The first offensive line commitment and the first out-of-state commitment are one in the same. Columbus DeSales student Travis Jackson will wear green.
ANALYST RANKINGS
Scout.com gives our latest commitment 3 stars, calling him one of the top 30 offensive guard prospects in the country. Rivals appears to be a bit behind the ball on this one, having given him no ranking and no evaluation as of today. His offer list (keep reading) screams “four star material”.
ScoutingOhio ranks him the #31 player from Ohio in the class of 2010. ESPN gives their evaluation…
Has agility and balance in space, can block 2nd level defenders, displays good explosion on contact. Can pull and adjust to a moving defender. A little inconsistent finishing blocks but is aggressive. We would hope to see improved playing strength as his career progresses. Good quick set with the ability to anchor versus the power rush.
COMPETITION
One of the nicest offer lists for a “big ugly” that Dantonio has nabbed. Easily on par with those of Nate Klatt and David Barrent. This list includes schools from every major conference, the likes of Tennessee, Boston College, Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Northwestern, Vanderbilt, and Stanford.
PHYSICAL ATTRIBUTES
Some might be a bit concerned initially with a 255 guard in the Big Ten Conference. The latest reports have him coming in at 6-4/270. He has the frame to work his way up to atleast 300, and he’ll have the time to do just that. Let’s not forget our recent player development, people.
Ethan Ruhland was listed at 262, he is now at 287. Zach Hueter from 295 to 328. John Deyo 270 to 295. Chris McDonald 260 to 284. All four of these players will be redshirt freshmen this year, with lots of room still left to grow. Patience.
Pretty athletic for his size. Reports a 3.6 GPA.
MEDIA & LINKAGE
The media isn’t helping me out much tonight…(he’s numbero fifty-nino)
More highlights, this time from Ohio Varsity…
WWHMASI:
(When will he make a significant impact?) As with all offensive linemen, I think it’s best to take a redshirt here. If you don’t have a formidable two deep at any five positions, burn the ‘shirt. Michigan State will have bodies, and he’s not going to be a more proficient lineman than anyone from the 2008 or 2009 classes the day he steps on campus.
WACRFWTK
(What a common recruiting follower wants to know) Lloyd Carr used to say you build from the ball out. It’s my firm belief that Michigan State had the skill players at most positions to hang tight with the likes of Ohio State and Penn State last season. However, they were obviously slaughtered up front.
The last two classes have been big, deep, and athletic on the offensive line. They will give Michigan State a chance to compete with those teams at the line of scrimmage. Doing this every year is the tricky bit. Jackson is a good start.
You’ll need to bring in a minimum of three o-linemen each year to compete, and I expect the staff to find room for four. The Spartans are probably done at guard but will most likely bring in a center and a second tackle.
As I mentioned in the Offensive Recruiting Breakdown, things are suddenly very promising here. I expect Schofner and Vitabile to be in the fold before its all said and done. Bringing in 12 offensive linemen over a period of 3 recruiting seasons would make for a stuffed cupboard.
A shot-putter and cross country/track runner, similar to Chris McDonald.
All nine commitments report GPA’s of 3.0 or higher.
Onto Michael Dennis tomorrow…
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