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

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SAN DIEGO, CA – DECEMBER 28: Naquan Jones #93 of the Michigan State Spartans pressures Tyler Hilinski #3 of the Washington State Cougars during the second half of the SDCCU Holiday Bowl at SDCCU Stadium on December 28, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line

Signees: WDE Parks Gissinger (Composite three-star, 0.8609), SDE Jacob Slade (Composite three-star, 0.8477), SDE Zachary Slade (Composite three-star, 0.8154)

The Spartans needed to add some depth to their defensive line unit and appear to have acquired three underrated talents. Parks Gissinger, a California-native, is a high-motor player who will likely outplay his ranking. That said, ESPN rated him as a four-star recruit, so it’s not like everyone missed the memo.

The Slade twins give MSU another set of brothers with versatile skill sets and strong work ethic. Both could eventually move inside or possibly even over to the offensive line. Given Michigan State’s lack of proven depth at defensive end, there’s an opportunity for Gissinger — and the Slade twins, if they stay at DE — to see the field immediately.

While it’s not official, the Spartans also appear likely to add the aforementioned Dashaun Mallory (Composite three-star, 0.8577) to the fold. A disruptive force with more talent than his offer list suggests, Mallory would further bolster a strong MSU defensive tackle unit.

Linebackers

Signees: ILB Chase Kline (Composite three-star, 0.8829), OLB Jeslord Boateng (Composite three-star, 0.8606), ILB Edward Warinner (Composite three-star, 0.8431)

This linebacker class just feels like a prototypical MSU group under Dantonio. All three are hard-nosed, intelligent Ohio kids who will push for early playing time regardless of the depth in front of them.

The son of a coach and an early enrollee, Edward Warinner seems like a good candidate to make an impact on special teams as a true freshman. As a big backer with pass-rushing skills, Chase Kline is also a strong candidate for early playing time. Heck, don’t be surprised if Jeslord Boateng looks too good to keep on the sidelines, too. While I’m sure the staff would like to redshirt at least one or two of these guys given the returning talent at linebacker, if any of these three are ready, they’ll see the field.

While both will start their MSU careers at running back, La’Darius Jefferson and Elijah Collins also have the potential to eventually move to linebacker should the coaching staff determine they have better value on defense.

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