Michigan State football standing out to 4-star DT PJ Mustipher

Michigan State football is one of six teams standing out to four-star 2018 defensive tackle PJ Mustipher.

If there’s one position of need for Michigan State football in the coming years, it’s on the defensive line. The Spartans have experienced much attrition over the past year-plus and it’s led to a depleted unit.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Top 3 remaining 2018 recruiting targets

Four-star defensive tackle PJ Mustipher would instantly help the Spartans up front, though. The Owings Mills, Md., native has been a top target for Michigan State for a while now and he’s narrowing things down with the Spartans making an impression.

According to an interview with Rivals.com‘s Adam Friedman, Mustipher is focusing on six programs right now.

"“Penn State, Maryland, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Virginia Tech are the ones I’m concentrating on now,” Mustipher said. “I would say my relationships at Penn State, Maryland, and Tennessee are the strongest. You could say those three schools are a cut above the rest."

Moreover, Mustipher had nothing but nice things to say about the Spartans in the interview. He spoke about how Mark Dantonio didn’t shy away from talking about the program’s down year during his visit in the spring. He also said that the Spartans always produce top defensive linemen and he will get back to East Lansing soon.

It may be a dogfight for the Spartans if they want to beat out programs like Notre Dame, Penn State and Tennessee, but in-state program Maryland could be a silent favorite. DJ Durkin has done an impressive job of recruiting since taking over the Terrapins.

Next: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for July

Mustipher is the No. 63 recruit in the 2018 class and the seventh-best defensive tackle, according to 247Sports. Snagging him would be a heck of a victory for Dantonio.