Michigan State has landed a big-time tight end out of the portal as Oregon State transfer Jack Velling announced his commitment to the Spartans today.
Of course, after playing two years under their tutelage, Velling is very familiar with the new Michigan State coaching staff, including head coach Jonathan Smith, tight ends coach Brian Wozniak, offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren and the other coaches who came over from Oregon State.
Velling is ranked as the No. 96 transfer portal prospect, according to Rivals.
Velling, listed at 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds, just completed his sophomore year with the Beavers. He played in 12 games and recorded 29 receptions for 438 yards (15.1 yards per reception) and eight touchdowns. The eight touchdowns set a single-season OSU program record for tight ends.
According to Pro Football Focus, Velling played 585 offensive snaps this season. He recorded an offensive grade of 70.1, a grade of 78.3 on passing plays, a pass-blocking grade of 57.23 and a run-blocking grade of 49.1.
Velling was also named an All-Pac-12 second-team selection in 2023.
In 2022 as a true freshman, Velling caught 16 passes for 281 yards (17.6 yards per reception) and three touchdowns. In 23 total games played with the Beavers, Velling amassed 45 catches for 719 yards (16 yards per reception) and 11 touchdowns.
A Seattle native, Velling was rated by rivals as three-star prospect in the 2022 class. In addition to Oregon State, he had offers out of high school from Michigan, Arizona State, Utah and others.
Velling visited Michigan State during the weekend of Dec. 8, along with quarterback Aidan Chiles, who was his teammate at Oregon State. Chiles committed to the Spartans on Dec. 14. Now Velling and Chiles will reunite in East Lansing.
Velling should immediately find a substantial role in East Lansing. Of course, he already knows the offensive system under Smith, Lindgren and Wozniak well, but Michigan State has seen some recent departures in its tight ends room.
Earlier this offseason, redshirt junior tight end Maliq Carr entered the transfer portal. Carr led all Michigan State tight ends and was second on the team in receptions (30) and yards (352). Carr was also tied for the team lead in touchdown receptions with three.
Additionally, redshirt senior tight end Evan Morris entered the transfer portal as well. While Morris was used primarily as a blocking tight end, recording just four catches, he was a mainstay on the offense in 2023. Combined, Carr and Morris played 616 offensive snaps.
Velling will have two years of eligibility remaining, and still has a redshirt option on the table if needed for a potential fifth-year of college football.
To keep up with all of Michigan State's transfer portal activity, please click here.
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