Interview: Illinois 2017 OG Kevin Jarvis Talks Michigan State Commitment and Football

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The 2017 recruiting class is full of excellent offensive linemen and Michigan State took one of the better interior players in the nation on Thursday landing Kevin Jarvis.

Jarvis worked his way into being a 4-star recruit with Main South High School in Park Ridge, Illinois, flattening the competition (pun intended) while keeping his quarterback’s jersey clean and paving holes for the ground game. The Hawks went 8-3 in 2015 with Jarvis helping anchor the line and the college coaches came running.

Interest turned into offers for the 6’5”, 340 pound, big man with Arkansas, Florida, Maryland, Michigan, Auburn, Toledo, Syracuse, Rutgers, Tennessee, Missouri, and in-state powerhouse Illinois all seeking his talents. Jarvis had made multiple visits to Michigan State seeing the Spartans last on Tuesday nearly pulling the commitment trigger then.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Jarvis after his commitment to the Spartans to get the inside scoop on how the big moment went down and got some extra information on what he is working on in preparation for his senior season.

Interview

Kevin, what influenced you to commit to Michigan State today?

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while – it made since to do it.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I called Coach (Mark) Dantonio (head coach) and the offensive line coach, Coach (Mark) Staten, and told them.”

What was the reaction of Coach Dantonio and Coach Staten?

“They were both really happy. They wanted to make sure I was sure about making my commitment. I told them I was positive and I want to be a Spartan.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed? Were you nervous?

“Yeah, I was really nervous – this is a big step.”

What was going through your mind at that time?

“I was just anxious, not to get it over with, but to tell them. I wanted to tell them when I was up there on Tuesday but I waited. I wanted to talk to my dad and my coach to make sure Michigan State was the right place for me.”

I understand that there were several things along the way, but what was it about your visit on Tuesday that made you come to the decision that Michigan State is a good fit for you?

“Really, just talking to the coaches and how I was wanted there. It worked. I feel like I can do well there.”

Which position will you play at the next level for MSU?

“Probably guard but I can play tackle if I have to.”

Do you plan on graduating early or do you plan to go through your senior year and enroll next summer?

“I plan on graduating with everyone else.”

Were there any schools that made your commitment to Michigan State a little bit tougher?

“I was close with Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Auburn – schools like that but Michigan State was it for me.”

Do you plan on taking your official visits during your senior season?

“No, I’m only taking one and that is to MSU. Once you commit to Michigan State you cannot visit other schools and I’m fine with that.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Yes, but I’m not going to be annoying with it. I’m not going to be up a kid’s butt about it but if it is in his best interest I’ll help recruit.”

Let’s transition away from recruiting and talk about your offseason workouts. What are you working on right now to prepare for your senior campaign?

“I’m working on my technique and getting stronger and faster. I’m working on everything overall.”

I’ve seen a lot of different heights and weights for you. What is your height and weight right now?

“Right now, I’m 6’5”, 340 pounds. I was 339 at MSU on Tuesday. I don’t feel that heavy and I was told I don’t look that heavy. If I can keep moving around well with this weight I may keep it or I’ll drop some weight.”

What were your most recent bench, squat, and power clean bests?

“My bench press was at 340 last time I maxed out. I’m guessing I’m at 350 right now or more. My top squat was at 600 pounds but I’m easing back into it. Right now I’d say I’m at 585. My power clean is somewhere between 300 to 315 pounds.

Wow, you’re a monster in the best sense of the expression.

(Laughs) “Thank you.”

I know you are a very good lineman all the way around, but splitting hairs, which are you better at run blocking or pass blocking?

“For me, I’d say I can do everything well. I can run block with anyone. I can put anyone in the dirt. With my pass blocking – I’ve cleaned that up a lot. I’m getting better with my technique. I think I can do everything pretty well.”

How do the Hawks look going into 2016?

“I think that we will be good. All the guys are close on the team. That should help a lot. We’ll see what happens.”

Kevin, congratulations on your commitment to Michigan State today and good luck with your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: isportsweb.com; Kevin Jarvis with MSU head coach Mark Dantonio.

Photo credit: scout.com; Kevin Jarvis at the Nike Opening regional in Chicago.