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Michigan State Football: Grading the Spartans’ 2018 recruiting class

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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 – 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)
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) /

Running Backs: B+

Two years after swinging and missing on all running back targets and only taking one (potentially two if Connor Heyward locks that down as his position) in 2017, the Spartans needed to add a couple in their 2018 class. They did just that with Elijah Collins and La’Darius Jefferson.

Michigan State is returning LJ Scott for his senior year and Weston Bridges redshirted in 2017, but could be a force with Madre London and Gerald Holmes gone. Heyward will also get some touches out of the backfield, but these two signees will provide much-needed depth.

Collins, a three-star from Detroit, looked like a Michigan State lean for some time, but cooled on the Spartans and then jumped back on the wagon, committing last summer. He’s a fun back to watch and although he isn’t the fastest guy in the field, he has impressive shiftiness. He’s the 30th-best running back in the class and No. 520 recruit in the nation.

The other 2018 signee in the backfield happens to be one of the most versatile players in the entire class. Jefferson, a three-star from Muskegon, Mich., was a relatively last-minute addition to the Spartans’ class as he committed and signed in December after de-committing from UCF. He won the state title as Muskegon’s quarterback and is an impressive runner. He’d be an enticing option for trick plays as well.

Overall, strong pair of backs.

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