Weekly Michigan State Spartan Football Recruiting Review (2/10)

DL Derrick Simmons, Frankenmuth (Michigan)

The "true" four-star of this class, the Spartans were able to snag Simmons late in his timetable, and in doing so, they get a smart, talented and versatile defensive lineman.

LB DJ White, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Michigan)

Track athlete linebacker at 6-foot-3, former safety with good ball skills. Smart player, too. One of the most key players in this class, as he helped Smith on the recruiting trail. Recently made a four-star prospect.

LB Di'Mari Malone, Dakota (Michigan)

Very polished linebacker with good tools and the ability to handle all of the responsibilities of a Joe Rossi linebacker.

OL Justin Bell, Dakota (Michigan)

A big offensive lineman that Jim Michalczik was able to land late in the prospect's timetable. A long-term prospect.

OL Drew Nichols, Murrieta Valley (Michigan)

Athletic offensive lineman that might be getting overlooked. Really good size for an interior blocker, could do some damage at the college level.

CB George Mullins, South Sumter (Florida)

Sizeable corner who is physical and athletic. Florida tough, could be one of the gems of this recruiting haul.

CB Ayan West, Quince Orchard (Maryland)

The Spartans were able to hold onto West after he was pursued heavily by Ohio State and Virginia Tech late in the cycle. Long, physical corner.

S Evan Young, Lufkin (Texas)

Late-in-the-game grab by safeties coach Blue Adams. Young was big on the Spartans from Day 1 and is a strong Texas prospect.

TE Jayden Savoury, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Michigan)

Late bloomer with a really high ceiling thanks to a huge, athletic frame and route-running skills that could make him a long-term playmaker.

WR Charles Taplin, Red Oak (Texas)

Big catch radius and a yards after catch machine. Underrated in this reporter's opinion.

WR Braylon Collier, Perkins (Ohio)

Dynamic playmaking threat with a high compete level and deep love for the Green and White. Could be a long-term locker room leader and vertical threat.

DL Cal Thrush, Upper Arlington (Ohio)

Versatile defensive lineman who can play on the edge and move around the line.

RB Jace Clarizio, East Lansing (Michigan)

A four-star by some analysts, Clarizio is a hometown kid who could be a true feature back for the green and white -- and a dangerous one at that.

RB Zion Gist, Lincoln-Way East (Illinois)

A late flip who has plenty of potential, but will likely take a little bit longer to get there.

CB Terrance "Deuce" Edwards, Trinity Episocopal (Virginia)

Maybe the biggest move the Spartans made alongside Clarizio. A high-ceiling cornerback with intangibles and a complete game.

LB Leonard Ah You, Kahuku (Hawaii)

A 2023 Oregon State commit who spent the past two years on a mission. Ah You was highly touted out of high school then, and he sure looks promising now.

WR Nicholas Hardy, Groves (Michigan)

Expected to sign with the Spartans. Powerhouse program and one that the Spartans have had an eye on for some time.

RB Darrin Jones, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Michigan)

Solid running back with a strong frame. Gives the Spartans a lot to work with. Strengthens a solid pipeline even further.

OT Antonio Johnson, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Michigan)

Interested in the Spartans for a long time. Had a good feeling about his commitment since this past summer. Has a lot of size and athleticism, you like his potential under Spartans offensive line coach Jim Michalczik.

ATH Bryson Williams, Orchard Lake St. Mary's (Michigan)

Arguably the best athlete in this signing class. Definitely the most versatile player and one the Spartans could put him at running back, wide receiver, or safety.

2026 Commits

Total: 3

5-star: 0

4-star: 1

3-star: 2

ATH Joey Caudill, Lexington (OH)

Likely to be a tight end at the collegiate level, but reminds some of Penn State's Tyler Warren. Big, athletic, physical athlete with a strong football IQ.

QB Kayd Coffman, East Kentwood (MI)

Many think this could be the steal of the Spartans' 2026 class. He has garnered comparisons to Kirk Cousins, but with a better arm and athleticism. Bold claims, time will only tell. High compete level that you like to see.

TE Eddie Whiting, Jefferson (SD)

A true-blue four-star, maybe no other prospect has risen this much. The Spartans were the very first to offer Whiting and that relationship has paid off. He chose them over some of the best Power 4 programs in the country. Big-time tight end that is a playmaker and blocker.

2027 Commits

Total: 1

5-star: N/A

4-star: 1*

3-star: N/A

S Khalil Terry, Tustin (CA)

Terry is too young to be rated by 247Sports, but Rivals recently gave him a four-star rating. Early commitments are risky business, and Terry is being courted by some top schools like Penn State, North Carolina, Tennessee, and others. If the Spartans do keep him, it will mark an incredible feat by Smith and Co.

Michael France is Sports Illustrated's Michigan State recruiting beat writer, covering all things Big Ten recruiting for Spartan Nation. Be sure to follow him on Twitter/X@michaelfrancesi for exclusive Spartans recruiting coverage.