Weekly Spartans Recruiting Review: Post Early Signing Period Edition
The Michigan State Spartans are through with the Dec. 4-6 early signing period.
These are the 17 signees:
QB Leo Hannan, Servite (California)
First commit of the 2025 cycle for Coach Jonathan Smith and Co. Tough, big-armed quarterback who has good mobility and a high compete level. He knows Aidan Chiles is the starter for the foreseeable future -- but that doesn't phase him one bit. Should be a four-star.
DL Derrick Simmons, Frankenmuth (Michigan)
The "true" four-star of this class, the Spartans were able to snag Simmons late in his timetable and in doing so they get a smart, talented, and versatile defensive lineman.
LB DJ White, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Michigan)
Track athlete linebacker at 6-foot-3, former safety with good ball skills. Smart player, too. One of the most key players in this class, as he helped Smith on the recruiting trail
LB Di'Mari Malone, Dakota (Michigan)
Very polished linebacker with good tools and the ability to handle all of the responsibilities of a Joe Rossi linebacker.
OL Justin Bell, Dakota (Michigan)
A big offensive lineman that Jim Michalczik was able to land late in the prospect's timetable. A long-term prospect.
OL Drew Nichols, Murrieta Valley (Michigan)
Athletic offensive lineman that might be getting overlooked. Really good size for an interior blocker, could do some damage at the college level.
CB George Mullins, South Sumter (Florida)
Sizeable corner who is physical and athletic. Florida tough, could be one of the gems of this recruiting haul.
CB Ayan West, Quince Orchard (Maryland)
The Spartans were able to hold onto West after he was pursued heavily by Ohio State and Virginia Tech late in the cycle. Long, physical corner.
S Evan Young, Lufkin (Texas)
Late-in-the-game grab by safeties coach Blue Adams. Young was big on the Spartans from Day 1 and is a strong Texas prospect.
TE Jayden Savoury, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Michigan)
Late bloomer with a really high ceiling thanks to a huge, athletic frame and route-running skills that could make a him a long-term playmaker.
WR Charles Taplin, Red Oak (Texas)
Big catch radius and a yards after catch machine. Underrated in this reporter's opinion.
WR Braylon Collier, Perkins (Ohio)
Dynamic playmaking threat with a high compete level and deep love for the green and white. Could be a long-term locker room leader and vertical threat.
DL Cal Thrush, Upper Arlington (Ohio)
Versatile defensive lineman who can play on the edge and move around the line.
RB Jace Clarizio, East Lansing (Michigan)
A four-star by some analysts, Clarizio is a hometown kid who could be a true feature back for the green and white -- and a dangerous one at that.
RB Zion Gist, Lincoln-Way East (Illinois)
A late flip who has plenty of potential, but will likely take a little bit longer to get there.
CB Terrance "Deuce" Edwards, Trinity Episocopal (Virginia)
Maybe the biggest move the Spartans made alongside Clarizio. A high-ceiling cornerback with intangibles and a complete game.
LB Leonard Ah You, Kahuku (Hawaii)
A 2023 Oregon State commit who spent the past two years on a mission. Ah You was highly touted out of high school then, and he sure looks promising now.
Observation:
The Missing Link
High three-star athlete Bryson Williams of Orchard Lake St. Mary's has been committed to the Spartans since July. However, he didn't sign throughout the early signing period. It is admittedly odd. Worrisome? Maybe.
Williams might be the best athlete in this haul for the Spartans, and he can play wide receiver or running back. Securing his signature should be the No. 1 priority.
Michael France is Sports Illustrated's Michigan State recruiting beat writer, covering all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Be sure to follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesi for exclusive Spartans recruiting coverage.
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