Michigan State Closing in on Star 2014 S Darius West

Michigan State Closing in on Star 2014 S Darius West Mark Dantonio is excellent at finding recruits who the big programs don’t chase after. Exhibit A: no

Michigan State Closing in on Star 2014 S Darius West

Mark Dantonio is excellent at finding recruits who the big programs don’t chase after. Exhibit A: no star running back Le’Veon Bell, pursued by only a handful of MAC teams, ended his MSU career with 3,346 rushing yards. Exhibit B: defensive tackle Jerel Worthy, recruited only by a few MAC teams and Nebraska, ended his MSU career with 107 tackles and 11.5 sacks and left early for the NFL. But Dantonio can also catch the big-name recruit that everyone else wants. He is currently in one such pursuit, this time a class of 2014 safety: Darius West.

One of the top recruits in the state of Ohio, West has received scholarship offers from over 25 schools, and over 30 have shown interest in the talented young student-athlete. Michigan State is in the running with colleges from across the county, ranging from big-name programs such as Notre Dame and Miami, to teams looking to become competitive again, such as Vanderbilt and Minnesota.

The hard-hitting safety recently revealed that he had narrowed his list to four: Michigan State, Kentucky, Louisville and Wisconsin. The speedster had planned to announce his college choice on May 30, but upon talking with his father, West elected to postpone his decision. He received a scholarship offer from Notre Dame on May 31, throwing a wrench into the whole process.

The heavily-pursued Lima, Ohio native recently joined Hondo S. Carpenter, Sr. on Spartan Nation Radio to talk about Michigan State and his recruitment.

One of the most pressing questions on a Spartan fan’s mind must be this: does Michigan State have a legitimate shot at acquiring West’s talents? “Yeah, they do. I think I’m going to visit on [June] 13th or 14th, something like that,” West said. The rising high school senior has already traveled to East Lansing twice, once for a camp and then for the Notre Dame game on September 15. During his trips, he was quite pleased with the facilities and the school. “They’re really outstanding. It’s real nice. When I went to the game, the crowd was very electric and it was real exciting.”

Just by himself, West could excite the crowd at Spartan Stadium. Boasting a 40 time of 4.4 seconds, the youngster has blazing speed. His quickness gives him the ability to cover any receiver like a cornerback, and also to be a factor in the return game. In his recruiting journey, West has been told by many coaches that his main three strengths are “my size, my speed and my explosiveness.”

Unlike many speedy defensive backs, West loves contact. On his highlight film, one can find multiple clips of West crushing opposing ball carriers and tossing opponents easily to the turf. “It’s always been in my blood, I guess. My dad was just like me,” West said. “My dad did the most dynamic things so I guess I get it from my dad. You have to make contact.”

A senior at Lima Central Catholic (the alma mater of current MSU quarterback Tyler O’Connor), West would be a terror to Big Ten ball carriers and quarterbacks. He has a relentless motor that makes him a coveted commodity to defensive coordinators. West uses his speed to quickly close running lanes, playing with a fearless mentality that offensive playmakers hate.

But West is no bumbling defensive back with stone hands. West has also seen significant time at wide receiver, allowing him to hone his ball skills. The 5’11, 200 pound recruit has great hands and a knack for making the tough grabs. His versatility affords him the chance to play either corner or safety in college, increasing his stock further.

Since postponing his decision, the highly sought-after recruit has not yet set a date for his college decision. “I just want to take a few visits and see,” he explained. West is in no hurry, as he does not want to unnecessarily rush his decision. Plus, he is still enjoying the recruiting process. “It’s still very exciting. I’m getting newer things, talking to different kinds of coaches,” he stated. “Being able to go places, going to different states and see other places. It’s been real nice. It’s a real busy thing, though. You have to be dedicated to it. But it’s cool.”

Michigan State attracts special players: Mark Dantonio has a talent for finding high-character players to fill out the MSU roster. Though many don’t see it because only his football talents are advertised, West has a big heart. He participates in a program at his school called Big Brothers and Big Sisters, not because it is expected, but because he loves it. “Some little kids that go to different schools don’t really have a big brother or big sister or they don’t have a good household. I got a little brother and I got a little sister,” West said, explaining the program. “Every day after school I go there and hang with them…do homework with them, take them outside to play, teach them a few things or whatever.”

West continued, “What appeals to me is they don’t get their parents to see that. If I get an opportunity to give them that chance, I’m just going to take the chance and do that, teach them skills. I can let them know there’s something there for them.”

Despite competition from numerous high-profile programs, Michigan State has a very high chance of acquiring the talents of Darius West. A talented player with not only great speed, but great hitting ability, West would be a spectacular addition for MSU’s class of 2014. With Dantonio on the recruiting trail, the Spartan Nation can sleep easily, and dream of seeing this special young man in the Green and White.