A Detailed Look At the 2011 MSU Football Recruiting Class

 

 

JACK ALLEN 

C • 6-2 • 262 • Hinsdale, Ill.

Hinsdale Central High School • Coach Mike DiMatteo

Primary Recruiter: Dan Roushar

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: PrepStar All-American . . . ranked among the nation’s top centers by Scouts.com (No. 7) and Scouts, Inc. (No. 10) . . . rated among the Top 25 seniors in Illinois by Rivals.com (No. 24) . . . three-year starter for Coach Mike DiMatteo at Hinsdale (Ill.) Central High School . . . Class 8A all-state selection as a senior by the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association and Chicago Tribune . . . two-time all-conference pick . . . selected West Suburban Silver Co-Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2010 after averaging 87 percent on his blocking assignments . . . two-way player also saw action at nose tackle . . . posted 20 tackles (19 solos, 1 assist) in 2010, including a career-best six stops – all solos – vs. Wheaton-Warrenville South . . . earned DuPage County all-area honors as a junior . . . anchored an offensive line that helped the Red Devils average 435.8 total yards in 2009, including 239.5 rushing yards per game (also scored 31 rushing touchdowns) . . . registered 18 tackles (16 solos, 2 assists) as a junior, including two sacks (18 yards) and a fumble recovery . . . made a season-high five tackles vs. Glenbard West . . . currently ranks as the state’s No. 1 wrestler (35-0 overall) at 285 pounds, according to the Chicago Sun-Times . . . his 132 career victories rank second on Hinsdale Central’s all-time list (school-record 141 wins) . . . two-time all-state and all-conference wrestler . . . set school single-season records for wins (44) and near falls (28) as a junior . . . finished second in the state at 285 pounds in 2010 and second at 215 pounds in 2009 . . . son of John and Leslie Allen . . . born Sept. 24, 1992 . . . plans to major in business.

 

DANTONIO ON ALLEN:

“Jack Allen is an outstanding football player who shows great effort. We saw him play in 2010. He has a great motor and is an extremely explosive player with great lateral movement and power. He is one of the top wrestlers in the nation, and certainly the top wrestler in the state of Illinois. He is a very exciting player to watch. We will look to build an offensive line around him in the future. He is one of the most outstanding centers in the country.”

 

JUWAN CAESAR 

WR • 6-4 • 205 • Miami, Fla.

Miami Coral Park Senior High School • Tim Wood

Primary Recruiter: Mark Staten

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top wide receivers by Scouts, Inc. (No. 37), Rivals.com (No. 67) and Scout.com (No. 78) . . . named to SuperPrep’s All-Dixie Team . . . rated among Florida’s top seniors by Rivals.com (No. 77) and SuperPrep (No. 92) . . . listed among The Miami Herald’s Miami-Dade Top 25 seniors (No. 21) . . . earned first-team All-Dade County honors from The Miami Herald in 2010 . . . had 43 receptions for 754 yards (17.5 avg.) and eight touchdowns as a senior for Coach Tim Wood at Miami (Fla.) Coral Park Senior High School . . . posted four 100-yard receiving games in 2010 . . . set career highs for receptions (10), receiving yards (160) and TD catches (2) vs. Columbus . . . also competes in track and field . . . began his prep career at Miami Killian Senior High School . . . son of Robyn Caesar . . . born July 13, 1992 . . . plans to major in communication.

 

DANTONIO ON CAESAR:

“Juwan Cesar is a big body wide receiver at 6-4. He had an outstanding senior year and has the ability to make big plays. He runs very well and his size and speed remind me a lot of Michael Jenkins. Juwan is very exciting to watch and has the ability to go up and make the difficut catch. In the future, we look forward to him being in a position to compete for the starting job.”

 

SHILIQUE CALHOUN

DE • 6-5 • 225 • Middletown, N.J.

Middletown North High School • Coach Joe Trezza

Primary Recruiter: Pat Narduzzi

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top defensive ends by Scouts, Inc. (No. 69) . . . listed among the country’s top tight ends by Scout.com (No. 35) . . . named to SuperPrep’s All-Northeast and PrepStar’s All-East Teams . . . rated among New Jersey’s top seniors by SuperPrep (No. 18) and Rivals.com (No. 21) . . . three-year starter for Coach Joe Trezza at Middletown High School North in Middletown Township, N.J. . . . selected to the 2010 Coaches’ All-Division Team (Class A North) as a tight end . . . earned third-team All-Shore Conference honors as a senior from The Asbury Park Press and All Shore Media . . . recorded 45 tackles in 2010, with 15 resulting in losses including four sacks . . . also credited with five pass break-ups, three forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries as a senior . . . had 28 receptions for 450 yards (16.1 avg.) and four touchdowns in 2010 . . . his best all-around performance came as a senior vs. Jackson Memorial: nine tackles, including four for losses, and two fumble recoveries to go along with eight catches for 152 yards and two scores . . . produced 30 tackles, including five for losses, as a junior . . . also caught 21 passes for 250 yards (11.9 avg.) and one TD in 2009 . . . currently averaging 15.4 points and 11.3 rebounds for the Lion basketball team . . . named tournament MVP of the Buc Holiday Classic after scoring a career-high 38 points in the championship game vs. Freehold, including 17 in the fourth quarter . . . son of John and Cynthia Calhoun . . . born March 20, 1992 . . . plans to major in engineering.

 

DANTONIO ON CALHOUN:

“Shilique Calhoun is an outstanding athlete in every respect. We saw him play in 2010. He has tremendous jumping ability, has great acceleration, and is very fluid. He is an active defensive end who should provide immediate help as a pass rusher. Shilique also has the ability to play tight end. When I watch him, in every respect, he reminds me of Julian Peterson, a former Spartan All-American and All-Pro in the NFL. ”

 

DONAVoN CLARK

OL • 6-4 • 305 • Cincinnati, Ohio

Finneytown High School • Coach Darryn Chenault

Primary Recruiter: Harlon Barnett

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top offensive guards by Scout.com (No. 13) and CollegeFootballNews.com (No. 14) . . . rated among the country’s top offensive tackles by Scouts, Inc. (No. 46) and Rivals.com (No. 47) . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 52) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midwest Team . . . ranked among Ohio’s Top 25 seniors by ScoutingOhio.com (No. 14) and Rivals.com (No. 25) . . . nominated to play in the 2011 U.S. Army All-American Bowl . . . three-year starter for Coach Darryn Chenault at Finneytown High School in Cincinnati, Ohio . . . selected first-team All-Ohio (Division IV) by TriStateFootball.com . . . two-time first-team Associated Press Southwest All-District selection . . . two-time first-team all-conference (Cincinnati Hills League) pick . . . also earned first-team all-city (Division IV-VI) as a senior . . . anchored an offensive line that helped the Wildcats average 336.5 total yards per game in 2010, including 172.1 yards on the ground . . . named 2010 CHL Track Co-Athlete of the Year after finishing first in both the shot put (50-08) and discus throw (146-01) . . . won Division II district title in the discus as a sophomore . . . son of Phil and Jackie Clark . . . born Nov. 12, 1992 . . . plans to major in sports management.

 

DANTONIO ON CLARK:

“Donavon Clark is an outstanding player out of Ohio who was an early commitment. He is a very exciting and powerful player who should provide depth to the offensive line next season. We saw him play in 2010. Donavon also plays on the defensive line, which gives you a great indication of his overall athletic ability. He runs well and is an extremely talented young man who has both the size and speed to be a difference maker.”

 

BRANDON CLEMONS

DL • 6-4 • 265 • Milford, Pa.

Delaware Valley High School • Coach Keith Olsommer

Primary Recruiter: Dave Warner

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: SuperPrep All-American . . . ranked among the nation’s top prospects by Rivals.com (No. 143) . . . rated among the country’s top offensive guards by Rivals.com (No. 6) and Scouts, Inc. (No. 53) . . . listed among the nation’s top offensive tackles by CollegeFootballNews.com (No. 19) . . ranked among the country’s top defensive tackles by Scout.com (No. 34) and defensive linemen by SuperPrep (No. 50) . . . named to SuperPrep’s All-Northeast Team . . . rated among Pennsylvania’s Top 10 seniors by Rivals.com (No. 3), Varsity845.com (No. 6) and SuperPrep (No. 9) . . . ranked as the state’s No. 1 offensive lineman by Varsity845.com . . . selected to play in the 2011 Ohio-Pennsylvania Big 33 Football Classic . . . played in the 2010 Chesapeake Bowl in Towson, Md. . . . three-year starter for Coach Keith Olsommer at Delaware Valley High School in Milford, Pa. . . . two-time Lackawanna Football Conference Division I All-Star . . . selected 2010 LFC Division I Defensive Player of the Year by Northeast PA Football Network . . . also earned LFC Division I first-team honors as both an offensive and defensive lineman by Northeast PA Football Network . . . two-time Varsity845.com first-team all-star . . . led the Warriors in tackles (66), tackles for loss (15), sacks (7), blocked kicks (6) and fumble recoveries (3) as a senior . . . posted eight tackles and recovered a fumble vs. North Pocono . . . recorded nine tackles and blocked three kicks vs. Abington Heights . . . anchored an offensive line that helped the Warriors average 183.1 rushing yards per game in 2009 . . . son of Chuck and Susan Zimnik; and Emma Smith . . . born Feb. 28, 1993 . . . plans to major in psychology.

 

DANTONIO ON CLEMONS:

“Brandon Clemons is a young man who has not played football for an extended period of time. He is explosive and could play on either side of the ball. We will bring him in as a defensive lineman weighing 265 pounds. He runs very well, bends his knees very well. We saw him play in 2010. He’s also very fluid on the basketball court. Brandon was one of the most highly recruited players in Eastern Pennsylvania and is a dynamic person.”

 

ARJEN COLQUHOUN

DB • 6-1 • 180 • Windsor, Ontario

W.F. Herman Secondary School • Coach Harry Lumley

Primary Recruiter: Pat Narduzzi

 

Enrolled at Michigan State on Jan. 10, 2011, for the beginning of the spring semester . . . HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top safeties by Rivals.com (No. 42), Scout.com (No. 61) and Scouts, Inc. (No. 62) . . . three-year starter for Coach Harry Lumley at W.F. Herman Secondary School in Windsor, Ontario . . . selected 2010 Defensive MVP of the Windsor & Essex County Secondary Schools Athletic Association’s all-city team . . . also named to the Newman Conference all-star team . . . accounted for 2,000 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns in 2010 . . . rushed 14 times for 83 yards and contributed three pass break-ups in the Green Griffins’ 48-23 victory over Brantford Assumption in the 2010 Ontario Federation of School Athletic Association’s Western Bowl . . . his 55-yard gallop set up his own 3-yard TD run vs. London Catholic Central in the OFSAA West Regional championship . . . scored on runs of 95 and 2 yards vs. Sarnia in the Southwestern Ontario Secondary School Athletic Association’s title game . . . accounted for three scores vs. Villanova, including a 45-yard TD reception . . . two-time all-city selection as a running back in 2008-09 . . . attended the same secondary school that produced St. Louis Rams free safety Oshiomogho Atogwe . . . presented Royal Arcanum as Essex County’s best high school male athlete for 2009-10 . . . played on the 2008-09 basketball team that won the WECSSA and SWOSSA championships . . . outfielder/pitcher hit .263 for the Windsor Selects 18U in the Premier Baseball League of Ontario . . . won three silver medals in the OFSAA track championships (2007 – 400; 2008 – 300 hurdles; and 2009 – 4x100) . . . son of Anthony Colquhoun and Dolly Garbutt . . . born Oct. 13, 1992 . . . nicknamed “Canadian Flash” . . . majoring in political science/pre-law.

 

DANTONIO ON COLQUHOUN:

“Arjen Calquhoun is a very outstanding player out of Windsor. He is extremely fast and showed great ability at camp this year. We also saw him play in 2010. Arjen has great ball skills, great running ability and has size and speed for his position. He also is an outstanding leaper. He enrolled in school this spring and will be an exciting player to watch this spring.”

 

CONNOR COOK

QB • 6-3 • 197 • Hinckley, Ohio

Walsh Jesuit High School • Coach Gerry Rardin

Primary Recruiter: Pat Narduzzi

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top pro-style quarterbacks by MaxPreps.com (No. 9) and Rivals.com (No. 13) . . . rated among the country’s top quarterbacks by Scouts, Inc. (No. 57) and Scout.com (No. 82) . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 90) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midwest Team . . . ranked among Ohio’s top seniors by Rivals.com (No. 30) . . . two-year starter for Coach Gerry Rardin at Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio . . . Associated Press All-Northeast Inland District (Division II) first-team selection as a senior . . . named team’s Most Valuable Offensive Back after accounting for 2,143 total yards and 20 touchdowns in 2010 . . . completed 116-of-199 throws (.583) for 1,700 yards, 15 TDs and seven interceptions as a senior . . . rushed 79 times for 443 yards (5.6 avg.) and five scores in 2010 . . . accounted for a career-best 317 total yards and five TDs in the season finale at Toledo Bowsher, connecting on 16-of-24 passes for 267 yards and four TDs plus rushing four times for 50 yards and a score in a 55-0 victory over the Rebels . . . hit 14-of-28 tosses for 201 yards and a score plus added a rushing TD in the 2010 season opener vs. Louisville . . . produced 1,303 total yards and 11 TDs as a junior . . . completed 77-of-161 throws (.478) for 1,160 yards and nine TDs . . . also carried 33 times for 143 yards (4.3 avg.) and two scores . . . son of Chris and Donna Cook . . . father played football at Indiana (lettered 1982-84) . . . mother Donna played basketball at Cincinnati . . . sister Jackie is a sophomore guard on the Old Dominion basketball team . . . born Jan. 29, 1993 . . . plans to major in business.

 

DANTONIO ON COOK:

“Connor comes from an outstanding program in Walsh Jesuit. He has excellent running ability, along with a great arm and accuracy. We really liked what we saw from him in camp this year and also when we saw in play in 2010. Connor makes great decisions down field and will be a quarterback of the future. He’s an outstanding young man and shows excellent leadership ability, which will serve him well as a quarterback at MSU.”

 

ED DAVIS

LB • 6-3 • 214 • Detroit, Mich.

Southeastern High School • Coach Anthony Elliott

Primary Recruiters: Ted Gill & Mike Tressel

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top outside linebackers by Rivals.com (No. 27), Scout.com (No. 33) and Scouts, Inc. (No. 86) . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 51) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midwest Team . . . rated among the state’s Top 20 seniors by Rivals.com (No. 9), Lansing State Journal (No. 10), Detroit Free Press (No. 13) and The Detroit News (No. 15) . . . three-year starter at linebacker for head coaches Donshell English and Anthony Elliott at Southeastern High School in Detroit, Mich. . . . recorded 56 tackles (36 solos, 20 assists) as a senior, with 17 resulting in losses including seven sacks . . . tallied nine tackles each vs. Cass Tech and King . . . registered two sacks each vs. Northwestern, Denby and Douglass . . . also saw action at tight end and running back for the Jungaleers . . . had 13 catches for 196 yards (15.1 avg.) and three touchdowns in 2010 . . . caught three passes for 35 yards and two TDs vs. Douglass . . . had two receptions for 50 yards and one score vs. Osborn in the 2010 season opener . . . produced a career-best 103 tackles as a junior, including 16 sacks . . . recorded at least one sack in every game in 2009, including 3.5 in the season opener vs. Osborn . . . also intercepted three passes and forced three fumbles as a junior . . . made 12 stops and forced two fumbles vs. Glenn . . . carried 20 times for 193 yards (9.7 avg.) and four TDs in 2009 . . . rushed four times for a season-best 54 yards and two scores vs. Glenn . . . had four receptions for 146 yards (36.5 avg.) and two TDs as a junior . . . posted 35 tackles, including 4.5 sacks, and forced three fumbles as a sophomore . . . former high school teammate of current Spartan (defensive end) William Gholston . . . son of Chad and Renee Davis . . . born Feb. 5, 1993 . . . plans to major in nursing.

 

DANTONIO ON DAVIS:

“Ed Davis is extremely tough and runs very well. He is another young man who we saw in camp this year and we also saw him play in 2010. Ed is a very talented player who hits with power and is extremely quick. He has great knee bend, explosiveness and ball skills. He also possesses the size and speed to be an outstanding player early in his career at MSU.”Â

 

FOU FONOTI

OL • 6-5 • 295 • Lakewood, Calif.

Cerritos College • Coach Frank Mazzotta

Primary Recruiter: Mark Staten

 

JUNIOR COLLEGE, HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: JCFootball.com/JC Grid-Wire and SuperPrep JUCO All-American . . . also selected California Community College Football Coaches Association All-American . . . ranked among the nation’s Top 100 JUCO players by SuperPrep (No. 32) . . . rated among the country’s top five JUCO offensive linemen by SuperPrep (No. 4) . . . named All-California Region IV and First-Team All-National Division Northern Conference in 2010 . . . two-year starter for Coach Frank Mazzotta at Cerritos College in Norwalk, Calif., helping the Falcons to a combined record of 18-5 . . . anchored an offensive line that helped the Falcons average nearly 185 rushing yards per game and score 23 rushing touchdowns in 2010 . . . Cerritos amassed 409 rushing yards in a 48-28 victory over Long Beach City College . . . appeared in all 11 games as a freshman in 2009, including 10 starting assignments . . . second-team all-conference selection helped the Falcons average 412 total yards, including 185 rushing yards, and 38 points per game in 2009 . . . invited to play in two postseason all-star games following his senior season at Mayfair High School in Lakewood, Calif. . . . named to the Long Beach Press-Telegram Dream Team as a high school senior . . . second-team all-state selection in 2008 . . .named All-CIF and first-team all-league as a junior . . . tabbed Suburban League Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2008 . . . recognized on the Alga Foundation All-Star Team as a junior . . . also voted into the Lakewood (Calif.) Youth Hall of Fame . . . given name is Fouimalo Fonoti . . . nicknamed “Fou” . . . son of Pagi and Linda Etevati . . . born Nov. 15, 1991 . . . cousin of former Spartans (offensive tackle) Siitupe and (defensive tackle) Domata Peko . . . plans to major in criminal justice.

 

DANTONIO ON FONOTI:

“Fou Fonoti was an outstanding junior college offensive lineman who is capable of playing either guard or tackle. He should be an immediate contributor. He plays with great feet and great aggressiveness, and is an outstanding technician. He’s very close family friends with former Spartans Domata and Tupe Peko. Fou comes from an outstanding junior college program with great structure.”

 

DARIEN HARRIS

LB • 6-1 • 215 • Silver Spring, Md.

DeMatha Catholic High School • Coach Bill McGregor

Primary Recruiter: Ted Gill

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top outside linebackers by Scouts, Inc. (No. 32) and Rivals.com (No. 35) . . . listed among the country’s top safeties by Scout.com (No. 67) . . . rated among the Mid-Atlantic’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 19) . . . named to PrepStar’s All-Atlantic Team . . . listed among Maryland’s Top 10 seniors by Rivals.com (No. 10) . . . played in the 2010 Chesapeake Bowl in Towson, Md. . . . two-year starter for Coach Bill McGregor at DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, Md. . . . selected first-team All-Gameday linebacker (private schools) by GamedayMD.com . . . honorable mention all-state pick (big schools) as a running back . . . named first-team all-county . . . recorded 83 tackles, including five sacks, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries as a senior . . . also accounted for 962 combined yards (rushing and receiving) and five touchdowns in 2010 . . . rushed 92 times for 793 yards (8.6 avg.) as a senior, including two 100-yard games (12 carries for 114 yards vs. O’Connell and 19 attempts for 159 yards vs. St. John’s) . . . had five receptions for 169 yards (33.8 avg.) in 2010 . . . produced 168 combined yards on just 11 touches vs. Good Counsel (nine rushes for 89 yards and two catches for 79 yards, including a 71-yard TD grab) . . . earned third-team all-league honors as a junior after registering 40 tackles, including four sacks . . . son of Alan and Lisa Harris . . . father Alan played running back at Virginia Tech (lettered in 1982, ’84 and ’85) . . . born March 31, 1993 . . . plans to major in journalism.

 

DANTONIO ON HARRIS:

“Darien Harris is an extremely quick, powerful and explosive linebacker who played tailback, as well, for DeMatha Catholic. Darien is a very mature individual who made his decision during the summer and we saw him play in 2010. He has outstanding ball skills and has excelled at the highest level of high school football in the Mid-Atlantic area.”

 

JOEL HEATH

DE • 6-6 • 250 • Cincinnati, Ohio

Mount Healthy High School • Coach Arvie Crouch

Primary Recruiter: Harlon Barnett

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated among the nation’s top defensive ends by Scout.com (No. 26) . . . named to SuperPrep’s and PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . ranked among Ohio’s top seniors by Rivals.com (No. 49) . . . three-year starter for Coach Arvie Crouch at Mount Healthy High School in Cincinnati, Ohio . . . two-time first-team All-Ohio (Division II) selection by The Associated Press . . . named AP All-Ohio Division II Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a senior . . . two-time first-team AP Southwest All-District pick . . . selected AP Southwest All-District Defensive Player of the Year in 2010 . . . two-time first-team all-conference choice . . . voted Fort Ancient Valley Conference Co-Athlete of the Year as a senior . . . produced five sacks in 2010 . . . named to Cincinnati Enquirer’s All-Area (Division II-VI) Team as a junior . . . recorded 41 tackles (22 solos, 19 assists) in 2009, finishing third in the conference with 6.5 sacks . . . registered two sacks each vs. Aiken and Northwest . . . recovered two fumbles vs. Western Hills . . . son of Chauncey and Kim Heath . . . born June 18, 1993 . . . plans to major in communication.

 

DANTONIO ON HEATH:

“Joel Heath is big, rangy and athletic. He runs extremely well and is very quick and has a great first step. Joel also has great size and speed for his position. He has the ability to become a dominant defensive lineman for us in the near future. His performance in our camp this summer was outstanding. We also saw him play in 2010.”

 

TAIWAN JONES

LB • 6-3 • 220 • New Baltimore, Mich.

Anchor Bay High School • Coach Phil Latona

Primary Recruiter: Mike Tressel

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top outside linebackers by Rivals.com (No. 30) and Scout.com (No. 57) . . . listed among the country’s top athletes by Scouts, Inc. (No. 73) . . . rated among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 57) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midwest Team . . . ranked among the state’s Top 20 seniors by The Detroit News (No. 8), Rivals.com (No. 10), Detroit Free Press (No. 11) and Lansing State Journal (No. 12) . . . first-team all-state (Division 1-2) selection by The Detroit News and Associated Press . . . earned all-county and all-conference honors as a senior . . . selected Macomb Area Conference Blue Division MVP . . . three-year starter for Coach Phil Latona at Anchor Bay High School in Fair Haven, Mich. . . . accounted for more than 1,400 all-purpose yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior while leading the Tars to their first playoff appearance since 2004 . . . recorded 46 tackles (26 solos, 20 assists), including two for losses, and three interceptions from his strong safety position in 2010 . . . two-way starter also saw action at running back, wide receiver and quarterback . . . rushed 84 times for a team-best 856 yards (10.2 avg.) and 12 TDs as a senior . . . posted four 100-yard rushing games in 2010 . . . ranked second on the team with 34 receptions for 507 yards (14.9 avg.) and three TDs as a senior . . . accounted for 199 combined yards (rushing and receiving) and two scores vs. Port Huron North (10 carries for 101 yards, including an 83-yard TD run, and seven catches for 98 yards, including a 4-yard TD grab) . . . set career highs with eight catches for 111 yards vs. Stevenson . . . rushed 10 times for a career-best 185 yards vs. L’Anse Creuse, including TD runs of 47 and 67 yards . . . sidelined for all but two games as a junior due to a knee injury . . . three-year starter for the Anchor Bay basketball team, who is rated among the state’s Top 10 wing forwards by mirecruitpreps.com . . . son of Clarence and Kecia Jones . . . born Dec. 1, 1993 . . . no-preference major.

 

DANTONIO ON JONES:

“Taiwan Jones is a very exciting player who shows up in all areas on the football field. We saw him play in 2010. He shows up at wide receiver, running back, linebacker and even played a little quarterback. He is an outstanding athlete who is a great tackler in space. He has great ball skills and is very fluid. Taiwan is one of the higher recruited players in the state who we were fortunate to see in camp. He committed this summer and will have an exciting career as a Spartan.”

 

DAMON KNOX

DE • 6-5 • 265 • Muskegon, Mich.

Muskegon High School • Coach Shane Fairfield

Primary Recruiter: Mike Tressel

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 46) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midwest Team . . . rated among the state’s top seniors by the Lansing State Journal (No. 15), Detroit Free Press (No. 18), The Detroit News (No. 23) and Rivals.com (No. 26) . . . two-year starter for Coach Shane Fairfield at Muskegon (Mich.) High School . . . recorded 112 tackles as a senior, with 17 resulting in losses including four sacks, and 12 pass break-ups . . . two-way player proved to be a devastating blocker at tight end, helping the Big Reds average nearly 450 rushing yards per game en route to the 2010 Division 2 regional final . . . tallied 102 tackles as a junior, including two sacks, and forced three fumbles . . . plays forward on the Big Reds’ basketball team . . . earned two letters in track and field . . . son of Damon Knox Sr. and Corine Rose . . . born Aug. 13, 1992 . . . no-preference major.

 

DANTONIO ON KNOX:

“Damon is a very powerful player, which we saw in camp this summer and also watching him play in 2010. He’s a very exciting defensive lineman who has great explosiveness and athletic ability. He has the ability to jump and bend his knees. He reminds me a lot of Robaire Smith, a former All-American here at MSU. He is a contact player in all respects.”

 

PAUL LANG

TE • 6-5 • 235 • Pittsburgh, Pa.

Mount Lebanon High School • Coach Chris Haering

Primary Recruiter: Mark Staten

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated among the nation’s top tight ends by Scout.com (No. 62) . . . named to SuperPrep’s All-Northeast and PrepStar’s All-East Teams . . . ranked among Pennsylvania’s Top 25 seniors by SuperPrep (No. 23) . . . earned first-team all-state and first-team all-conference honors as a senior . . . also named one of The Almanac’s Premier Pigskin Performers . . . two-way starter (tight end and defensive end) for Coach Chris Haering at Mount Lebanon High School in Pittsburgh, Pa., who helped lead the Blue Devils to an 11-1 record and a trip to the WPIAL Class AAAA quarterfinals in 2010 . . . had 25 receptions for 341 yards (13.6 avg.) and four touchdowns as a senior . . . also recorded 51 tackles (33 solos, 18 assists), including four sacks (19 yards), and a fumble recovery in 2010 . . . caught five passes for 37 yards (7.4 avg.) and a score as a junior . . . three-year starter and two-time captain for the Mount Lebanon basketball team, who has helped lead the Blue Devils to back-to-back appearances in the WPIAL Class AAAA finals . . . earlier this season, he became only the second two-sport athlete in school history to eclipse the 1,000-point career milestone . . . averaged 14.3 points and 8.4 rebounds as a junior for Coach Joe David while helping the Blue Devils to a 26-2 record . . . member of the National Honor Society and Student Athletic Leadership Academy . . . son of Michael and Carolyn Lang . . . born May 24, 1992 . . . no-preference major.

 

DANTONIO ON LANG:

“Paul Lang is an excellent tight end who committed last summer after camp. He certainly looks to be a great one. Paul has great hands, is very fluid, a very good blocker and is extremely tough. He comes from very a disciplined program in Mount Lebanon. We saw him play in 2010. He’s also an outstanding basketball player who was very fluid on the court.”

 

KYLE LINTS

OG • 6-3 • 275 • Traverse City, Mich.

St. Francis High School • Coach Greg Vaughan

 

Walk-on will be added to the 2011 roster . . . HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top centers by Scout.com (No. 22) . . . rated among the state’s top seniors by Rivals.com (No. 18), Detroit Free Press (No. 50) and The Detroit News (No. 56) . . . selected to play in the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association 2011 East-West All-Star Game . . . three-year starter for Coach Greg Vaughan at St. Francis High School in Traverse City, Mich., helping the Gladiators to a combined record of 34-4 including back-to-back Division 7 state championships in 2008-09 . . . Associated Press Division 7-8 All-State honorable mention in 2010 . . . first-team All-Lake Michigan Conference selection as a senior . . . anchored an offensive line that helped the Gladiators average nearly 250 yards and 30 points per game in 2010 . . . two-way lineman also registered 43 tackles as a senior, including two sacks (16 yards) . . . named to Detroit Free Press Division 7 All-State Team in 2009 . . . also earned all-conference and all-region honors as a junior . . . key figure on an offensive line that helped St. Francis average nearly 49 points and 322 rushing yards per game en route to a perfect 14-0 record in 2009 . . . posted 41 tackles as a junior, including two sacks (29 yards) . . . son of Ron and Mary Lints . . . born April 5, 1993 . . . plans to major in pre-dentistry.

 

DANTONIO ON LINTS:

“Kyle Lints is an extremely tough and competitive player who performed well in camp this summer. We also saw him play in 2010. He passed on scholarship offers in the MAC to come to MSU as a preferred non-scholarship player. We’re very excited about his decision to join our 2011 class. He comes from an outstanding program at St. Francis High School.”

 

ONAJE MILLER

ATH • 5-10 • 180 • Lansing, Mich.

J.W. Sexton High School • Coach Dan Boggan

Primary Recruiter: Mark Staten

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top running backs by MaxPreps.com (No. 17 among big backs), Scouts.com (No. 27) and Scouts, Inc. (No. 40) . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 55) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midwest Team . . . rated among the state’s Top 20 seniors by the Lansing State Journal (No. 11), The Detroit News (No. 14), Rivals.com (No. 14) and Detroit Free Press (No. 16) . . . two-year starter for Coach Dan Boggan at J.W. Sexton High School in Lansing, Mich. . . . accounted for 1,246 all-purpose yards and 19 touchdowns in 2010 despite being sidelined for six games with a sprained ankle . . . rushed 106 times for 936 yards (8.8 avg.) and 17 TDs as a senior . . . posted four 100-yard games in 2010 . . . carried 13 times for 174 yards and three TDs vs. Vicksburg in the Division 4 district opener . . . gained a season-high 194 yards on 26 attempts vs. Lansing Eastern and scored three TDs (runs of 34, 58 and 5 yards) . . . Associated Press Division 3-4 All-State selection as a junior . . . rushed for 1,758 yards and 26 TDs in 2009, averaging 8.1 yards per carry . . . accounted for 33 total TDs as a junior, including a school-record seven returns (4 punts and 3 kickoffs) for scores . . . ran 30 times for a career-best 306 yards and four TDs (runs of 58, 18, 1 and 66 yards) vs. Lansing Eastern . . . also saw action at outside linebacker in 2009 . . . set school career records for rushing yards (3,566) and total TDs (64) . . . also participates in track and field for the Big Reds . . . son of Monique Miller . . . born May 22, 1992 . . . no-preference major.

 

DANTONIO ON MILLER:

“Onaje Miller is a very exciting kick returner, punt returner, running back and defensive back. He plays at every position and makes plays all over the field. We saw him play over the past two seasons and he boasts track-like speed. He possesses outstanding ball skills, COD (change of direction) and tackling ability.”

 

MATT RAMONDO

DT • 6-4 • 285 • Las Cruces, N.M.

Mayfield High School • Coach: Michael Bradley

Primary Recruiter: Ted Gill

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top defensive tackles by Rivals.com (No. 46), Scouts, Inc. (No. 59) and Scout.com (No. 97) . . . rated among the Midlands’ top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 46) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midlands Team . . . selected to play in the July 29, 2011, Class 4A/5A North-South All-Star Game in Las Cruces, N.M. . . . three-year starter for Coach Michael Bradley at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces . . . Class 5A first-team all-state selection on both sides of the football as a senior by the New Mexico High School Coaches Association . . . selected 2010 Class 5A Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Lineman of the Year as well as Offensive Lineman of the Year by NMPreps.com . . . also listed among the Top 20 candidates for Mr. Football by NMPreps.com . . . named to the Class 3-5A all-district team on both the defensive and offensive lines . . . recorded a career-best 72 tackles (54 solos, 18 assists) as a senior, including 13 for losses, despite missing three games with an injury . . . made a season-high 11 tackles vs. La Cueva . . . also anchored an offensive line that amassed more than 7,000 total yards in 2010, including 700 total yards in the Trojans’ 69-42 victory over Manzano in the Class 5A championship game . . . selected Defensive Line MVP and Combine MVP at the 2010 NMPreps.com’s Elite 100 Camp . . . earned NMHSCA first-team all-state honors as a defensive lineman in 2009 after posting 54 tackles (37 solos, 17 assists), with four resulting in losses including three sacks . . . son of Pete and Didi Ramondo . . . born June 1, 1993 . . . plans to major in business.  Â

 

DANTONIO ON RAMONDO:

“Matt Ramondo was one of the highest recruited players in the Southwest. We saw him play last spring. He’s powerful, explosive, and comes from a state champion high school. Matt also boasts great hands and feet for his size. He has the ability to sustain and shed blockers and become a dominant and exciting player at MSU.”

 

MARK SCARPINATO

DT • 6-3 • 270 • Milwaukee, Wis.

Marquette University • Coach Jeff Mazurczak

Primary Recruiter: Brad Salem

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top defensive tackles by Scouts.com (No. 74) and Scouts, Inc. (No. 82) . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 73) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midwest Teams . . . rated among Wisconsin’s Top 10 seniors by Rivals.com (No. 7) . . . three-year starter for head coaches Dick Basham and Jeff Mazurczak at Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, Wis., who helped lead the Hilltoppers win back-to-back Division 1 state titles in 2009-10 . . . first-team all-state selection as a senior by The Associated Press . . . two-time all-region (Southeast) pick by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association (WFCA) . . . named first-team all-area as a senior . . . selected Greater Metro Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2010 after recording 68 tackles (45 solos, 23 assists), with 21 resulting in losses including six sacks . . . anchored a defensive unit that allowed just six first downs and 51 total yards plus recorded a key 7-yard sack in the fourth quarter in the Hilltoppers’ 7-0 victory over Menomonee Falls in the 2010 Division 1 state championship game . . . earned AP second-team all-state honors as a junior . . . second-team all-area and first-team all-conference selection by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2009 . . . also participates in track and field . . . finished sixth in the shot put (56-11) in the 2010 Division 1 state outdoor championships . . . posted a personal-best 118-10 in the discus throw . . . son Len Scarpinato and Susan Roach . . . born March 24, 1993 . . . plans to major in pre-med.

 

DANTONIO ON SCARPINATO:

“Mark Scarapinato runs extremely well for his size. We had him in camp and he displayed great balance and power, and we saw him play in 2010. Mark is a very active player and has great toughness. He plays with great effort and is constantly working his hands and feet as he performs.”

 

ANDRE SIMS JR.

WR • 5-9 • 170 • Snellville, Ga.

Brookwood High School • Coach Mark Crews

Primary Recruiter: Dave Warner

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top wide receivers by Rivals.com (No. 63) . . . rated among the country’s top athletes by Scouts, Inc. (No. 66) . . . named to PrepStar’s All-Southeast Team . . . listed among Georgia’s top seniors by Rivals.com (No. 40) . . . honorable mention all-state selection by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Associated Press and Georgia Sports Writers Association . . . two-year starter for Coach Mark Crews at Brookwood High School in Snellville, Ga. . . . led team in receptions with 48 for 764 yards (15.0 avg.) and six touchdowns as a senior while helping the 14-1 Broncos win the Class AAAAA state title . . . also contributed 26 tackles (20 solos, 6 assists) and an interception in 2010 . . . returned the second-half kickoff 87 yards for a TD in the 2010 Class AAAAA championship game vs. Colquitt County . . . accounted for more than 200 all-purpose yards vs. Archer . . . earned all-county honors as an all-purpose player in 2009 . . . set school records for receptions (56), receiving yards (915) and TD catches (9) as a junior . . . also set school single-game records for catches (10) and receiving yards (167) vs. Dacula in 2009 . . . returned six punts for 140 yards (23.3 avg.) as a junior . . . son of Andre and Alida Sims . . . born Nov. 18, 1992 . . . plans to major in communication.

 

DANTONIO ON SIMS:

“Andre Sims Jr. makes plays all over the field. He is very explosive and has the ability to make people miss in space. Andre comes from a state champion in Georgia and has great pass catching ability in the crowd. We saw him play in 2010. He has great instincts as a runner and is very explosive with quick bursts as kick returner as a punt returner, kick returner and wide receiver. He does it all with great effort and athletic ability.”

 

LAWRENCE THOMAS

LB • 6-4 • 245 • Detroit, Mich.

Renaissance High School • Coach Antonio Watts

Primary Recruiter: Pat Narduzzi

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rivals.com, SuperPrep, PrepStar and MaxPreps All-American . . . participated in the 2011 Under Armour All-America Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. . . . ranked among the nation’s top prospects by PrepStar (No. 15), MaxPreps (No. 21), Sporting News (No. 26), 247Sports.com (No. 28), SuperPrep (No. 30), Rivals.com (No. 55) and ESPNU 150 (No. 150) . . . selected SuperPrep’s Midwest Defensive Player of the Year and rated the region’s No. 2 prospect overall . . . listed among the country’s top linebackers by SuperPrep (No. 3) and CollegeFootballNews.com (No. 8) . . . ranked among the nation’s top inside linebackers by MaxPreps (No. 1), Rivals.com (No. 5) and Scouts, Inc. (No. 8) . . . named high school finalist for the 2010 Butkus Award . . . rated among the country’s top defensive ends by 247Sports.com (No. 3 weakside) and Scout.com (No. 7) . . . ranked the state’s No. 1 senior by The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Lansing State Journal, Rivals.com and 247Sports.com . . . three-year starter for Coach Antonio Watts at Renaissance High School in Detroit, Mich. . . . recorded 85 tackles as a senior, with 28 resulting in losses including nine sacks, and forced four fumbles . . . also saw action at tight end, wide receiver and running back in addition to handling the team’s punting chores . . . posted 97 tackles as a junior, with 26 for losses including eight sacks, and three interceptions . . . produced a career-best 19 tackles, including seven for losses, and an interception vs. Detroit Cody . . . hit a career-long 76-yard punt vs. Mumford in 2009 . . . former high school teammate of current Spartans Chris Norman, Dana Dixon and Mylan Hicks . . . son of Kia Thomas and Willis Lawrence . . . born April 16, 1993 . . . nicknamed “L.T.” . . . undecided major.

 

DANTONIO ON THOMAS:

“Lawrence Thomas is one of the most highly touted players in the nation. He is very explosive, tough and plays multiple positions. We saw him play in 2010. He plays linebacker, tight end and has played defensive end. Lawrence is a big body, thumper-type linebacker. He is a downhill type guy who we can build a defense around. He is an outstanding player, and most importantly is an outstanding person with a very bright future ahead of him at MSU.”

 

TRAE WAYNES

DB • 6-0 • 165 • Kenosha, Wis.

Bradford High School • Coach Jed Kennedy

Primary Recruiter: Brad Salem

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Rated among the nation’s top cornerbacks (No. 73) . . . ranked among the country’s top safeties by Scouts, Inc. (No. 94) . . . listed among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 67) . . . rated among Wisconsin’s top seniors by Rivals.com (No. 14) . . . two-year starter for Coach Jed Kennedy at Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wis. . . . first-team all-state and all-region selection as a senior by the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association despite missing three games with knee and leg injuries . . . also named first-team All-Southeast Conference in 2010 . . . posted 38 tackles, two interceptions and four pass break-ups as a senior . . . featured on the preseason watch list for the Jim Leonard Award, presented to the state’s top senior defensive back by the Wisconsin Sports Network . . . recorded the fastest time in the 40 (4.37) at the 2010 Midwest Ultimate 100 Camp . . . honorable mention all-conference pick as a junior . . . earned first-team all-county honors as an outfielder in 2010 after leading the Red Devils in home runs (3) and finishing second in batting average (.452, 28-of-62) . . . also produced eight doubles and three triples as a junior while being caught stealing only once in 26 attempts . . . Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association honorable mention all-district selection and first-team all-conference choice as a sophomore . . . 2010 county indoor track champion in the 60- and 220-yard dashes . . . son of Ron and Erin Waynes . . . born July 25, 1992 . . . undecided major.

 

DANTONIO ON WAYNES:

“Trae Waynes came to camp this year and was one of the fastest players we have ever had. He was very coachable when he was in camp. We also saw him play in 2010. Trae possesses great ball skills as well as great running ability. He has great acceleration and is a great tackler who will hit you. He has nice size for his position, great change of direction and burst. He reminds me of Renaldo Hill, a former Spartan who has spent the last 10 seasons in the NFL.”

 

RJ WILLIAMSON

DB • 6-1 • 190 • Middletown, Ohio

Dunbar High School • Coach James Lacking

Primary Recruiter: Harlon Barnett

 

HIGH SCHOOL AND PERSONAL DATA: Ranked among the nation’s top cornerbacks by Scout.com (No. 31) . . . ranked among the country’s top athletes by Scouts, Inc. (No. 49) . . . listed among the nation’s top wide receivers by Rivals.com (No. 70) . . . ranked among the Midwest’s top prospects by SuperPrep (No. 56) . . . also named to PrepStar’s All-Midwest Team . . . rated among Ohio’s top seniors by Rivals.com (No. 32) . . . three-year starter for Coach James Lacking at Dunbar High School in Dayton, Ohio . . . second-team All-Ohio (Division III) selection as a defensive back in 2010 by The Associated Press . . . earned AP Southwest All-District first-team honors as a senior . . . recorded 49 tackles (19 solos, 30 assists), nine passes defended including three interceptions, and one forced fumble in 2010 . . . posted double-figure tackles in the first three games of his senior year, registering 10 stops each vs. Germantown Valley View, Trotwood-Madison and Columbus Whetstone . . . intercepted two passes vs. Findlay . . . two-way player added 12 catches for 271 yards (22.6 avg.) and two touchdowns . . . caught three passes for 101 yards and two scores vs. Columbus Whetstone . . . earned first-team all-city honors on both sides of the football as a junior . . . produced 60 tackles (37 solos, 23 assists) and 14 passes defended, including seven interceptions (189 yards), in 2009 . . . registered six tackles and a career-best three interceptions vs. Meadowdale, returning one pick for a score . . . made 10 stops plus forced and recovered a fumble vs. Thurgood Marshall . . . totaled a career-high 15 tackles and two interceptions vs. Cincinnati Taft . . . also accounted for 1,250 all-purpose yards and nine TDs as a junior . . . rushed 56 times for 540 yards (9.6 avg.) in 2009 . . . carried 15 times for a career-best 301 yards and three TDs vs. Greenville . . . had 16 receptions for 364 yards (22.8 avg.) and five scores as a junior . . . scored on an 80-yard TD reception vs. Columbus Whetstone . . . caught six passes for 137 yards and two scores vs. Germantown Valley View . . . also participates in track and basketball for the Wolverines . . . won two relay medals (4x100 and 4x200) in the Ohio Division II outdoor championships as a junior . . . son of Roger Williamson Sr. and Domonica Cox . . . born Feb. 8, 1993 . . . plans to major in business.

 

DANTONIO ON WILLIAMSON:

“RJ Williamson is an outstanding player who had an impressive camp this past summer. He will play at safety for us due to his great awareness on the field and ball skills. RJ played multiple positions for his high school throughout his career as well as being a kick and punt returner. He is an outstanding tackler with big play ability and has great toughness.”