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Defensive end Darius Slade, Montclair, NJ (Montclair) - 6-foot-5, 240 pounds
Ratings: 247sports (3 stars), ESPN (3 stars), Rivals (3 stars), Scout (3 stars)
Notable offers: Ohio State, Nebraska, Penn State
New Jersey product Shilique Calhoun burst onto the scene for MSU this season, and the Spartans hope to have another great Garden State player, securing the commitment of New Jersey defensive end Darius Slade.
Darius Slade commits to Michigan State, which has never done anything with talented three-star defensive players with high upsides. Oh.
— Jeff Svoboda (@JeffSvoboda) January 17, 2014
Slade was high on MSU earlyin the recruiting process, but committed to Nebraska. When he decommitted from the Huckers recently, you figured MSU would be back in the mix. Slade earned an offer from Ohio State on Thursday, but he chose the Spartans. Pat Narduzzi has been recruiting in New Jersey and sealed the deal.
#Footprint certainly didn't hurt MSU flip him, with annual games against Rutgers coming. Slade is the second New Jersey player in the class of 2014, joining fullback Gerald Owens.
As you can tell by the measurables, Slade is already a huge kid. That fits the mold MSU wants from its pass-rushing defensive ends (think Will Gholston, Joel Heath, Calhoun). Looking at the highlights below, he appears to play a bit high with his pads, but makes up for it by getting upfield quickly. He appears to have good speed and, in the highlights, doesn't give up on plays.
Slade is commit No. 19 in the class, with Signing Day less than a month away. Does this mean MSU is out of the running for Malik McDowell? Hard to know, but Slade has always been a Plan A recruit for them.
From Rivals:
"I have always been a Spartan," (Slade) stated. "Michigan State has had my heart since the day I stepped on campus. I am just astounded to say that I am truly a Spartan. Go Green!"