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Michigan State Recruiting: Which 2017 football recruits can help out right away?

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio with his team prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio with his team prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio with his team prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio with his team prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

Michigan State recruiting could have some instant contributors in its 2017 football class — who are they?

It’s been a rough year for Michigan State football, but there might be some help coming on the horizon. Michigan State recruiting has been quiet this season and it’s likely because the Spartans suffered through a 3-9 campaign which could have scared off some recruits.

However, there might be some incoming freshmen who’ll help out right away. The class is underrated, ranked 27th nationally by 247Sports, but it’s also not close to being complete. There are 16 commits with room for probably 5-7 more.

No one saw Michigan State taking this big of a step back in 2016, but every program goes through rebuilding seasons. You can bet Mark Dantonio and his young, talented team won’t let a 3-9 season happen again and I’d be shocked if the Spartans missed a bowl game again for as long as he’s head coach.

Which 2017 football recruits have the talent, potential and eventual opportunity to help out right away? These five guys could be instant contributors next season.

The offensive line is a big area of concern for the Spartans, but the youth is definitely there, along with talent. Guys like Thiyo Lukusa, Tyler Higby and Cole Chewins stepped up this year as first-year performers and they each played well.

Still, there could be an open spot or two on the offensive line and that could make way for Kevin Jarvis to step in and start as a true freshman. It’s highly unlikely, but after a season like the Spartans had in 2016 where nearly a dozen freshmen saw their redshirts burned, don’t count Jarvis out of playing contention.

Jarvis stands 6-foot-5 and weighs about 340 pounds, a good size for an offensive guard and he has the ability to hold his own. He could step into a starting role, or at least crack the rotation, instantly next season.

Imagine an offensive line with Chewins and Lukusa at the tackles, Jarvis and Higby at the guards and Brian Allen at center. That’s an impressive group.

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