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Matt Dotson commits to Michigan State Spartans

This is a huge get for Mark Dantonio and his staff.

By Jason Marcum
B/R

The Michigan State Spartans continue to be on a recruiting hot streak as the summertime heats up.

The latest pledge MSU has nabbed is from Class of 2017 tight end Matt Dotson, who made his commitment Thursday using a video announcement from Bleacher Report.

A 6-5, 235-pound tight end from Archbishop Moeller High School in Cincinnati (OH), is ranked by Rivals.com as the 189th-overall prospect in the 2017 class. Scout.com has him at 285th, while 247 has him ranked 385th. Dotson is the nation's No. 9 tight end according to 247Sports' composite rankings, which accounts for all of the major recruiting services.

As you can imagine, getting Dotson was no easy task for MSU with many elite programs offering him. Florida, Arkansas, Auburn, Louisville, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Penn State, Oregon, LSU, Wisconsin and Notre Dame were among the many schools to offer Dotson.

That shows just how big of a commitment this is for the Spartans. Dotson becomes the 14th commitment for MSU in 2017. 247 has him ranked as MSU's second-best commitment, trailing four-star guard Kevin Jarvis.

For much of Dotson's early recruitment, Penn State was viewed as the favorite. However, Mark Dantonio and his staff really began ramping up their pressure since February and ultimately committed to the Spartans.

Speaking of, Dantonio chimed in about Dotson's big commitment.

Here is some of ESPN's scouting report on Dotson:

Displays good playing strength which should continue to improve as he physically develops. Displays above average top-end speed.

Flashes good acceleration off the line and enough size and speed to make plays down the seam. Needs to continue to improve as route runner, but shows flashes with athleticism to develop in this area. Doesn't display great ability to elude defenders after the catch, but can quickly transition up-field and athletic enough to make first tackler miss on occasion.

Overall good hands flashing ability to extend for the ball, but can at times let it get into his frame. Displays adequate body control to adjust and catches passes outside his frame.

Dotson is a big, fast tight end prospect who could develop into a real weapon in the passing game. With added bulk and strength, we believe he also has the potential to be a dominant run blocker.

And here are some of Dotson's junior highlights:

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