Michigan State Recruiting: National Signing Day 2016 primer

Here’s everything you need to know for Michigan State recruiting’s 2016 National Signing Day commits/targets.

National Signing Day is finally upon us and, if you’re like most casual fans, you probably have gotten caught up in the monstrous whirlwind that is college football recruiting. This event has really taken on a life of its own in the past few years and the 2016 season might be the most exposure it has ever gotten.

With that being said, Michigan State is also in one of the better positions it has ever been on signing day, with the possibility of landing multiple four-star recruits.

Still confused as to what’s going on? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with everything you will need to know by the end of the day if you want to keep up.

In the Clubhouse (20 commits)

Who’s enrolled? (247Sports ranking)

Donnie Corley, WR, Detroit King (No. 107 nationally)
Cameron Chambers, WR, Timber Creek (No. 235)
Messiah deWeaver, QB, Huber Heights (No. 257)
Kenney Lyke, S, Fremd (No. 348)
Thiyo Lukusa, OT, De Paul Catholic (No. 371)
Joe Bachie, ILB, Midpark (N/A)

Who’s committed?

Josh King, DE, Hinsdale South (No. 96)
Auston Robertson, DE, Wayne (No. 101)
Justin Layne, WR, Benedictine (No. 196)
Naquan Jones, DT, Evanston Township (No. 214)
Trishton Jackson, WR, West Bloomfield (No. 222)
Demetric Vance, S, Cass Tech (No. 237)
Mike Panasiuk, DT, Lake Park (No. 326)
Brandon Randle, LB, Battle Creek Central (No. 363)
Noah Davis, TE, St. Xavier (No. 597)
Austin Andrews, CB, St. Francis De Sales (No. 716)
AJ Arcuri, OT, Olentangy Liberty (N/A)
Matt Allen, OC, Hinsdale Central (N/A)
Luke Campbell, OT, Olentangy (N/A)
Matthew Coghlin, K, Archbishop Moeller (No. 8 kicker)

The Battleground

Who’s likely?

Prince Sammons, DE/OT, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (No. 211) — Sammons seems like the biggest lock of all and many believe it’s just a matter of time before he picks the Spartans. His decision time is set for 2:30 p.m. ET.
Karamo Dioubate, DT, Prep Charter (No. 167) — Dioubate is down to four teams, with Michigan State and Temple leading the way. He loved his visit to East Lansing last week, but Temple is the hometown program. No time is set for his decision yet.
Lavert Hill, CB, Detroit King (No. 135) — Hill’s list is currently down to Michigan State, Penn State and Michigan. Many believe he’s leaning toward the Wolverines, but don’t be surprised if he picks the Spartans. His decision time is set for 9:00 a.m. ET.
Gary McCrae, LB, East Mississippi Community College (No. 95 JUCO) — McCrae’s current list looks something like Michigan State and Louisville with the Cardinals slightly leading. If Michigan State can snag him, he’d be an instant impact player at tight end or linebacker. He may not announce on signing day.

Who’s a longshot?

Miles Sanders, RB, Woodland Hills (No. 20) — Sanders reaffirmed his commitment to Penn State a couple of weeks ago after it looked as if Michigan State was gaining some serious steam. Unfortunately, barring a drastic change of heart, he’s a Nittany Lion.
E.J. Price, OT, Archer (No. 84) — The ship has likely sailed on Price as well. At one point, the Spartans were the favorite to land the four-star offensive tackle from Georgia, but it now looks like he’s a lock to the Bulldogs after narrowing his list to three, with no MSU in sight.
K’Von Wallace, S, Highland Springs (N/A) — Wallace’s film is incredible, but he’s ranked so low because he didn’t attend many camps. However, he will be a steal for whoever lands him and his list is Michigan State, Clemson, Ohio State, Cincinnati and Pitt. The favorite seems to be Ohio State right now, but if they don’t have room for him, MSU could steal.
Jalen Cochran, LB/TE, Canton (N/A) — Cochran announced on Tuesday night that the Spartans are likely out of the race, narrowing his list down to Miami(OH) and Arizona). That’s what the Spartans get for offering three days before NSD.

Three Storylines to Watch

Will there be a surprise commitment? There has been talk of Michigan State landing a surprise commitment on signing day — someone who hasn’t even been on the radar. Will that actually happen, and if so, who will it be?
Can the Spartans beat Michigan for Lavert Hill? This will be the biggest storyline of the day, arguably, as the four-star cornerback will be deciding at 9:00 a.m. ET. Will Michigan State be able to pry him away from the presumed favorite, Michigan?
Finishing strong. This is the first time in recent memory in which Michigan State could add multiple players on National Signing Day — including some elite stars. How strong can the Spartans finish the 2016 class?

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