MSU had a host of visits over the weekend with fall camp getting underway. Although they missed out on a player, they made strides with others, including plenty of 2014 prospects who took in practice.
Let's get underway:
Note: There aren't many detailed descriptions with these links. With most of the stories being about 2014 players, there wasn't a ton of "news." Just imagine every player saying "I like what Michigan State is doing and I'm definitely looking at them," because that's basically what they all said.
Finley gets back to East Lansing (247) - Cass Tech OT Dennis Finley remains near the top of MSU's wish list. He visted campus over the weekend, meeting with his sister — who is an MSU student — and the MSU coaches. Not much of an update otherwise, although he wants to take an official to his top three of MSU, Wisconsin and Ohio State this fall. No Cass Tech player has chosen MSU since 2000, per Rivals.
UW adds key in-state piece (Rivals) - A tough loss for MSU as Wisconsin DE Alec James committed to the Badgers on Monday. Wisconsin was always the team to beat, and MSU couldn't quite get the edge.
Spartans lead for Illinois DE (247) - Three-star Illinois DE Ruben Dunbar wasn't heard from on the recruiting trail over the summer, opting to focus on school and getting his grades up. With the season upon us, he says MSU is his leader, and he wants to get up for a visit. Given that MSU needs linemen and there are only a few spots left, Dunbar will be one to watch.
Baker's dozen plus 1 for 2014 (Rivals) - Rivals takes a look at some names that are moving to the forefront for MSU in the class of 2014.
Cass Tech's Drake enjoys visit to MSU (Rivals) - 2014 Detroit linebacker Deon Drake earned an MSU offer recently and visited campus this weekend. Drake didn't know that no Cass Tech player had chosen MSU since 2000, but he says the Spartans are his No. 1 school.
"Coach Tressel explained the different techniques and terminology they use on Saturdays and then quizzed me to make sure I understood the concepts" Drake said. "The whole experience was very impressive."
Webb talks recent and future visits (Scout) - Another Cass Tech player, 2014 receiver/cornerback Damon Webb visited East Lansing with his teammates last weekend. He says he wants to get to an MSU game this fall.
2014 DL claiming early offers (Rivals) - Detroit defensive end Malik McDowell is one of the top linemen in the country for 2014. He has offers from most of the Midwest powers as well as Oregon and Stanford. He says distance is not a factor, so everyone in the country will be in on him.
Gault recaps recent visits (Scout) - 2014 Wisconsin OL Monona Gault visited MSU last weekend and picked up an offer. He plans on going to the night game against Notre Dame.
Another Allen at Michigan State? (247) - 2014 Illinois OL Brian Allen is the brother of current MSU OL Jack. He has a host of Big Ten offers, including MSU, and hopes to get up for the Notre Dame game.
Byrne no stranger to Michigan State (Scout) - 2014 OL Jimmy Byrne earned an offer from MSU two weeks ago. He hasn't visited MSU, but his family is close with Brian Hoyer's family, as Hoyer went to the same high school as Byrne.
Bullough ready for the season (Scout) - 2014 Traverse City defensive back Byron Bullough doesn't have any offers yet, but when they come, he says he's keeping his options open, although MSU would obviously have the inside track, given his brothers.
Minneapolis RB interested in Spartans (Rivals) - Another 2014 prospect that has earned an MSU offer is Minnesota running back Jeff Jones. He has five Big Ten offers, along with Iowa State.
Ohio ATH impressed with Spartans (Rivals) - Ohio athlete Chris Frey projects as a linebacker, and with the position being a priority for MSU in 2014, Frey will be one to watch.
Top 2014 DB enjoys MSU visit (Rivals) - Illinois DB Parrker Westphal has the speed and size to play either cornerback or safety. MSU's success with secondary players was obviously a selling point when he visited MSU recently.
New Jersey ATH to visit MSU (247) - 2014 ATH Kiy Hester flew into East Lansing for a visit on Tuesday and Wednesday. He holds offers from all over the country.
"I have a real good relationship with Coach Narduzzi," Hester said. "Michigan State is a great program with a lot of good things going on there. I just want take a visit to Michigan State and see what it's all about. Just meet the players and all other coaches and stuff like that."