Michigan State Football: Top 5 remaining in-state targets in 2019 class

Michigan State’s 2019 recruiting class is filling up, but the Spartans have some big-time targets left on the board. Who’re the best from Michigan?

‘The best in Michigan go to Michigan.’ It’s a saying that has haunted Michigan State fans over the years, but the 2019 recruiting class may buck that recent trend.

Michigan State has already landed two of the state’s top-five prospects in the state, four of the top-15 and five of the top-20. But the Spartans aren’t done yet. In fact, there are a handful of in-state prospects left on the board for the green and white and Mark Dantonio could reel in five more big fish before it’s all said and done.

Who are Michigan State’s top five remaining 2019 class targets from the state of Michigan?

Although Michigan State may not be leading for Mazi Smith, or even fully active in his recruitment, the Spartans still stand a slight chance. He could be headed to Michigan, which is where he seems to be leaning, but Notre Dame is also a strong contender. Ohio State also offered the four-star Kentwood-native and stands a decent chance.

Michigan State will have its work cut out if it plans on luring Smith away from the Wolverines or Fighting Irish, but depending on when he decides to commit, he could be waiting on the depth of the defensive tackle position for the 2019 season. On top of that, he could be waiting on 2018 on-field results.

Smith is an elite recruit in the state, ranked No. 119 overall, eighth-best at the position and fourth-best in the state, per 247Sports. If not Smith, the Spartans could push to land Belleville’s Jalen Hunt on the defensive line.