Michigan State Football: 3-star DE Simeon Barrow fills major need

Michigan State football picked up a 2020 commitment from three-star defensive end Simeon Barrow from Georgia. He fills a major need.

Kenny Willekes, Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk are all graduating following the 2018 season, which makes Michigan State’s defensive line the most crucial position group to replace.

It’s even more important as it’s been the defense’s strength for the past year, or so, leading the No. 1 run-stopping unit in the nation. Replacing three potential All-Big Ten players and a couple of All-Americans won’t be a walk in the park, though.

So you know the coaching staff has made it their mission to add to the trenches with the 2020 recruiting class and they did just that on Thursday, the day before the 2019 season, with a commitment from three-star Georgia defensive end Simeon Barrow.

While he’s listed as a defensive end, his 6-3, 265-pound frame can be used inside or out. He could put on some weight and move to the interior, spending some time as a defensive tackle to fill a need or he can continue to cut and work at the end spot. Either way, he fills a serious position of need right away.

Rivals recruiting expert Corey Robinson likes what he sees in Barrow.

“Powerful edge rusher at 6-foot-3, 267-pounds,” Robinson said. “Is a guy who can play strong side defensive end or slide inside to defensive tackle. Tons of natural strength, with good explosion off the snap.”

The state of Georgia has been a nice pipeline for Michigan State over the years and the staff is hoping to continue this trend for the 2020 class in the coming months.

The Spartans’ 2020 class is at 14 commits now and Barrow just has the feel of that typical mid-three-star recruit who will excel in East Lansing.

Barrow also becomes the fourth defensive lineman to commit to Michigan State’s 2020 class, joining Kyle King, Chris Mayfield and Jeff Pietrowski. He is the highest-rated of the bunch, according to 247Sports.