Michigan State Football Recruiting: Top 5 quarterback targets in 2019 class

This is a long-shot of all long-shots. Graham Mertz has confirmed his commitment to Wisconsin over and over, but the Spartans could give their pitch and hope for the best.

Mertz is a kid who has said “thanks but no thanks” to programs like Michigan and Ohio State which are considered top-tier offers for recruits. Michigan State could try to pry him from the Badgers and the Spartans have quarterbacks in the NFL to use as leverage — but the Badgers have Russell Wilson.

The four-star quarterback from Kansas committed to Wisconsin, somewhat surprisingly, back in October when many believed the Buckeyes were the favorite. He’s since earned offers from the likes of Oregon, Notre Dame, Clemson, Texas A&M, Tennessee, Alabama, LSU and a handful of others. Yes he’s still a Badger.

No, I don’t believe there’s a good chance of this happening, but Michigan State’s track record gives the Spartans a slight chance.

In the end, the nation’s No. 86 player and fourth-best pro-style gunslinger will likely be a Badger, but expect Mark Dantonio to reach out.