Former Michigan high school coach praises Michigan State football recruiting

Former Belleville High School coach Jermain Crowell had an impressive career. He went 86-10 in eight years with the program and led Belleville to its first Division 1 state title before getting suspended by the MHSAA for violations through the 2023 season.

Belleville eventually let him go.

High school football in the state of Michigan took a big hit with his absence as he led one of the most successful programs but he was a respected coach who made a mistake when it was believed he tried to recruit a young player before his freshman year at Detroit King.

Crowell sent plenty of players to the FBS and Michigan State even had a number of his products although none of them truly panned out -- Devontae Dobbs and Julian Barnett are prime examples.

But the new Michigan State football staff has caught his attention for all the right reasons. Jonathan Smith and the Spartans have prioritized recruiting the state of Michigan and Crowell loves to see it.

It's cool to see high school coaching figures in the state of Michigan giving the Spartans props because for a while, it felt like the Spartans were ignoring the talent in their own backyard. While the talent isn't exactly flourishing because a lot of local kids leave the MHSAA for bigger programs in other states, the Spartans are still doing a good job in Michigan.

This could come in handy down the line when some big-name kids rise through the ranks and want to stay local and Michigan State makes them a priority from the beginning.

Smith is doing a great job, according to a former Michigan high school coaching star.