Michigan State football: 5-star DL David Stone’s visit could be game-changer

Losing Marco Coleman to Georgia Tech was not exactly what Mel Tucker had in mind in terms of offseason adjustments for Michigan State football.

The former Georgia Tech assistant just finished up his first year with the Spartans as the defensive line coach before taking the job in Atlanta yet again with the Yellow Jackets. It was a short stint, but he helped the Spartans gain ground in certain recruiting battles, such as the one for five-star defensive lineman David Stone.

So when Coleman left suddenly, Stone was forced to rethink his decision timeline. He would have to get adjusted to a new defensive line coach at one of his top programs.

That’s not easy for a recruit who is closing in on a decision.

But Tucker decided to bring him to campus for an unofficial visit this weekend to maybe ease his concerns and potentially talk about who his next coach may be (nothing has been made public yet, but you have to think Tucker has his guy pinpointed).

This visit could be a game-changer.

Michigan State football could move into the lead this weekend

Stone’s recruitment looks to be keying in on two favorites right now. One is home-state Oklahoma where he played high school ball with Bai Jobe before transferring to IMG Academy and the other is Michigan State.

The loss of Coleman means Michigan State has some ground to make up. Making Stone feel at ease over a new position coach is important and Tucker has a chance to do that.

Getting a five-star prospect to take his fourth official visit, paying his own way, is big for the Spartans and this one feels more important than the others because his friend (Jobe) is officially on campus and a decision is on the horizon.

Michigan State could win him over this weekend.