3 Freshman To Watch During Michigan State Football's Spring Game
Michigan State football is finishing up its second week of spring practice. After a 5-7 season last year, the Spartans are looking to bounce back in head coach Mel Tucker’s fourth year in East Lansing.
While Michigan State struggled on the field in 2022, the Spartans found success on the recruiting trail. Their 2023 recruiting class ranked No. 23 in the country and fourth in the Big Ten, according to 247Sports. MSU added nine blue-chip recruits, and some of that top talent has enrolled early and is currently competing in spring practice.
Here are three true freshman to keep an eye on as Michigan State’s spring game approaches:
Edge Rusher Bai Jobe
The No. 1 player from Oklahoma and No. 54 player in the country by 247Sports Composite rankings, four-star EDGE Bai Jobe was the headliner of Michigan State’s class. The Spartans have a new defensive line coach in Diron Reynolds, and all players are starting with a clean slate this spring, meaning the edge competitions are wide open.
There are high expectations for Jobe, not only from Spartan fans but on a national level. 247Sports college football talk show host Josh Pate thinks he will be an instant impact for Michigan State.
The Spartans’ pass rush started out strong last season, but after multiple injuries and suspensions it regressed as the season went on. Linebacker Jacoby Windmon may move back to edge if needed, and defensive end Khris Bogle will be back after a season-ending injury early last season. Jobe adds some much needed depth with the potential to play right away.
Enrolling in January, it is safe to assume he has already put on more weight for college. A fast, lengthy edge, he is likely to compete for playing time this upcoming season. Watch for No. 22 at Michigan State’s spring game on April 15.
Linebacker Jordan Hall
Another true freshman to keep an eye on is four-star linebacker Jordan Hall. The Virginia native was ranked No. 164 in the country and No. 15 linebacker in the country. Hall transferred to IMG Academy in Florida to finish his high school career and played against some of the best talent in the country.
Hall has already been commended by his teammates and coaches for his play and leadership since enrolling in January. He’s a downhill linebacker that goes sideline-to-sideline with good speed, and his style of play is fit for Big Ten football.
Michigan State doesn’t have a shortage at linebacker though, with Cal Haladay, Aaron Brule, Darius Snow and Windmon among others who will return. With that said, spring is about getting everyone reps to see how they improved in the offseason. Hall is good enough to work his way onto the field in different situations and will have a big impact on special teams. The freshman will wear No. 5 on defense.
Offensive Lineman Keyshawn Blackstock
We’re cheating a bit here, because this next entry isn’t technically a freshman. Keyshawn Blackstock was the top interior offensive lineman in junior college last season before joining Michigan State’s 2023 class as a JUCO transfer.
Due to having a couple years of college ball already under his belt, Blackstock is already at a good playing weight, which is rare for a newcomer. He brings much-needed depth to the Spartans’ offensive line, along with fellow early-enrollee Stanton Ramil, and will compete for a starting job this season.
Blackstock is 6-foot-5 and 315 pounds, and has the length to play at guard or tackle. He plays through the whistle and brings a chip on his shoulder to East Lansing. With positive reports from spring already, No. 54 is a player to look out for during the spring game.
Expect all three of these incoming players and more to contribute in the fall. As early enrollees, all three will get a head start over other incoming freshmen who will make their way to East Lansing in June. After an underwhelming season, Michigan State is looking for playmakers and difference-makers in 2023, and all of the new guys will have a chance to play and prove they can improve this team.
