Michigan State Recruiting: 10 elite 2017 football targets remaining

Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio leads the team onto the field prior to a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio leads the team onto the field prior to a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Monty Madaris (88) reacts to a play during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 24, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Monty Madaris (88) reacts to a play during the 2nd half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Donovan Peoples-Jones, 5-star WR

This is one of those no-brainer picks. Donovan Peoples-Jones has been high on Michigan State’s board ever since he was a freshman or sophomore at Cass Tech and the staff isn’t quite ready to quit on him just yet.

Michigan is the overwhelming favorite to land Peoples-Jones and it may have something to do with the fact that his parents have a good relationship with the school and he’s been to Ann Arbor more times than you could count on both hands, most likely. Playing high school ball just down the road helps, but Jim Harbaugh is putting in work with the five-star from Detroit.

Dantonio, on the other hand, is also trying to sell his brand to the nation’s top wide receiver from the 2017 class as the Spartans have plenty of elite talent at his position already. That might scare potential prospects away, but for a guy with Peoples-Jones’ talent, he welcomes competition.

Seeing him play live, I can tell you that he’s worth all the hype. He reminds me of a younger Calvin Johnson-type who can rise up and snag a jump ball over multiple defenders or he can take a pass over the middle of the field all the way to the house. He has size, speed and elusiveness that you want in a receiver.

Peoples-Jones will likely take a visit to MSU this fall before making a later decision. He’s ranked the No. 8 overall prospect and top receiver in the class, according to 247Sports.

Next: 7. Naytron Culpepper