Michigan State adds two Ohio recruits and in-state product to 2016 recruiting class

When the ink was dry on Michigan State’s 2015 recruiting class a solid group featuring seven 4-star recruits highlighted the haul. Of the seven 4-star recruits three were pulled from Ohio; Andrew and David Dowell, and Larry Scott. In total five players were signed out of the Buckeyes’ backyard and the trend is continuing into the 2016 recruiting class.

In late April the Spartans made a run adding five verbal commits to their 2016 class. Of the 10 commitments MSU has landed thus far six hale from the Buckeye State. On Tuesday MSU added two more Ohio natives, cornerback Austin Andrews and outside linebacker Jonah Morris. Continuing the trend of getting several recruits in spurts, Cass Tech safety Demetric Vance also verbally committed to MSU on Wednesday.

All three recruits are considered three-star prospects. Morris is a versatile recruit out of Archbishop Hoban in Akron able to fill a spot at outside linebacker and wide receiver. The 6’4”, 196 pound, talent picked MSU over offers from several Big Ten and MAC schools including Minnesota, Illinois, Pitt, Toledo, Akron, Maryland, Kent State, Miami of Ohio, Ball State, and Buffalo. The big target on offense had 28 receptions, 463 yards receiving, and five touchdowns as a junior in 2014.

Andrews, a highly recruited Midwest cornerback, had racked up 20-plus offers from schools like Boston College, Indiana, Iowa, Louisville, Missouri, Pitt, Wisconsin, Toledo, Virginia, Western Michigan, Army, Ball State, and Bowling Green before choosing the Spartans. Playing for DeSales High School, the 6’0”, 178 pound, speedster had 33 tackles, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one pick in 2014.

Demetric Vance’s commitment to MSU was of little surprise after several unofficial visits to East Lansing. Of the three new recruits the Detroit area star maybe the most prized addition. A load at both safety and wide receiver, Vance helped lead the Technicians to a 12-1 record last season earning scholarship offers from Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, N.C. State, Penn State, Purdue, Tennessee, Nebraska, and Cincinnati along the way.

Michigan State’s 2016 Verbal Commitment List

WR Cameron Chambers, 6’2”, 201 lbs, Timber Creek HS, Sicklerville, NJ

WR Justin Layne, 6’2”, 180 lbs, Benedictine HS, Cleveland, OH

WR Jonah Morris, 6’4”, 190 lbs, Hoban HS, Akron, OH

WR/S Demetric Vance, 6’3”, 196 lbs, Cass Tech, Detroit, MI

OL Matt Allen, 6’3”, 272 lbs, Hinsdale Central HS, Hinsdale, IL

TE Noah Davis, 6’5”, St. Xavier HS, Cincinnati, OH

QB Messiah deWeaver, 6’3”, 200 lbs, Wayne HS, Huber Heights, OH

RB Abdul Adams, 6’0”, 200 lbs, H.D. Woodson HS, Washington D.C.

CB Austin Andrews, 6’0”, 178 lbs, DeSales HS, Columbus, Ohio

LB Joe Bachie, 6’2”, 215 lbs, Berea HS, Berea, OH

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 8 Demetric Vance