Drive for Five
SpartanMag.com takes a look at 5 prospects that we believe to be a top priority for Michigan State for the class for 2017. The list is by no means inclusive, but landing players on this list would be a recruiting coup for the Spartans.
OT Robert Hainsey of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
The Scoop: Hainsey has been a top priority for Michigan State since early on in the process. Line Coach Mark Staten identified Hainsey as player he wanted over 2-years ago and has been actively recruiting ever since. Coach Staten is very specific in what he wants in recruits and coachability and upside potential are two key factors. The fact that Hainsey has been consistently climbing the Rivals.com rankings is not a surprise to the Spartan staff. My sources tell me that the staff sees a lot of the same characteristics in Hainsey as former All-American Jack Conklin. Hainsey is expected to make his college choice at the The Opening in July.
TE Matt Dotson of Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio
The Scoop: Tight end recruiting is a top priority for the Spartans this year due to 2 seniors set to graduate, not signing a TE in the class of 2014 and some potential attrition due to medical reasons. Dotson is viewed as an instant impact player and the Spartans are in a tight battle with Penn State. Many view the Lions as having the inside track as Dotson may follow his close friend, QB Sean Clifford of St Xavier High School to Happy Valley. Michigan State has an outstanding track record with players from Moeller and being around 2 hours closer cannot hurt. Even if Dotson commits to Penn State, I have a feeling the staff will keep the door open if there is a coaching change in State College after the 2016 season.
DL Deron Irving-Bey of Southwestern Academy in Flint, Michigan
The Scoop: Irving-Bey is a player that the Michigan State staff has been very high on for quite some time. The Spartans were his first major Big Ten offer and his stock has continued to rise ever since. Irving-Bey attended the Spartan Camp and you could see that the staff was excited that he was there and he showed the type of ability and intensity that position Coach Ron Burton likes to see. Irving-Bey is one of those players I think the staff believes could be like current NFL player William Gholston and move all over the line. Irving-Bey is strong enough to hold the edge vs. .power run team like Iowa and Wisconsin. He is quick and powerful enough that he can slide inside vs. spread option teams and rush the passer. He has the ability to be an every-down player.
DB Amir Riep of Colerain High School in Cincinnati, Ohio
The Scoop: It is a well-known fact that Mark Dantonio and his staff are as good as it gets when it comes to developing defensive back talent. Since he arrived at Michigan State with position coach Harlon Barnett, no school has produced more All Big-Ten defensive backs than Michigan State. Riep’s recruitment looks like it could come down to a classic Buckeyes vs. Spartans battle. It is never easy to beat Ohio State for an Ohio kid, but if The Buckeyes are going to come into Michigan to snag a player or two from Detroit, it only makes sense that the Spartans return the favor. Cincinnati native and former NFL DB Harlon Barnett is serving as the primary recruiter of Riep for the Spartans.
WR Oliver Martin of West High School in Iowa City, Iowa
The Scoop: Martin is a recent offer for the Spartans, but that does not diminish how the staff feels about him. Getting Martin on campus was very important and the staff sees Martin as someone with that size and speed to play any of the 3 wide receiver spots in the Spartans pro-style offense. Watching Martin’s film I was reminded of former Spartan and current Denver Bronco Bennie Fowler for a size and speed standpoint. Martin might be the best all-around athletes in the Midwest when you consider he is a state championship swimmer as well as Big Ten baseball recruit. The staff would love to see Martin join quarterback Rocky Lombardi and form a go-to type of relationship.
Analysis: The above list is certainly not all inclusive as the staff has offered plenty of other players. I could have easily added several other WR’s or OL to the list, but thought I would focus on players that are closer to making a college decision.