As the Early Signing Period approaches, Michigan State is looking to bolster its 2023 recruiting class. One currently committed prospect who is locked in with the Spartans and ready to sign in a few weeks is four-star defensive end Jalen Thompson.

Thompson, who just finished his senior season at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, is ranked by Rivals as the No. 19 strong-side defensive end, No. 2 player in the state of Michigan and No. 204 player nationally in the 2023 class.

Thompson, 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, will officially sign with Michigan State when the Early Signing Period opens on Dec. 21. He also plans to enroll early at MSU and get to campus in January 2023.

Thompson announced his verbal commitment to MSU on Aug. 22.

Of course, growing up in Michigan, Thompson had early exposure to watching past Michigan State football teams, and he said that made an impact on him. For Thompson, however, Michigan State was a constant presence in his recruitment, and the bond he built with the staff was crucial in his decision to choose the Spartans.

“I watched Michigan-Michigan State (rivalry games) growing up, so (Michigan State) was a school I saw myself wanting to be part of growing up,” Thompson told Spartans Illustrated via phone. “But, really, it just narrowed it down to relationships. (MSU) was there for me from the beginning, that was one of the schools that was with me the longest.

“Knowing that I’m gonna be able to show my talents off early, being able to play early and just knowing they’re not only going to help me on the field but off the field as well,” Thompson said when explaining his decision to commit to Michigan State.