2022 WVU commit Zion Young takes in Michigan State

Michigan State played host to 6-foot-6, 225-pound West Virginia commit Zion Young for the rivalry matchup against Michigan on Saturday. Young has been committed to West Virginia since late June, but received an offer from Michigan State on Oct, 12. He has formed a strong relationship with Ron Burton in recent weeks, resulting in Saturday's unofficial visit to Michigan State.

“I got a chance to chop it up with a lot of the defensive coaches," Young said. "Atmosphere was crazy. Being a part of that crowd with other recruits and getting a chance to hold the trophy was the best part to me."

Young enjoyed being able to go into the Michigan State locker room after the game and experience the scene.

“It was pretty cool to get to see those guys celebrate behind closed doors," Young said. "It’s big-time football and trending the right way. One of my coaches is a recent grad so I got to see a lot of what I’ve been hearing."

Young is coached by former Spartan defensive back Tre Person, who is the defensive coordinator at Westlake High School in Georgia. Person played at Michigan State from 2017 to 2020, and spent one year in Mel Tucker’s program.

"Coach (Person) has told me about the Spartan Dawg brotherhood and about everything he got to experience on campus," Young said. "It was pretty accurate and it helped that he was with me to show me around a little bit."

Young arrived on Saturday and left shortly after the game. Since this was an unofficial visit, he plans to return for an official visit later this year.

"No not too much of campus," he said when asked if was able to get a tour. "But once an OV is set, I’m sure I’ll get the opportunity to see more."

Michigan State has made contact with Westlake High School defensive line coach Jasper Grimes as part of the Young recruitment. Grimes is a former Wisconsin and Eastern Michigan defensive tackle. Tucker and Thomas Wilcher, Michigan State's director of high school relations, have both been in communication with Grimes.

"It was pretty cool to speak with Tucker because he played at Wisconsin like me and I’ve always heard he’s a cool dude," Grimes said. "Wilcher was cool to speak with because he’s a former high school coach. They told me they see the potential and need a guy like Zion. They’re making Zion a priority."

Grimes was asked if Young had spoken with him about his visit since returning to Georgia.

"I know he enjoyed the game and atmosphere," Grimes said. "He’s a freak athlete, just beginning to learn things at the position and add things to his tool belt. Zion is undoubtedly one of the leaders on defense for us here. He brings the juice and not shy about much. I look forward to seeing him make plays as we enter the playoffs."

Grimes' views on Young as a defensive lineman at this point?

"He’s pretty good versus the run and using leverage," Grimes said. "He needs to continue to develop his hand combat. Got to take advantage of having arms that long."