Three-star OL Rustin Young picks Michigan State after visit
Rustin Young was committed to Oregon State since July but then a curveball was thrown into his recruitment by coach Jonathan Smith leaving for Michigan State. So Young backed off his pledge to the Beavers and ultimately flipped to the Spartans after taking an official visit to East Lansing.
“It was a great visit. Love the energy, the electricity there. It’s a beautiful stadium, a great university,” Young said. “I’m bonding with everybody, me and the players and the staff. It’s all genuine; great connections with everyone.
“I think it was the locker room, the people, the facility, the stadium. I felt at home. That’s a huge thing. I felt like I was at home.”
Young, a 6-foot-4, 305-pound three-star prospect, should be a significant addition to what Michigan State has coming back along the offensive line. Young joins three-star offensive lineman Colin Henrich, three-star running backs Deone Walker and Audric Estime and three-star wide receiver Terry Lockett as recent commitments to the Spartans.
Tyrese Ritchie and Chris Mayfield are both three-star offensive linemen of some note. Kicker Jack Olsen from Wheaton-Warrenville South High School is another benevolent type of prospect that Harris is to offer.
There’s also the possibility of adding some top talent across the nation as prospects decide to fly the nest and make a commitment to various programs. Really, it could be another great year in East Lansing if everything goes to plan.
Defensive line was the theme of the day in East Lansing yesterday, as Dameon Maddox also committed to the Spartans. A product of Chicago’s Foreman High School, Maddox announced his intentions and gave his pledge to Michigan State.
Davion Primm, a four-star running back, as well as Ashton Craig, a three-star offensive tackle, have also committed. Both are once again fantastic additions to the team. So overall, it’s shaping up to be a really successful year in East Lansing.
There is little doubting that Michigan State has been recruiting well under head coach Mel Tucker. The Spartans are getting it done and it’s showing not only in the Big Ten but also nationally in the class of 2023. Landing Young is yet another significant commitment for Tucker and his staff after what’s been a really good year in recruiting.
Many thought that Young was going to be firmly committed to Oregon State after giving his pledge months ago, but his trip to Michigan State certainly made an impression. He gave a heartfelt tour of his experience and why he chose the Spartans, and the impression was that the visit had a significant effect on his decision-making process.
What’s impressive about Michigan State’s recruiting class so far is how Tucker has managed to pounce on prospects quickly and get them to campus. In recruiting, visiting the campus can often make the difference in landing a player. If the first impression is a positive one, that could be a massive key in getting someone to sign on the dotted line.
Some recruiting years are special and some are crucial because of the current needs on the club. But then some seasons could just be a result of everything falling into place.
It’ll be interesting to not only see how Young develops over his time at Michigan State but also how the rest of the Spartans’ recruiting class takes shape. Right now, things are looking very positive, and Tucker’s getting it done, not just in Michigan but also nationally.
