Michigan State Football: Grading the Spartans' 2018 recruiting class

Michigan State Football: Grading the Spartans’ 2018 recruiting class

EAST LANSING, MI - OCTOBER 21: Running back LJ Scott #3 of the Michigan State Spartans high-steps into the end zone to score against the Indiana Hoosiers on an 18-yard run during the fourth quarter at Spartan Stadium on October 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Indiana 17-9. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 18: Lorenzo Harrison III #2 of the Maryland Terrapins scores a second half touchdown past the tackle of Kenny Willekes #48 of the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium on November 18, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Defensive Line: C+

From the offensive line, we head to the other side of the ball which produced one of the most improved units on the team in 2017. The Spartans did lose some promising talent here in freshman Lashawn Paulino-Bell, but they return a good chunk of their contributors in 2018. Who will they add?

Three-star defensive end Parks Gissinger is considered by many to be underrated and ESPN lists him as a four-star prospect. The West Hills, Calif., end is ranked the No. 804 player in the class and 48th-best weak-side defensive end, per 247Sports. He stands 6-foot-4, 227 pounds and possesses plenty of quickness and strength.

The next two signees are twin brothers. The first is Jacob Spade, a strong-side defensive end from Lewis Center, is ranked No. 838 overall in the class and is the 34th-best strong-side defensive end. He has a thick frame, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing in at 255 pounds, which makes him a load for opposing linemen.

Zachary Slade often gets overlooked and is a bit smaller at 240 pounds. He’s also a strong-side defensive end and is ranked No. 1,901 in the class. He has some of that underdog mentality in him.

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