Michigan State football’s 2019 recruiting class by the numbers

The early signing period is in the books and we take a look at Michigan State football’s 2019 recruiting class by the numbers.

The 72-hour early-signing period for 2019 recruits has come and gone. While there is a slight possibility that the Spartans might add another player or two in the February signing period, it’s reasonable to assume that this year’s class is pretty much all wrapped up. Therefore, it’s a good time for some quick-hitters regarding this incoming 2019 class, by the numbers.

28 – The current 247Sports composite class ranking for MSU
While this number is surely subject to change, this current ranking would mean that this 2019 class is the highest-ranked class MSU has signed in the last three years. And while the 2016 class did rank higher than the current one, this one should yield more impact across-the-board as that class became best-known for its attrition. While class rankings shouldn’t be given too much stock, it doesn’t hurt to know that this class measures up well when it comes to traditional metrics.

18 – The number of signees in the 2019 class
This is the smallest class MSU has signed since the 2013 class, assuming no more players are added by February. This isn’t a negative at all, as this class was always supposed to be on the smaller side due to the last two classes being 22 (2018) and 25 (2017) signees.

94.7 – The percent of the class that’s from the Midwest
Eighteen of the 19 signees hail from the Midwest. This means all but one signee, Australian punter Jack Bouwmeester, is the only one from outside of the confines of Michigan, Indiana, Illinois or Ohio. Mark Dantonio has always built his teams with that Midwestern-tough brand of players and this class is as rigid in that philosophy as any.

9 – Devontae Dobbs is MSU’s highest-ranked recruit in nine years
By now, every Spartan fan has heard of the five-star offensive lineman that will be headlining this incoming class. According to 247Sports composite rankings, Devontae Dobbs is the No. 1 offensive guard in the country, the No. 2 player in Michigan and the No. 26 player in the country.

This is the highest ranking player that the Spartans have signed since William Gholston. The Spartans signed Gholston as a part of the 2010 class, in which he was ranked 18th in the country and No. 1 in the state of Michigan.

6 – The number of offensive linemen in this class
Officially, 247Sports lists six offensive linemen in the 2019 class for Michigan State, although signing day flip Maverick Hansen will probably end up playing on the defensive side of the trenches. Regardless, it was clear that there was an emphasis to get back to MSU’s dominant O-Line identity that seemed to be missing the past two years.

While recapping his class for Big Ten Network, head coach Mark Dantonio said himself that the offensive line was the strength of this class. That isn’t just because of Dobbs, even though he is probably a big part of the reason. The other guys, like Spencer Brown, JD Duplain, Damon Kaylor and Nick Samac all project to be solid contributors for the years to come.