MSU flips kicker Martin Connington: 'They will make me into a great man'

Michigan State has successfully flipped 2024 kicker Martin Connington from Oregon State. Connington announced his pledge to the Spartans on Monday.

Connington, out of Mountain View High School in Meridian, Idaho, took an official visit to Michigan State this past weekend, arriving to East Lansing on Jan. 19.

"I decided to commit to Michigan State because of the coaching staff and what I believe they will do when I am there," Connington told Spartans Illustrated. "I believe they will make me into a great young man who helps his community and leaves an impact on where he is. I also believe that the Big Ten and Michigan State specifically produce NFL-caliber specialists and it’s an opportunity I could never pass up."

Of course, head coach Jonathan Smith, assistant head coach/running backs coach/co-special teams coordinator Keith Bhonapha and several other current Michigan State coaches were previously at Oregon State and built a strong connection with the kicker.

Connington originally committed to the Beavers under Smith, Bhonapha and the then-Oregon State staff in October of 2023. However, Connington did not sign his National Letter of Intent with new head coach Trent Bray and OSU during the Early Signing Period in December of 2023.

Instead, Connington will play his college football in East Lansing under Smith, Bhonapha, co-special teams coordinator/rush ends coach Chad Wilt and the rest of the Spartan staff.

As for the official visit to Michigan State, Connington really enjoyed the experience and saw everything he needed to see to know that MSU is home for him. He was accompanied on the trip by his parents.

"I got to see all around campus, the stadium and all (there was to see)," Connington said about his official visit to MSU. "I also got to see the dorms where many of the players stayed, which were all very nice. I had a photo shoot, which was a lot of fun walking out into the stadium all suited up. That was special. My favorite part of the visit was definitely just getting to talk to the coaches over dinner."

Bhonapha originally started recruiting Connington when he was coaching at Boise State in 2022, and the bond has been developing ever since then.

The young kicker also likes the vision that Smith has for the program, and is looking forward to working with Wilt as well.

"My relationship with Coach Bhonopha specifically has been growing since the beginning of my recruitment," Connington explained. "With me (previously) being committed to Boise State where he (first) recruited me and then ultimately committing to Oregon State, it’s gotten stronger and stronger over time.

"My relationship with Coach Smith and Coach Wilt is on the newer side, but their philosophies are something I believe in as well and I cannot wait to learn from them as a person and as an athlete."

While Rivals ranks Connington as a two-star prospect, he is ranked as a six-star kicker by Chris Sailer Kicking and as a five-star kicker by Kohl's Kicking. Kohl's ranks him as the No. 5 kicker in the 2024 class, while Chris Sailer lists him at No. 7.

Connington is confident as a placekicker, and he feels he can make most kicks, but he is always looking to fine-tune his game and improve on the small details and mechanics.

"I would say my strength would have to be field goals," Connington explained. "I am hoping I can improve upon the fundamentals. I know I can kick the ball, but the little things matter more."

As mentioned, the 6-foot, 190-pound Connington was a one-time Boise State commit as well, prior to pledging to Oregon State. He also had interest from North Carolina State and Idaho.

Connington is joining a Michigan State roster in 2024 that is expected to include fellow kickers Jonathan Kim, Stephen Rusnak, Tarik Ahmetbasic and Yousef Obeid.

Kim worked as Michigan State's primary placekicker in 2023, and made 13 of 18 field goal attempts (72.2%). His longest field goal make was from 58 yards out. Kim also had 42 kickoffs and averaged 63.3 yards per kickoff.

Connington is excited to compete and learn from Kim and the others.

"Entering a room with Jonathan Kim is quite exciting and he is a very experienced kicker," Connington noted. "I know that I’ll be able to learn from him and be the best version of myself for the following season.

"I hope to be able to learn how to handle those big moments, you can’t replicate 80,000 to 100,000 (people) in a stadium, you just can’t."

While he was on the official visit, Connington was also able to spend time with Michigan State punter Ryan Eckley, tight end Jack Velling — who recently transferred to MSU from Oregon State — and a couple others.

Connington will enroll in the summer. He is looking forward to arriving in East Lansing.

"I just want to let the fans know that I’m working as hard as I ever have to come and be the best kicker and version of myself," Connington said. "And I’m beyond eager to step on campus this summer."

With Connington's commitment, Michigan State's 2024 recruiting class grows to 20 prospects. He and three-star linebacker Jadyn Walker are currently the only committed prospects who are unsigned.

Connington will look to sign during the traditional signing period on Feb. 7.

As of press time, Michigan State's 2024 high school recruiting class ranks 49th nationally.

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