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Michigan State Recruiting: Predicting where top 2016 football targets land

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio leads his team to the field before the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio leads his team to the field before the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl against the Alabama Crimson Tide at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the game in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (74) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) during the game in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Matt Farniok, 4-star OT

Projected school of choice: Iowa

Michigan State is desperate for offensive line talent and this spot with Matt Farniok could also include Alaric Jackson from Detroit Renaissance — a three-star tackle. I believe both of them will commit to Iowa and Kirk Ferentz as the school to the west churns out NFL-caliber offensive linemen seemingly every other year.

Farniok, reigning from South Dakota, is believed to be a Nebraska-lean as of right now, but with Iowa and Michigan State pushing hard for him and both having very successful 2015 seasons, it will likely come down to that — with Iowa edging out the Spartans.

However, it seems that Michigan State didn’t get Farniok on campus quite enough to make an impression on the big offensive tackle. He visited just once and then the staff recently checked in on him this week. He’s much closer to both Iowa and Nebraska, so that might draw him to stay close to home.

The big offensive tackle is ranked the No. 129 player in the 2016 class as well as the 14th-best at his position, according to 247Sports.

It’s unfortunate that the Spartans will likely miss out on him because of the Jack Conklin departure. Farniok is a guy who could come in and compete for a starting job right away with his 6-foot-5, 297-pound frame and endless potential.

Next: 3. Prince Sammons

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