The Wolverines have Ryan Mallet. Notre Dame has Jimmy Clausen. Thank God the Spartans have their own young QB star by the name of Nick Foles!

The Wolverines have Ryan Mallet. The Wolverines can have Mallet. Notre Dame has Jimmy Clausen. They can keep him. The Spartan Nation has their own freshman superstar. Spartans everywhere, meet Nick Foles!

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When I first met him, he looked more like a California surfer boy sportin’ his curly blonde locks than a Texas QB that slings the ball downfield. In fact my 13-year old daughter thought he was well…“Gorgeous!” Much like he delivers the football, now-a-days Nick is wearing the ‘close- cut’ high and tight. The Spartan Nation only hopes that he is no relation to Samson after his haircut.

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Nick Foles came to MSU as a highly touted QB from Texas. He originally committed to ASU, but opted for change when Dennis Erickson took the Arizona State job. Foles decided to look elsewhere and Dantonio came knocking. MSU and Mark Dantonio were quick to jump at the chance to sign the young quarterback and eventually did that. Nick Foles had a shoulder injury that required surgery and rehab. A source close to the ASU program had to answer to alumni this summer after Foles signed a letter of intent with Michigan State. Rumors were spread that he had other injuries, namely a knee which was unfounded and proved to be untrue.

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Foles came to MSU having bought into the Dantonio sales pitch. Looking at the Spartans 4-0 start, he can certainly see that the Spartan program is in good hands. The product that Dantonio sold him has been rooted in both truth and reality. “I was really impressed with Coach Dantonio and how handled himself and the fact that he looks you straight in the eye and tells you the truth,” was how Foles described his recruitment to MSU. Nick’s father Larry went into more depth when he told me, “We were really impressed with how he handled himself. It is very clear if you spend time with Coach that he is a man of integrity and faith. That is exactly the kind of man I wanted my son to play for.” Mr. Foles went into more detail last night when he told me, “The good Lord had a plan all along for Nick and we couldn’t be happier that it brought him to MSU and Coach Dantonio.”

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Foles has all of the tools to be great. He is 6’5” and has a cannon for an arm. MSU hasn’t had a QB on the roster with his combination of both athleticism and arm strength in a very long time. He has great technique and exceptional footwork. There is a reason that his high school coach Derek Long told me that, “Nick really has everything that Drew had (Brees, as in the Saints QB) a lot of the intangibles. I have had the privilege of coaching a lot of great kids, but Nick is really special.” Is he as good as Drew (Brees) Coach? “I would say that… This might make some folk upset, but I would say that I haven’t coached anyone better.” Â

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Can’t miss prototypical NFL QB’s are hard to find. One willing to take a possible redshirt and wait his turn is a true test of character. “I love it here, and Brian (Hoyer) is such a great QB. People can say what they want, but playing behind Brian was the best choice for the Spartans and me in the long run. He is constantly coaching me and teaching me things… his help has been great.”

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When the Packers invested a first round draft pick in Brett Favre’s future successor, he told the team that it wasn’t his job to mentor or teach anyone. Hoyer’s response to Nick Foles has been that of a role model and true Spartan. Brian’s willingness to help Foles is refreshing. “You know I am really not doing anything different than what Drew (Stanton) did for me. He just showed me the ropes and taught me things that helped me so much. I think that is what being a Spartan is all about. One day it will be Nick helping out the new guy and I guess maybe we started a new Spartan tradition.” You have to love Hoyer’s response and attitude. Hoyer wants to see Michigan State successful long after he leaves. Brian is a class act.

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Foles not only brings great credentials as a QB, he also brings a great pedigree of a terrific person. “I think Nick off of the field is about as nice a kid as you could ever meet. Everyone here at Westlake is so proud of him for the person he is as much or more than how good he can quarterback,” was Coach Long’s description of his pupil.

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“I am really blessed to have parents like I do. My parents are good people. My adjustment is going really well. My dad lives here part time, but he doesn’t try to live my life. He is a great dad and person… when we are together we talk about life and I am glad that he doesn’t try to make it all football. Don’t get me wrong, I love football and being a Spartan, but it’s nice that I can be me with my Dad and it doesn’t have to be all football, he is like my best friend.” That my Spartan friends is the words of MSU’s future star QB and a great kid, Nick Foles.

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Little girls may call him gorgeous, but football freaks have to love his skills, and genuine character. One thing is certain; this big Texas gunslinger was a great addition to the 2007 recruiting class and the Spartan Nation.

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Michigan has Mallet and Notre Dame has Clausen, but the Spartan Nation and Mark Dantonio have Nick Foles. Trust me when I say Dantonio wouldn’t trade him for both Mallet and Clausen. Be patient young Mr. Foles. Your time will come, and when it does you’ll be ready. Your Dad was right, thank the good Lord that you’re a Spartan.