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Michigan State Football: 3-star 2018 DE Zachary Slade commits

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans players huddle on the field prior to their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans players huddle on the field prior to their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State football picked up a commitment from three-star 2018 defensive end Zachary Slade from Lewis Center, Ohio.

The summer has been kind to Michigan State football recruiting thus far as the Spartans have reeled in a number of commits. In fact, they received another one over the weekend in the form of three-star weak-side defensive end Zachary Slade from Ohio.

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On Sunday, Slade announced his commitment to the green and white via his Twitter page, becoming the 10th commit in the 2018 class.

The tweet didn’t come as much of a shock to anyone who followed his recruitment over the past week. Slade received an offer from the Spartans earlier in the week and then committed just three days later. He and his twin brother, Jacob, both committed at the exact same time via Twitter.

That gives Michigan State two key pieces on the defensive line — an area with very little depth following plenty of attrition in 2015 and 2016.

Zachary held about seven offers and none of which were the magnitude of Michigan State’s. The Spartans’ offer put them over the top and it was just a matter of time before he jumped on the opportunity. Despite not being a “blue-chip” recruit, he will be competing for playing time right away.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound end is a quality overall player who is athletic enough to play a little fullback as well. Could the Spartans consider using him on the offensive side of the ball? They did so with Lawrence Thomas a few years back, and the same could happen with Slade.

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Slade is ranked the No. 1,671 overall recruit in the 2018 class and 85th-best weak-side defensive end, according to 247Sports. Much-needed defensive line depth is on the way.

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