The Complete In Depth Analysis of the Entire Michigan State Football 2012 Recruiting Class!

The 2012 Michigan State Football Recruiting Class Each year when I compile my ratings for the incoming recruiting class it is an exhaustive effort and this

The 2012 Michigan State Football Recruiting Class

Each year when I compile my ratings for the incoming recruiting class it is an exhaustive effort and this year is no different. I try very hard to call coaches who coached for or against, and to do as much research as possible including speaking to multiple different (non-MSU) division one coaches to help me analyze each kid.

Why so much emphasis on recruiting? One NFL coach when talking about his time as a college coach expressed it better than anyone I had ever heard when he said, “It is like getting 25 first round draft picks each year.” What a great analysis!

Please take into account that I do not use other rating systems, stars or whatever may be available. A recruit’s true value is based upon need of the program, his ability to fill that need, his character and finally what other schools offered him. For example, Jim Tressel told me that he has never been around a coach that can evaluate talent like Mark Dantonio. Dantonio’s track record at OSU, UC, and here at MSU proves that.

If you are a school that runs a spread offense like JLS did, and you already have five great QBs on scholarship and add yet another, although he may be highly rated he certainly does not fill a need. I also weigh this list based upon need and how they fit that need.

As far as character issues, there are definitely some kids that would come in and fill a need and have lots of hype, but cannot stay on the field or even school because of character or academic issues. Mark Dantonio told me, “We recruit character first. If a guy can’t stay he can’t play here.” They may be a detriment in the locker room or get arrested thus being a complete loss.

How hard are the rankings? When Glenn Winston arrived we praised his character. Glenn has had two much publicized off field issues since then while he was at MSU. Coaches from MSU to high school talked about what he had endured and what he had overcome to become a top-flight recruit. You simply can never be certain. It also didn’t help that he was an early recruit for Dantonio and he simply didn’t have the time to get to know him as he does now.

Let’s stay with Winston and also look at his position. When he arrived at MSU he had been a successful RB in high school, but the thought process was that he would play LB. Little did they know, with Javon ahead of him, he would develop and was the best RB on the MSU roster in 2009. Even coaches can’t be certain in the end were a kid will fit. They do all they can to recruit character and talent and then as kids develop they make their fit.

When LeVeon Bell arrived, many bemoaned Dantonio taking a no star kid. No one knew how big LeVeon’s heart was. Now he is poised as one of the nation’s best backs with a certain NFL payday awaiting him.

Character and academics are a more important issue with this staff, as they won’t recruit kids that can’t cut it. In the past we saw a roll the dice mentality, this staff does not operate that way. Will they get it wrong sometimes? Without a doubt, but unlike the past they won’t take kids KNOWING they are rolling the dice.

The 2010 class was Dantonio’s first that they had been able to build true relationships with for many years and we can see that by the stability, character and contribution of the group. I look at the 2010 moving forward as the true test of Dantonio and the 2009 class where he was still taking players he didn’t know.

Lastly, what other programs have wanted the kid? Does a kid come from a school with a proven track record of developing talent? Do they take unheralded players, and make them stars and put them in the NFL as high draft picks? When I see a kid that is an O lineman, or a running back and he had an offer from a school that is proven there, he gets great points in my system.

So after hours of work and effort, we here at Spartan Nation excitedly present to you the 2012 MSU football recruiting class.

1.           Aaron Burbridge WR 6’2” 175# Farmington Hills, MI: Burbridge is the best WR recruit to come to MSU since Charles Rogers. He has every tool necessary and also brings along a high football IQ and is a great kid. He is an immediate impact player. A Coach’s take, “We wanted Aaron bad and tried early in the process to get in on him. We knew that the tape wouldn’t lie and we had no chance once MSU and UM noticed and that was the case. A good kid on and off the field, he is the prize of the state of Michigan and it isn’t hard to think in Mark’s (Dantonio) system that he could be a three year player and leave..”Weakness: Can he block down the field at the level that the MSU will ask for an entire game. He won’t have to carry the mail for MSU like he did in high school and it remains to be seen if he can play as well when he isn’t engaged as a receiver as when he is.

2.           Demetrious Cox DB 6’1” 195# Jeanette, PA Cox is a star looking for a place to shine. He has the tools, he has the intangibles and he has the skills to play IMMEDIATELY for the Spartans. He is technique sound and has the rare gift of loving football and being incredibly blessed with talent. A Coach’s take, “We wanted D bad. He can do it all. He can play the ball over the top, he can flip his hips, he can hit, he is a ball hawk and he brings no off field issue concerns. That was a great get for Narduzzi and in his system he will be outstanding.” Weakness: Cox has always been the best player on the field anytime he plays since he was very young. How will he do at the next level where everyone is good. He hasn’t had to hit as much as he will at this next level and how he adjusts will be very interesting.

3.           Jamal Lyles LB 6’3” 223# Southfield, MI Lyles is a stud and when the dust settles on this class in five years could be the best. His character and integrity are OFF THE CHARTS. Not only a fantastic human being he plays the game of football angry. He delivers bone-crushing hits at the point of attack, he has great vision and field awareness and most of all understands the nuances of the game. Lyles has all the tools to be among the greats in MSU history when all is said and done. A Coach’s take, “Very early we went after that young man. We were so impressed with who he was as much as what he was. We felt if we could get a commit early we would keep him because of character and wanting to honor his word. He waited and we knew we were done once bigger schools found him. Such a great player and person, this is another guy that MSU plugs in and just keeps pounding. I will root for him because he is such a great person.” Weakness: Jamal has done everything. He has played all over the field and had to carry his team and teammates. At MSU he will be surrounded with talent and how will he play simply having to do one job and stay position sound. He won’t need to freelance like he did in high school and watching his adjustment to that will be interesting.

4.           Nick Tompkins RB 5’9” 185# Snellville, GA Tompkins has all the moves. Slow to the hole and fast through it, his highlight tape is simply dazzling. In the Mark Dantonio offense he is a star and will light up the B1G.A Coach’s take, “Nick can move, slide, glide and just when you think you have him he is gone. I know SEC schools wanted him, but they waited. Mark Dantonio found this diamond when he was coal and the young man never lost faith in the Sparty program that wanted him early.” Weakness: He will have to learn to avoid the contact that comes with bigger defenders. He is not a big young man like LeVeon Bell. In high school he showed off that toughness by trying and successfully running over people at times. In the Big Ten he will be facing much bigger defenders so he has to perfect not letting people get solid hits on him. 

5.           Macgarrett Kings, Jr. WR 5’10” 178# Fort Lauderdale, FL All class, this young man. He has such great change of pace and direction. What makes him dangerous is when he has the ball in his hand. His YAC (yards after the catch) is amazing once he gets the ball. A Coach’s take, “He is a true athlete. Not big enough to play the lines, but he can play every other spot on the team. If you get him in the open field it’s over.” Weakness: Kings can do anything with the ball. He will spend time with the jugs machine to get better with his hands and he will spend time in the NFL for sure.

6.           Riley Bullough LB 6’2” 220# Traverse City, MI Bullough has a nose for the ball. Wherever it is, you will find him. Super feet, great vision and when an offensive player is in open space it doesn’t matter, he is a sure handed tackler. A Coach’s take, “We spent no time on Bullough. We knew he would go with Mark (Dantonio) and we liked him more coming out of high school then his brother (Max) and we all know how good he is.” Weakness: He can be so aggressive that he over shoots plays sometimes. You have to love the hunger and desire, but sometimes you have to show a little more discipline at this level because he won’t have to make all the plays here. 

7.           Benny McGowan OL 6’4” 290# Centerville, OH McGowan is a man among boys. He simply hits whatever he sees and you look for a wake following him of bodies. He is a complete stud on the OL and owns it. Reminds me a lot of Jack Allen from the 2011 class. A Coach’s take, “Ben is a great player. You knew that early. We liked him even though we are more of a passing oriented offense. Most big men like him wouldn’t fit, but he was more than athletic enough to play for us. You all got a good one who will do well in that system.”  Weakness: McGowan doesn’t really have any glaring holes in his game. The biggest will be adjusting to not being able to overpower everyone at this level and learning to use technique more. 

8.           Evan Jones TE 6’6” 240# West Lafayette, OH The BULLDOZER plays TE with the mentality of a mean nasty LT. He loves to hit, be hit and inflict bodily pain on his victims. A super character kid, he plays like a demon possessed serial killer. Mark this down, Jones WILL BE another great player in the MSU storied history of football. A Coach’s take, “Will be stunned if he doesn’t move over one spot and play left tackle. He is an NFL LT in my opinion. He is big, powerful, can move and is like super glue in that once he gets a grip he is moving you.” Weakness: Sometimes he locks in on blocks and doesn’t get off the block and get to the next one. It is fun to fall on guys and crush them, but at this level he will need to move on. 

9.           David Fennell DT 6’3” 278# Portland, OR This young man plays mean. Not saying he is a mean person, but he plays with a chip on his shoulder. He is attacking in the fourth quarter with the same tenacity of the first. He could end up the crown jewel of the class. A Coach’s take, “Fenn came on late. He didn’t really camp much out here, but the film tells the story. Would have loved to see him stay out West, but he got a good fit with Pat Narduzzi. He plays with the same mentality that guy coaches with.” Weakness: Fennell is big, strong and tough. In high school he owned the competition. In college he will face players on the other side of the ball that share his skill and tenacity such as Evan Jones. He will have to learn to play with technique more often and not just brute force trauma. 

10.       Zach Higgins OL 6’5” 305# Alliance, OH Just like Jack Allen of last year and Benny McGowan of this year Higgins is a brawler and a mauler. Once he gets his hands on you it is over. He has the athleticism of a guard with great feet and perhaps the best first step I have seen in a long time for a high school offensive lineman. A Coach’s take, “Zach was a top priority for us, but he thought MSU was best for him. We liked everything about him. He would have started for us as a freshman, he is the real deal.” Weakness: Pad level is a concern with Higgins. It hasn’t been in high school because he is so strong. He has to learn to play lower, but that will come with coaching.

11.       Tyler O’Connor QB 6’3” 210# Lima, OH One word for O’Connor: Stud! He can make every throw. He can run like Drew Stanton and pass like Brian Hoyer. No doubt he will one day lead this team. As gifted as he is athletically he is a high character kid and has all the tools. A Coach’s take, “Hell yes we wanted him and I am not happy we didn’t get him. He is a game changer. I know that Dantonio doesn’t like playing freshman, but if that job is open I can’t imagine he doesn’t get a look. He is smarter then a freshman.” Weakness:  O’Connor has to learn to slide when he runs. Plays like Evan Jones. Loves contact, isn’t afraid of it and in a sick way seems to enjoy actually seeking out defenders and taking them down. At this level Evan Jones, Max Bullough and William Gholston are waiting for him.

12.       Mark Meyers DB 6’ 180# Toledo, OH EXPLOSION is the word for this young man. One theme of this class and Meyers is proof of it, is that they are textbook tacklers. They don’t go for the Sportscenter hit. They just explode on you. Meyers is a ball hawk that even when he is away from the play he somehow makes it. A Coach’s take, ‘He plays a lot like a linebacker with the speed of a defensive back. He really owns the airwaves in the back third with a great eye on the ball and not afraid to step up and play the run.“ Weakness:  In high school QBs don’t look off the DB. He is able to get the quick jump because of that. In college he has to learn to make great reads and not get looked off by the QB.

13.       Josiah Price TE 6’5” 239# Greentown, IN Whereas Evan Jones is a bruiser Josiah Price is an athletic machine. Another high character youngster, he has great hands. I think he came out of the womb with super glue on his hands. Tremendous work ethic and disciplined. He can go up in the crowd and get the ball. A tough, tough kid. He will benefit from a better QB in college who will get him the ball in better spots to be caught. A Coach’s take, “We liked Josie. A lot. We thought he would be an NFL DE with his skills and how he plays. I think Danny (Roushar) will have some competition from Pat (Narduzzi) trying to get him to defense. Weakness: Not really a weakness, but can he block at the level MSU will ask of him as a TE. I have no concerns at all that he can, but hasn’t been asked to do it like he will here.  

14.       Jermaine Edmondson DB 6’1” 170# Canton, OH I sure like Edmondson. This young man is a big strong defender who comes like a heat seeking missile. Never met a collision he didn’t feel like he was invited to. Plays DB with the mentality of a DT. Blessed by God with great vision he can make the interception and get down the field to score. He is a true cover corned. A Coach’s take, “Jermaine is so good in run support and in coverage that he is a true CB. In a system like the one Pat (Narduzzi) and Mark (Dantonio) run he will be terrific. His ability will let them put him on an island so they can blitz the Bejesus out of people.” Weakness: Loves to play the run (so rare among CBs) and a good fake can make him take the bait. Will have to learn to read the fake to avoid releasing early on a wide out.

15.       Kyle Kerrick WR 6’3” 183# Coatesville, PA This young man is big and has the incredible ability to use that big body to create separation from smaller DBs. Sure handed and a good blocker down field he is a good one.  A Coach’s take, “That young man is a defender in my book. I think he is an NFL safety with his body and style.” Weakness: Kerrick would have to run short routes (not in distance, but in set) because he would have to go behind and over with less then stellar QB play. He will have to learn to run the route and trust the QB to get it to him at MSU. His stats would have been gigantic had he played with O’Connor in high school.

16.       Kodi Kieler OL 6’6” 305# Rockwood, MI Big, powerful, strong athletic are all good words to describe Kieler. He is raw, but he has all the tools. Reminds me a lot of Kyle Cook with his athleticism. A Coach’s take, “We thought he may sneak by the bigger schools because he is raw, but we knew he was better then that. I think that player can be a real good one because he has the intangible things that only God can give and the work ethic to learn the things he don’t know.” Weakness: Just raw. Will benefit from a red shirt year and with Ken Mannie sculpting him. His weakness is nothing physical or mental. He wants to be good and will embrace coaching and Ken Mannie. Easily when his time is over could be the best of this class. 

17.       Ezra Robinson DB 6’ 174# Sarasota, FL An athletic machine, Robinson can leap, run, see the field. He has an amazing skill set.  A Coach’s take, “We didn’t throw his way. We weren’t worried about interceptions, but he breaks up the passes and makes the tackles so we attacked wherever he wasn’t.” Weakness: He is a lot like Tony Lippett with freakish athletic skills. Every skill is amazing; can he catch and get those interceptions? When people didn’t throw his way, that isn’t a fair thing to be labeled with. It is however something to watch.

18.       Monty Madaris WR 6’2” 190# Cincinnati, OH Madaris has a lot of real tangible talent. A God given collection of gifts would almost always make a recruit like that higher in our ratings then here. Some would see where we have him and think we question his character and they would be wrong. Madaris is a good kid.  A Coach’s take, “We wanted Monty and the easiest way to see why is by simply putting on the film. He can make all the plays, blocks well and is smooth and has so much talent he makes it look easy.” Weakness: Again, I have no issues with Madaris the football player or the young man.  His weakness is how does he handle adversity, and it will come.

 

This class top to bottom is amazing. No reaches, not question marks with character and all of them have a super future ahead of them. One of Dantonio’s best classes for sure.