Jonathan Smith and Michigan State continue to roll on the recruiting trail. On Tuesday evening, three-star Boise, Idaho offensive guard Rakeem Johnson committed to the Spartans, just days after wrapping up an official visit to East Lansing.
Johnson, like several of his fellow Michigan State commits, was originally a member of Oregon State's 2024 recruiting class but would decommit from the Beavers following the Spartans' hiring of Smith.
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound Johnson decommitted from Oregon State on Dec. 11 before picking up an offer from the Spartans one day later. The two sides quickly worked on getting an official visit scheduled for this past weekend, one that Johnson took alongside his parents.
"My parents absolutely loved the trip," Johnson told Spartans Illustrated. "Distance was a worry for me at first, but once my parents were comfortable with it, that made me more comfortable with my decision also. Knowing I’m playing Big Ten football is a huge deal, but knowing that the coaches have a plan in store for me with all of the resources to make me the best possible player I can be is relaxing."
For Johnson, his parents' comfort level as well as his at Michigan State and East Lansing, nearly 1,900 miles away from his home in Boise, was an integral part of his visit, especially with the familiarity and bond that he had already built with the Spartans' coaching staff. J
Johnson has been talking with new MSU offensive line coach/run game coordinator Jim Michalczik weekly since he originally committed to Oregon State in July.
"We already knew their plans on the offensive side of the ball because they said they were going to do the same thing as before," Johnson said about the trip. "I’d say the biggest selling point was when my parents were comfortable enough to let me go far because of how the coaches said they would make sure I’m in great hands with them," he added about what the coaching staff spent the most talking to him and his family about this past weekend.
But beyond fit and relationships, Johnson also believed Michigan State was the right fit for him for the opportunities and resources that it provides.
"I feel that it is the right fit because of the endless opportunities and resources they have there. I fully trust in the coaches to build up that place to its max potential."
Jonhson this season played a pivotal role in leading the Bishop Kelly Knights to an undefeated 13-0 season and a 4A Idaho state championship. The Knights' offense this season averaged 42.9 points per game.
On top of his offers from Michigan State and Oregon State, Johnson also held offers from Air Force, Boise State, Boston College, BYU, California and Washington State, as well as a handful of FCS offers.
Johnson is now the 15th commitment in Michigan State's 2024 high school recruiting class, joining offensive lineman Payton Stewart, wide receiver Austin Clay, quarterback Alessio Milivojevic, defensive back Andrew Brinson, running backs Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis, tight end Wyatt Hook, wide receiver Nick Marsh, defensive back Jaylen Thompson, athlete/defensive back Justin Denson Jr., defensive back Keshawn Williams, linebacker Jadyn Walker and offensive linemen Mercer Luniewski and Charlton Luniewski.
Along with the rest of his fellow 2024 commitments, Johnson plans on signing with the Spartans on Wednesday during the early signing period. He is set to enroll at Michigan State this summer.
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