Spartan Avenue
Fansided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio talks to Michigan State Spartans linebacker Ed Davis (43) during the 1st half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio talks to Michigan State Spartans linebacker Ed Davis (43) during the 1st half of a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

3. De’Andre Wilder, 3-star OLB

Michigan State has been known to attract solid linebackers and mold them into ‘computers’ on the football field. Max Bullough, Greg Jones and now Riley Bullough are just a few examples, but De’Andre Wilder could be the next great in the middle of the defense.

Auburn is the early leader for 2017 three-star outside linebacker De’Andre Wilder from Opa Locka, Fla. He released his list of top 11 schools just a couple of weeks ago and the Spartans made the cut as one of two Big Ten teams — the other being Michigan.

Wilder is an aggressive 6-foot-2, 200-pound linebacker from the state of Florida who doesn’t quite get the respect he deserves.

As you can see, he’s incredibly strong for his somewhat slight frame and he can fill the gap to perfection. He’s a human highlight reel and reminds me a little bit of Antjuan Simmons — a four-star linebacker target MSU missed out on in 2017 to Ohio State. He makes plays and is always flying around the field.

Athleticism at the linebacker position is always a plus, and that’s exactly what he brings to the table. He’s ranked the No. 628 overall prospect and the 46th-best outside linebacker, according to 247Sports.

Michigan State has dipped into Florida for three commitments thus far (Donovan Winter, Lashawn Paulino-Bell and Jack Camper) and may not be quite done yet. The Spartans have some ground to make up with Auburn, though.

Next: 2. Tarique Milton

Home/Recruiting