Michigan State Recruiting: 5 priority recruits for 2018 football class

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Nov 26, 2016; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Brandon Bell (11) tackles Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Monty Madaris (88) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Michigan State 45-12. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /

1. L’Christian Smith, 4-star ATH (Dayton, Ohio)

Malik Vann has ties to Michigan State which might pull him to East Lansing, but the same can be said for elite athlete L’Christian Smith. The four-star athlete from Dayton, Ohio, is a former high school teammate of redshirt freshman quarterback Messiah deWeaver and the two seem to have a strong bond.

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Smith was the talented wide receiver who deWeaver had the opportunity to develop a connection with last year and that could continue on the next level. Dantonio can sell Smith on the possibility of playing with his good friend who could be the starter by the time he gets to campus.

A lot of this depends on if Michigan State can turn things around in 2017 and put together maybe an eight or nine-win season. Also, if deWeaver can compete for that starting quarterback job with Brian Lewerke like many expect him to.

Some recruiting services have Smith ranked in the top 50 while the 247Sports composite has him No. 101 and the third-best athlete in the 2018 class. His size, athleticism and speed make him a prime candidate to be the No. 1 receiver a few years down the line. In fact, he stands 6-foot-6 and weighs about 205 pounds, making him a nightmare for cornerbacks.

Michigan State needs to make a serious push for this kid before Ohio State locks him up.

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