Michigan State Offensive Lineman Enters Transfer Portal
A junior college transfer who was once considered a key addition to Michigan State football's 2023 recruiting class is no longer a member of the Spartans' football program.
On Tuesday, MSU offensive lineman Keyshawn Blackstock, the No. 1 interior offensive lineman and No. 6 overall JUCO prospect in last year's class, has entered his name into the NCAA transfer portal. The move comes one day after interim head coach Harlon Barnett announced that defensive tackle Simeon Barrow, a three-year starter, was also considering enter his name.
Barrow is now officially in the transfer portal as well.
Blackstock was one of seven four-star prospects to sign with Michigan State last December as a member of the Spartans' 2023 recruiting class. He was brought in specifically to help shore up a MSU offensive line which struggled badly in the run game in 2022. Blackstock was considered a shoe-in to earn a starting job — that's the primary reason he transferred here — but that's not how things played out in East Lansing.
Blackstock did not earn a starting position in fall camp, though he did play in four games for the Spartans this season. He has been listed as 'Out' on Michigan State's Big Ten-mandated availability reports since Week 5 against Iowa, since news broke of MSU's officially endorsed NIL partner, Spartan Dawgs 4 Life (SD4L), ended deals with several football players. Blackstock is believed to be one of those players affected. Because the junior played in only four games, Blackstock can use a redshirt this season and maintain two years of college eligibility for wherever he ends up next.
Blackstock spent the 2022 season at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. The 6-foot-5, 315-pound tackle chose Michigan State over offers from Oregon, Auburn, Penn State and others.
Barrow and Blackstock become the third and fourth Michigan State football players to officially enter the transfer portal since a 30-day window opened to MSU players on Sept. 27 when head coach Mel Tucker was fired. They join running back Jordon Simmons and long snapper Hank Pepper. Defensive back Justin White chose to leave the team on Sept. 30 but has not yet entered the transfer portal.
For a complete list of Michigan State football's transfer portal activity in the 2024 cycle, click here.
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