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Michigan State Recruiting: 5 underrated 2017 football targets

By Connor Muldowney

Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio looks to his left as he walks off the field before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio looks to his left as he walks off the field before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) celebrates an end zone interception during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive back Demetrious Cox (7) celebrates an end zone interception during the second quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Naytron Culpepper, 4-star S

Not only does he have one of the best names of any recruit in the class, but he’s also one of the fastest-rising prospects. He may not be as underrated now as he was a few months ago, but Culpepper is a guy who very few associate with Michigan State despite the obvious mutual interest.

Michigan State offered the four-star defensive back on May 11 and immediately received a Crystal Ball on 247Sports to the Spartans, his one and only CB.

The Miami, Fla., native has been eyeing a number of SEC schools, but has yet to release a top list. The Spartans seem to have gotten in at the right time as it’s still relatively early in his recruiting process and he’s probably looking to set up some visits soon — wouldn’t be surprised to see MSU get one.

Having guys like Dennard and Waynes come through East Lansing as underrated prospects and turn into first-round draft picks under Dantonio and the staff has to help the Spartans with a guy like Culpepper.

Culpepper is one of the few kids at the prep level who actually goes in for a tackle and wraps up the ball-carrier with a big hit as well instead of just going for a highlight-reel play. More often than not, kids are looking for big hits without using their arms instead of playing the right way.

The junior is ranked No. 271 overall in the class and as the 24th-best safety, according to 247Sports.

Next: 3. De'Andre Wilder

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