It's shaping up to be a battle of Michigan rivals in the recruitment of Joel Honigford.
A 6-6, 278-pound offensive lineman out of Sugarcreek High School in Ohio, Honigford announced his list of four schools still in contention for his services on Monday. Among them were Michigan State and Michigan, while Auburn and Oregon also made the cut.
Final 4 pic.twitter.com/GNkppybq6M
— Joel Honigford (@jhonig44) June 27, 2016
Anytime you've got the Wolverines, Ducks, Tigers and Spartans battling for the same recruit, you know he's a good one. Honigford originally reported his MSU back in February:
Extremely blessed to say that I have received an offer from Michigan State University! #B1G pic.twitter.com/scELrDRG5V
— Joel Honigford (@jhonig44) February 14, 2016
Of all the major recruiting services, ESPN has the highest rating of Honigford. They gave him a four-star grade and have him ranked as their 199th prospect and the No. 7 recruit from the state of Ohio.
Here is a brief excerpt of Honigford's ESPN scouting report:
Very good height with adequate bulk and lean build at this stage. Will need to work to pack on some more good mass to frame, but should be able to add the needed size with time in a college weight program. Good strength, but need to improve as well and should as he fills out.
Displays adequate initial quickness and shows good patience and balance in set, though at times can lunge and get top heavy. Needs to continue to refine, but flashes good punch
Demonstrates ability to get into defenders with good quickness and can come off with pad level, roll hips at contact and gain physical leverage.
Over at 247, there are a handful of predictions in Honingford's crystal ball, and all of them are in favor of the Spartans:
Honigford is also holding offers from the likes of Oklahoma, Tennessee, Nebraska, North Carolina, West Virginia, Penn State and Pitt among many others.
Here are some of his Hudl highlights, which include him playing tackle and defensive end.