Mark Dantonio Methodically Expands Recruiting After Repairing Michigan Relationships
Fall camp is only weeks away. Before we know it, the Spartan Nation will be fully immersed in the two-deep battles that are sure to make August very interesting. Recruiting on the other hand is in full swing.  All signs indicate that once again Mark Dantonio and company will be harvesting a bumper crop this year.
We have debated the merit of the vaunted ‘star’ rankings and the recruiting services that publish their findings. Regardless of the stars attached to each prospect, one thing is certain. Michigan State is really starting to branch out and get results outside the state of Michigan.
Much has been made about Dantonio’s alleged inability to recruit outside of Michigan and Ohio. Spartan Nation hasn’t subscribed to that line of thinking largely because we have long believed that Michigan State football had to be built close to home first.
It isn’t unlike the Tom Izzo school of thought. He has made his living on local talent. Here we are in Mark Dantonio’s fifth recruiting class and it is clear that Michigan State’s reach is getting broader. There are a number of reasons this is happening.
The first reason is quite simple. Consistency. It is hard to call MSU a consistent winner yet, but their story and their pitch have been consistent since this staff arrived. Michigan State has only had one member of their staff leave (Dan Enos) the program since Mark Dantonio assumed the reigns. Enos didn’t leave because of his lack of success, as he is now the head coach at Central Michigan.
The second reason Michigan State is having success recruiting is because of the system they run. Pro-style offenses are still the staple in the NFL. Kids want to play in a system that gives them an opportunity to play in the NFL. Michigan State runs an offense and defense for that matter that is similar to a number of professional systems. Now that we are starting to get the talent we need on the defensive side of the ball, expect the MSU defense to make huge improvements over the next couple seasons.
The last reason I’ll site is because of relationships. The relationships this MSU staff have built are really starting to pay dividends. The diverse backgrounds of various assistant coaches are starting to show up out of state. Coach Salem was a great addition as both a teacher and a recruiter. Just look at the two most recent commitments MSU received. Both Trae Waynes and Mark Scarpinato were snuck out of the Badger’s burrow. This is a really nice recruiting win for MSU. Coach Warner got another recruit in Andre Sims from the peach state this season (Keith Mumford class of ’10). With SEC interest, MSU went after Sims early and it paid off as he is a very explosive player. Paul Lang is the type of player that you have to recruit every year because of his size, athleticism and his ability to potentially play a variety of positions. Iowa has made a living recruiting athletic tight ends. They find a way to get those guys on the field in a variety of positions.
When the recruiting year wraps up in February, I would expect a number of kids to be added outside of Michigan and Ohio. Certainly Michigan State will continue its family first formula when recruiting Michigan and Ohio. I think that it only helps with program stability. As they continue their inroads in other places, they will only continue to become more and more successful. There are still a number of Michigan and Ohio kids that are on MSU’s wish list.
I expect this staff will add a number of them as we have a number of scholarships remaining. One thing is certain, Mark Dantonio’s staff is having success outside of the immediate region.  When positions of need arise that they can’t address in Michigan and Ohio, we expect them to continue to look other places.
1. Onaje Miller RB Lansing, MI
2. Lawrence Thomas LB Detroit, MI
3. Taiwan Jones LB New Baltimore, MI
4. Connor Cook QB Hinckley, OH
5. Andre Sims Jr. WR/DB Snellville, GA
6. Paul Lang TE Pittsburgh, PA
7. Joel Heath DE Cincinnati, OH
8. Trae Waynes DB Kenosha, WI
9. Mark Scarpinato DT Milwaukee, WI
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