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Four-star DL Xadavien Sims includes MSU in Top 5, sets commitment date

The Spartans could use a big win on the recruiting trail to spark some optimism...
Matthew Lounsberry|
Four-star DL Xadavien Sims includes MSU in Top 5, sets commitment date
Four-star DL Xadavien Sims includes MSU in Top 5, sets commitment date

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Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State's football program is in desperate need of good news and positive momentum after a tumultuous stretch over the past two weeks.

There's a chance the Spartans could be in store for a jolt of positivity in 10 days time, when four-star 2024 Durant (Okla.) defensive lineman Xadavien Sims announces his college commitment.

Sims released his 'Top 5' on Wednesday and included Michigan State alongside Oklahoma, Oregon, TCU and Vanderbilt. He'll make his decision on May 20.

Currently, the Spartans have four 247Sports "crystal balls" in their favor, including one from Director of Football Recruiting Steve Wiltfong. However, it's important to note that all four of those crystal balls were submitted back in November and a lot can change in a recruitment in six months. For instance, MSU's primary recruiters for Sims when those crystal balls were submitted were Marco Coleman and Brandon Jordan, both of whom have since left the program. With that being said, its a credit to head coach Mel Tucker and new defensive line coach Diron Reynolds that the Spartans remain a top contender for Sims despite losing the two guys that began MSU's pursuit of the talented four-star.

The biggest threat to Michigan State in this battle is likely Oklahoma, who are the home state contenders for Sims. The Sooners and Spartans are going head-to-head for a number of top recruits, including five-star defensive lineman David Stone, who is also an Oklahoma native. While there's no guarantee that Sims and Stone will play together in college, it stands to reason that Michigan State could increase its chances of landing Stone if Sims were to commit to MSU on May 20.

It would be unwise to count Oregon out of this recruiting battle too. The Ducks utilize name, image and likeness about as well as any program in the country, and that always makes them a threat. Likewise, TCU is coming off an incredibly impressive 13-2 season as the national runner-up in head coach Sonny Dikes first year there.

According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Sims is considered the No. 194 overall player, No. 23 defensive lineman and No. 2 player from the state of Oklahoma in the class of 2024. Here's how 247Sports scout Gabe Brooks describes Sims:

True hand-on-the-ground D-lineman with a stout build. Adequate height verified in the 6-3 range, similarly adequate frame length with space to add more mass. Very young for his grade. Likely a scheme-versatile prospect given physical traits.

Flashes punch power at the point of attack. Capable of disengaging to make plays on the ball. Has some pursuit juice when closing on a bead.

Play strength is obvious. Bull rusher who can collapse the pocket from the interior, but also plays edge snaps and shows similar brute force on the outside.

Owns valuable two-way snaps with reps at tight end. Flashes impact blocking ability and fires out of stance perhaps more consistently on offense. Experience in shot put and discus with respectable early-career numbers from freshman and sophomore springs.

Needs more technical nuance. That includes hand violence, extension, and disengaging consistency, as well as expanding his move set as a pass rusher. Updated verified measurables, testing, and throws data will also help shed more light on long-term upside.

Nevertheless, projects as a high-major defensive lineman with possible personnel versatility. Could arrive with size and strength to play early if needed. One of the top prospects in the state of Oklahoma's 2024 class. Collection of traits and data points suggest possibility to become an impact college player and NFL Draft candidate.

Michigan State is off to a slow recruiting start in the class of 2024, with only four prospects currently committed. The Spartans have addressed a need in their secondary by landing verbal pledges from four-star cornerbacks Jamari Howard and Jaylen Thompson. Michigan State continues to build depth at offensive line with the additions of Andrew Dennis and Logan Bennett.

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Matthew Lounsberry
MATTHEW LOUNSBERRY

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