Michigan State to Host 3-Star Edge Rusher Anthony Jones

Michigan State coach Jonathan Smith and the Spartans are set to host a three-star transfer edge rusher from an in-conference foe.

The spring transfer portal opens soon, and the Michigan State Spartans plan to become active.

Justin Thind of 247Sports reported on Sunday that transfer edge rusher Anthony Jones from Indiana would be visiting East Lansing on Monday. Jones started his career at Oregon in 2022 before transferring and playing in 14 games last season for Indiana as a redshirt sophomore. 

Jones initially committed to playing for Oregon State after entering the transfer portal in December but decided to re-open his recruitment in January. It can only be speculated whether Spartans coach Jonathan Smith’s departure from Oregon State and cross-country move to MSU played a part in Jones’ decision. Still, his visit to MSU makes it easy to connect the dots. 

247Sports ranks Jones as a three-star prospect in their transfer portal rankings. The edge rusher has the potential to join the Spartans and get the playing time and exposure his multiple transfers prove he is seeking. His initial commitment to Oregon State also shows there is a mutual interest between Jones and Coach Smith, as Jones now has the opportunity to play for Coach Smith without having to move to the West Coast or even move conferences. 

Jones and MSU could benefit mutually from each other in the short term and the long term. Jones gets to play for a school more known for football than the school he’s transferring from. He gets more playing time, which leads to more exposure, which will help his odds of making it to the National Football League.

In the day and age of Name, Image, and Likeness deals, exposure is a much bigger deal than in previous eras of college football. 

MSU could benefit from Jones’ skill set. He would give them an edge rusher who could be the first of many transfers to make an immediate impact. Jones’ success in East Lansing would give Coach Smith a player he can use as an example for other transfers in future recruiting cycles. As the Spartans continue to try to add more talent to their roster, players like Jones will be essential in their growth as a program.

Jones’ MSU visit could be a vital step in a new direction for the Green and White.

The Michigan State Spartan Football Spring Green and White Game (Spring Showcase) will be held at the High Cathedral of the Spartan Nation, Spartan Stadium, on April 20, 2024, at 2 p.m.

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