Michigan State Recruiting: 5 ideal replacements for 2016 football decommits

Nov 7, 2015; Lincoln, NE, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio (L) awaits a calling on a Nebraska Cornhuskers touchdown at Memorial Stadium. The Cornhuskers won 39-38. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Man, it’s been a rough 24 hours for Michigan State recruiting under Mark Dantonio as he’s had to watch three of his previously committed players decided to open up their options and decommit from MSU.

In case you haven’t heard yet, Abdul Adams, Jonah Morris and Naquan Jones have all made it known that they’ve been exploring other options and would no longer be Spartan commits.

Michigan State fans everywhere were sent into a panic, but the real story is the guys who will replace these talented, yet underrated, former Spartan pledges.

Adams was a three-star running back who may have been the most underrated player in the class of 2016, but the Spartans are already working to fill his void on offense — and even improve that spot. Jones happened to be part of the “Fearsome Foursome” of Michigan State defensive line commits, but the four-star wanted to check out more schools, but there is plenty of talent to replace him.

Lastly, the Morris decommitment is a bit of a head-scratcher, but apparently the staff knew that it might happen eventually. Don’t worry, though, there are a couple of other talented linebackers who could take that place.

LATE DEVELOPMENT: Jonah Morris took to Twitter on Wednesday evening to announce that he never decommitted from Michigan State. So, there’s that.

Here’s the list of five players who can, and will, replace the recent 2016 Michigan State football decommits — even if Morris did or did not decommit.

5. Aaron Hansford, 4-star LB

Sep 26, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Central Michigan Chippewas wide receiver Corey Willis (82) is tackled by Michigan State Spartans linebacker Shane Jones (49) during the 1st quarter of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Still not quite sure what to make of Jonah Morris’ commitment — or maybe decommitment — but the three-star linebacker said that he has not decided to part ways with the MSU program, so we have to take his word for it.

Although, this might also mean that he hasn’t completely decided to stay as well. Rumors sometimes spread out of control, and that might be the case with Morris where he had nothing to do with them and they just took on a life of their own.

Either way, Aaron Hansford would be a solid replacement if Morris were to decide his collegiate career would be played elsewhere. Until that happens, Hansford is going to remain a long-shot to land with Michigan State, but an uber-talented kid who could keep the tradition of solid linebackers at Michigan State going.

The Washington D.C. native is a four-star and ranked No. 267 in the nation and the 21st-best outside linebacker, according to 247Sports. He has already visited MSU this year, and the staff might still be in close contact with him.

Next: 4. Cedrick Lattimore, 3-star DE