Michigan State football showing interest in transfer CB from UNLV
For the past couple of weeks, it has been the Michigan State basketball team that has taken center stage when it comes to the transfer portal. But now with the Michigan State football team's spring practice schedule coming to an end next week, it is their turn to join in on the fun.
Jonathan Smith has already earned a commitment from 10 transfers during the fall/winter transfer portal cycle, so it is no surprise to see him being active yet again.
This time it is with a solid cornerback from out west who could make an impact in East Lansing.
UNLV transfer CB Ricky Johnson posted 36 tackles, 4 TFLs and a team high 7 passes defended last season. He's been popular in the portal, too.
— Chris Hummer (@chris_hummer) April 11, 2024
Offers: Colorado State (visit April 20)
Interest: Arizona, Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Boise State https://t.co/JN7EFNIRmD pic.twitter.com/JvOfM8laP1
Ricky Johnson is a senior cornerback from UNLV. He has played four seasons with UNLV but is looking to transfer to a new school for his fifth and final season. He is coming off a solid senior season where he accumulated 36 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a team-high seven passes defended. He unfortunately did not have an interception last season which is a little concerning for someone in the secondary, but he does have four interceptions in his career including three as a sophomore.
Michigan State has not offered Johnson yet, but they are showing interest in him along with Arizona, Vanderbilt, and Boise State. Colorado State so far is the school with the most interest in Ricky as they have offered him and scheduled a visit with him. But based on these schools alone, if MSU pushes hard for Johnson, you would think it would have a great chance at landing him.
Johnson is one of those transfers that is not a "must get" in my eyes. Sure he would be able to help the team out a lot, especially at a position that has struggled mightily in recent years. But he is not a lockdown corner that would change the dynamic of the entire defense. He also only has one year of eligibility remaining, and I would prefer Smith to recruit someone with at least a couple of years of eligibility remaining.
Regardless of what Smith decides to do with Johnson, I am glad he sees the need to address the Spartan's secondary. That has been the weakest spot on this team by far, so the sooner he can improve that unit, the better.