Michigan State adds Australian punter Mark Vassett to 2021 recruiting class

Never underestimate the value of good special teams, especially at punter (remember 2018?). Mel Tucker and Michigan State are locking in a player at the position for the 2021 recruiting cycle, as Melbourne, Australia product Mark Vassett committed to the Spartans this morning.

Vassett, a 23-year-old prospect, trains at the well-respected Prokick Australia, which helps Australian kickers and punters transition into the college and NFL ranks for American football. He will be a scholarship player.

Heading into the 2020 season, Michigan State’s starting punter position is wide open. Bryce Baringer (redshirt junior), Evan Morris (redshirt freshman), Tyler Hunt (redshirt junior) and UTEP grad transfer Mitchell Crawford will compete for the role, while Vassett will have the opportunity to earn the spot in 2021. It will be interesting to see who wins the job, as longtime Michigan State punter Jake Hartbarger has now exhausted his eligibility. Meanwhile, fellow Australian punter (who also trained with Prokick Australia) Jack Bouwmeester will not be part of the 2020 team after deciding to return home.

Counting Vassett, Michigan State now has 12 commits in the 2021 class, which currently ranks No. 21 in the nation. Vassett is the first special teams player of the group.

Here are some additional details about Vassett: