Spartans back in NJ looking for All-American DE
It was not long ago that Michigan State recruited a TE/WR out of New Jersey who went on to become Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, Shilique Calhoun. The Spartans are back in the Garden State and believe that Elijah McAllister of Fair Haven High School in Rumson, New Jersey has the same type of potential.
McAllister has an impressive list of scholarships that includes over 20 Division 1 programs from across the country. Some of the BCS programs that have offered include Michigan State, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Maryland, Syracuse, Boston College and Rutgers.
McAllister has emerged as a plan A for Michigan State for the class of 2018. At 6-foot-6, 232-pounds he has the frame to add quality size without losing his explosive ability. I asked him about his thoughts on Michigan State.
"I have not been here yet, but I definitely plan on taking an official there. I love Michigan State University. I have been speaking with Coach Snyder. I like how they're always a good program and always have hard working coaches and players. They have had a great program for many years now and I know I would be in good hands."
Watching McAllister’s highlight film he plays a lot of wide receiver. That was the same case with Calhoun when he was coming out of Middletown North High School. You can see McAllister’s overall playmaking ability and why he is a Rivals high 3-star recruit.
I asked him about his position of preference and where schools see him playing at the next level.
“Some schools want me as a tight end and some schools want for defensive end. I work hard and I'm a quick learner. Michigan State wants me as a defensive end. I'll play either as long as I'm helping the team.”
One of the aspects the staff likes, in addition to McAllister’s physical ability, is his strong academic standing. Like several of the current class of 2018 commitments, he has multiple offers from Ivy League Schools.
As far as what McAllister is looking for in a school and when he hopes to visit Michigan State, he offered the following.
“I am looking for family environment for the most part. I'm going to try and plan for Notre Dane game. If not then, definitely after the season.”
SpartanMag.com will be sure to keep in contact with McAllister. Rumson-Fair Haven High School is one of the stronger programs in the Garden State having won the Central Jersey Group II State Championship 4 years running. With McAllister’s help, the Bulldogs hope to continue that streak and make in 5 in a row.
Matt Dorsey's Take:
It is good to see Michigan State back in New Jersey. Playing in the Big Ten East should benefit the Spartans ability to attract players from there. In my opinion the Spartans could use another edge rushing defensive end for the class of 2018. If you watch McAllister's film, he is much more polished on the offensive side of the ball at this point that the defensive side. That is not a big surprise as many players that have that long, lean body type are that way. Taiwan Jones is another player who came to Michigan State with better offensive film than defensive. The Spartans staff has won multiple championships due to superior evaluation and I would not bet against them if McAllister ends up in Green and White.