Michigan State Football: 5 most intriguing freshmen for 2018

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 17: Head coach Mark Dantonio of the Michigan State Spartans reacts on the sidelines during the second quarter of the college football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 17, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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Another name people seem to gloss over when looking at the class of 2018 is three-star defensive end Parks Gissinger. The West Hills, Calif., native committed to Michigan State, somewhat under the radar, and happened to be one of ESPN‘s top-rated recruits.

Not only is Gissinger underrated by sites like Rivals and 247Sports, but he also fills a major position of need for the Spartans.

Michigan State currently has guys like Justice Alexander, Jacub Panasiuk, Kenny Willekes, DeAri Todd and Dillon Alexander vying for time at end, but adding Gissinger should push everyone else. Don’t be surprised if he earns some extra snaps in 2018 despite being just a freshman — not extremely common under Mark Dantonio.

The defensive end position is one of the toughest to earn time as a true freshman but Gissinger’s 6-4, 227-pound frame is already being worked on by Ken Mannie and he should be in great shape by season’s kickoff in August.

Depth shouldn’t be an issue if Gissinger lives up to the hype.

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