2018 Michigan State football recruits

Javez Alexander: ATH, Sandusky (Ohio), 6-2, 195, three stars. A high school quarterback, Alexander projects to be a wide receiver for the Spartans. He has elusiveness and the strength to break tackles. He enrolled early at Michigan State, giving him a chance to make the quick adjustment to receiver. STATUS: Signed.

Jeslord Boateng: LB, Dublin (Ohio) Coffman, 6-2, 210, three stars. A stand-up outside linebacker in high school, Boateng could play outside in Michigan State’s 4-3 defense or end up being a pass-rushing end, much like current redshirt freshman Brandon Randle. He'll likely need a season to gain strength. STATUS: Signed.

Elijah Collins: RB, Detroit Jesuit, 6-0, 194, three stars. The physical running back (4) had plenty of other Big Ten offers, including Wisconsin and Iowa, but he ultimately decided to stay closer to home. He's not a speedster, but has good burst and runs with toughness, enough that some schools were recruiting him on defense. STATUS: Signed.

Theo Day: QB, Dearborn Divine Child, 6-5, 197, four stars. One of the early members of the class, Day has seen his star rating jump since he finished his senior season at Divine Child. He's got a strong arm and can make all the throws for a quarterback. Day enrolled early at Michigan State, and joins a crowded quarterback room fighting for time behind Brian Lewerke. STATUS: Signed.

Dimitri Douglas: OL, Saline, 6-5, 285, three stars. Douglas played tackle in high school, but more likely projects to be inside at Michigan State, possibly even making the move to center. He enrolled early at Michigan State, giving him a chance to work hard on learning a new spot and push for playing time at a position that loses senior Brian Allen. STATUS: Signed.

Michael Dowell: DB, Lakewood (Ohio) St. Edward, 6-0, 195, three stars. The brother of current Spartans Andrew and David Dowell, the youngest of the three Dowells projects to be a safety, like David. Has the speed and length the be solid in pass coverage, but will need to get stronger to support the run. STATUS: Signed.

Kalon Gervin: DB, Detroit Cass Tech, 5-11, 180, four stars. The No. 2-ranked player in the state of Michigan, the quick corner with top-end speed enrolled early at Michigan State. The Spartans have young corners on the roster, but expect Gervin to push for playing time as a true freshman. STATUS: Signed.

Trenton Gillison: TE, Pickerington (Ohio) Central, 6-5, 220, four stars. A high school teammate of Xavier Henderson's, Gillison is the No. 11 tight end in the nation, according to 247sports.com, and will have a shot to see playing time early with the Spartans. He'll need to become a stronger blocker, but he has the athleticism to put pressure on opposing defenses. STATUS: Signed.

Parks Gissinger: DE, West Hills (Calif.) Chaminade, 6-4, 227, three stars. The defensive end is coming a long way, picking the Spartans over the likes of Kentucky and Iowa State. His dad was a college roommate of offensive coordinator Dave Warner, providing a bit of a connection. Gissinger will need to add some strength, something that should lead to a redshirt season. STATUS: Signed.

Xavier Henderson: DB, Pickerington (Ohio) Central, 6-0, 189, four stars. The first member of the class, Henderson helped his high school team win a state championship and has enrolled early at Michigan State. A versatile player who starred on both sides of the ball and special teams in high school, Henderson likely will get his first look for the Spartans on defense. STATUS: Signed.

Jacob Isaia: OL, Las Vegas Bishop Gorman, 6-3, 280, three stars. The grandson of former Spartan Bob Apisa, a two-time All-American in 1965-66, Isaia projects as a guard at the Big Ten level and played in the Under Armour All-America Game. STATUS: Signed.

Christian Jackson: DB, Marietta (Ga.) Lassiter, 6-1, 185, three stars. A native of Michigan, Jackson also had an offer from the Wolverines before ultimately deciding on the Spartans. The physical defensive back has the size and strength to fit in Michigan State’s defense and will get a shot, like most young players in the secondary, to contribute early. STATUS: Signed.

La’Darius Jefferson: ATH, Muskegon, 6-2, 209, three stars The high school quarterback was a late add to the class after he decommitted from Central Florida. He’ll likely get his first look at running back, but could end up playing any number of positions, including possibly getting a chance to play quarterback, as well. STATUS: Signed.

Chase Kline: LB, Chardon (Ohio), 6-3, 225, three stars. A four-star linebacker according to Rivals.com, Kline could become the next Joe Bachie, an under-the-radar linebacker who turns into a tackling machine. The 22nd-ranked inside linebacker in the nation, Kline could play in the middle or outside for MSU as an every-down linebacker. STATUS: Signed.

Julian Major: WR, Pittsburgh Penn Hills, 6-1, 185, three stars. Arkansas and Wisconsin were also in on the physical receiver from Pennsylvania, ranked the No. 20 player in the state. He enrolled early at Michigan State, a move that will help him get stronger and continue to be a more polished route runner among a young, talented receiving corps. STATUS: Signed.

Jalen Nailor, WR, Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman, 5-11, 170, three stars. Nailor committed to Arizona State in November, but after the Sun Devils fired coach Todd Graham, Nailor re-opened his recruitment and the Spartans moved in after originally offering him a scholarship last spring. Nailor had 41 receptions for 807 yards and 12 touchdowns during his senior season. He is ranked the No. 136 wide receiver in the 2018 class, according to 247Sports.com. STATUS: Signed.

James Ohonba: OL, Stockbridge (Ga.) Woodland, 6-4, 345, three stars. A four-star according to Rivals.com, the huge offensive tackle also had offers from Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame, Michigan and Ohio State, among others. He has the ability to make an immediate impact, even though he won't be among Michigan State's early enrollees. STATUS: Signed.

Jacob Slade: DE, Olentangy (Ohio) Lewis Center, 6-4, 255, three stars. He and his brother, Zachary, committed to the Spartans together back in June. A defensive end in high school, there's a chance Jacob Slade could move to the inside at Michigan State, or even move over to offense where he’d likely end up inside at guard. STATUS: Signed.

Zachary Slade: DE, Olentangy (Ohio) Lewis Center, 6-4, 240, three stars. Along with his brother, Jacob, he committed to Michigan State back in the summer. A high-motor player could project to several positions with the Spartans, including tackle on the defensive side of the ball or on the offensive line at guard or tackle. STATUS: Signed.

Edward Warinner: LB, Olentangy (Ohio) Liberty, 6-2, 222, three stars. Not the biggest for an inside linebacker, but Warinner enrolled early at Michigan State, which should give him a chance to get strong quickly heading into the spring. The son of former MSU assistant Ed Warinner, he bounced back from a knee injury as a junior to earn his scholarship offer last spring. STATUS: Signed.