Michigan State Football: How 2018 recruiting class fits into current roster

Michigan State football locked up its 2018 recruiting class and while it may not jump out in the rankings, it will definitely have an impact.

With the second National Signing Day completed, Michigan State has most likely wrapped up its 2018 football recruiting class. While there’s a possibility of a late addition — the Spartans are still hoping to add three-star Illinois defensive tackle Dashaun Mallory — the 21-member incoming freshman class is just about filled to max capacity based on current scholarship count.

With two rounds of NLIs in, we can finally make an official analysis of the 2018 class.  Here’s how the newest Spartans fit into next season’s roster.

Offensive Line

Signees: OT James Ohonba (Composite three-star, 0.8804), OT Dmitri Douglas (Composite three-star, 0.8688), OC Jacob Isaia (Composite three-star, 0.8559), OL Dan VanOpstall (Preferred walk-on)

Michigan State lost just one offensive line starter, center Brian Allen, from last year’s team, but added some solid players to its offensive line unit with James Ohonba, Dimitri Douglas and Jacob Isaia.

Given the strong depth already in place, it seems unlikely that any of the freshman will crack the starting rotation, but all three will have the opportunity to force themselves into the mix. Ohonba certainly looks big enough to play from day one, but that alone is obviously not enough. While he’s going to start as a defensive lineman, Ohio native Jacob Slade (Composite three-star, 0.8477) could eventually move over to the offensive side of the ball, as well.

The Spartans also added a big (6-foot-8) preferred walk-on in Jenison OT Dan VanOpstall, who they hope to mold into an eventual starter, a la Jack Conklin.

Quarterback

Signee: Theo Day (Composite three-star, 0.8898)

Michigan State’s 2018 signal-caller has the size and tools to be the next great Spartan quarterback, but he’ll likely redshirt in 2018.

That said, while MSU is set at starter with redshirt junior Brian Lewerke, the quarterback room has thinned out following the graduation of Damion Terry and transfer of Messiah deWeaver. The only current scholarship QB on the roster is redshirt freshman Rocky Lombardi, meaning an injury to either Lewerke or Lombardi could force the Spartans to burn Day’s redshirt.

There’s also the possibility that Day beats out Lombardi for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, however following deWeaver’s transfer, it’s apparent that Iowa-native Lombardi has a strong hold on the backup spot.