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Michigan State Recruiting: Top remaining 2017 football targets

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio leads his team onto the field for the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference football championship at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio leads his team onto the field for the game against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference football championship at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) runs for yards after a catch against the Michigan Wolverines during the 1st quarter of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Aaron Burbridge (16) runs for yards after a catch against the Michigan Wolverines during the 1st quarter of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

One of the biggest surprise recruitments in the past year, or so, has to be four-star wide receiver Jeff Thomas’ from East Saint Louis in Illinois.

When thinking of potential 2017 receivers to add, Thomas was never really thought of because it didn’t look like the interest was reciprocated — that’s most likely due to the fact that he was never really mentioned in terms of visits until recently.

Sure, he was a surprise recruit who added the Spartans in his list of top six schools, but no one should be complaining. This kid has all the talent in the world and could become the next great receiver to come through East Lansing.

Thomas stands just 5-foot-10, weighing 170 pounds, but what he lacks in size, he makes up for with speed.

Although the 247Sports‘ Crystal Ball means next to nothing, it’s interesting to see both Michigan and Ohio State getting a vote while the Spartans had none before being named the only Big Ten program in his final list.

The four-star receiver ranks No. 31 overall in the 2017 class as well as the fifth-best receiver and the second-best Illinois recruit, according to 247Sports. His highlights prove he’s worth that lofty ranking and maybe should be bumped to five-star status.

Next: 9. Danny Davis

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