Michigan State football: 3-star WR Jaelen Smith just what 2023 class needs

Another cycle, another decent wide receiver haul for Mel Tucker and Michigan State football.

After losing Germie Bernard who was the crown jewel of the 2022 receiver class for the Spartans, Tucker went out and found a guy who could replace him in three-star Jaelen Smith.

Smith, a Texas native, is ranked the No. 73 receiver in the class, per 247Sports, and he just got his first composite ranking on Tuesday, sitting at No. 695 nationally.

Also on Tuesday, he committed to Michigan State.

Smith joins Aziah Johnson as the two receivers committed in the class which follows up a cycle in which Michigan State landed Antonio Gates Jr., Jaron Glover, and Tyrell Henry.

Speed and size coming to Michigan State football’s receiving corps

Corey Robinson, 247Sports’ Michigan State insider, was vocal about his praise for the addition and stated that Johnson and Smith are the perfect speed and size combo for the receiver class.

Johnson committed earlier this month and he was brought in as a home-run threat who can get down the field in a hurry. He’s a track star. Smith, on the other hand, has a strong 6-foot-2, 190-pound frame that should help the Spartans move the chains.

Robinson agreed with a recent comparison for Smith: Devin Thomas.

Thomas was one of the best one-year wonders in Michigan State history as he broke out for over 1,200 yards and eight touchdowns in 2007 as his 6-2, 220-pound frame was tough to defend. If Smith can be anything like him, the Spartans will have an elite receiving corps in a couple of years.

Next year, Michigan State will have Keon Coleman, Tre Mosley (pending an NFL draft decision), Gates Jr., Glover, Henry, Christian Fitzpatrick, Johnson, and Smith to lead the receiving corps which is a group of unproven guys (outside of Coleman and Mosley) with a ton of potential.

Smith gives the Spartans just what they need.