Fogg, 4-star, LB