Jaelon Barbarin commits to Michigan State: 'It was the best opportunity'

Michigan State is adding more speed and talent to its 2023 recruiting class as three-star athlete Jaelon Barbarin announced his verbal commitment to the Spartans on Wednesday. He comes out of Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, California.

Barbarin, who is being recruited as a running back by Michigan State, ranks as the No. 81 player in the state of California, according to Rivals.

“I chose Michigan State because I feel like they provided me the best opportunity to become a better football player and a better man overall,” Barbarin told Spartans Illustrated about his commitment.

Barbarin received a scholarship offer from Michigan State on Oct. 11. He took an official visit to the East Lansing campus this past weekend from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11.

Safety Dillon Tatum, who just finished his true freshman season at Michigan State, hosted Barbarin on the visit. Additionally, Barbarin was able to check out what the Spartans had to offer with his good friend, and fellow MSU target, Sean Brown (a three-star prospect whom MSU is recruiting as a defensive back), and three-star quarterback target Sam Leavitt.

“The visit went amazing,” Barbarin said excitedly. “My favorite moment of the visit was learning about the technology Michigan State offers you to develop your body, and give you the maximum amount of output.”