Offensive Recruiting Breakdown: 7/8

Quarterbacks

Projected Need: 1

Commitments: Joe Boisture

No more guessing games. After the Robert Bolden drama, Michigan State picks up Joe Boisture. He has been told he will be the only quarterback signing with Michigan State, so bearing strange circumstances, close up shop here.

Runningbacks

Projected Need: 1

Commitments: Nick Hill

When Michigan State takes the field versus Montana State, they will have 6 runningbacks in the program with freshman or sophmore eligibility. It’s getting tough to sell playing time at this position, and when you think about it: Would you rather the Spartans sign 4 offensive linemen or 2 runningbacks?

I’ll take the former.

The staff may find it hard to shun Erick Howard if he becomes available, and Austin White could spurn the Wolverines to sign in East Lansing. But neither appear to be likely possibilities at this point, and just one would be the number.

At fullback, it doesn’t appear the coaching staff is chasing any top prospects. Look for a player on the defensive side of the ball to be moved to fullback by Sept 2010, if not earlier. Steve Gardiner, Jamiihr Williams, and Denzel Drone are all names being thrown around on the all-knowing message board circles.

Wide Receivers

Projected Need: 2

Commitments: Tony Lippett

Too much talent, not enough space. That’s what the staff has to be thinking at this point. Most would be content with just one wideout in this class, but with names like Tony Jones, Shakim Phillips, and Dyjuan Lewis all still available, expect another name or two to be added at this spot.

Jones knows Joe Boisture personally, having played together in wee-pee football. Stanford and Northwestern appear to be the top competition for this Grand Blanc native. Phillips reportedly has a close relationship with Boisture as well, and the Spartans have made his first cut (5 or 6 schools remain).

Fred Smith and Donald Spencer were big names, but going national for a top-50 player like Phillips would be a major statement. Of course, Mark Dantonio has to start recruiting him first. Still, his genuine interest inspite of any sort of full court press from Michigan State is promising.

Tight Ends

Projected Need: 1

Commitments: None

When signing day 2009 (well, 2010) rolled around, Mark Staten was ecstatic. “6 is the number we aim for [at this position]“, he said. Fastforward to present time and Michigan State is stuck behind its grand number yet again with the transfer of David Duran.

This is a position where you don’t really know what you’re getting until camps come around. A pair of Jersey ends in have Spartan offers in Kevin Haplea and Jarrett Darmstatter, but I’d expect the next addition at this position to be a camper we are yet to hear from.

Offensive Linemen

Projected Need: 4

Commitments: None

From worrysome to promising in the course of a few days, the Spartans look strong for a few top prospects. This position seems to find itself with more attrition than any other, whether that is due to injuries or burnouts, making it vital to sign -at a minimum- three offensive linemen in each class.

The clear difference between Michigan State and the Ohio State’s and Penn State’s of the Big Ten is talent on the lines. The difference between the Florida’s and LSU’s versus the Ohio State’s and Michigan’s -cliche or not- is the speed on the lines. Perhaps Mark Dantonio is looking to kill two birds with one stone this recruiting season, as he recruits some leaner, quicker road graders in this class.

That’s not to say Ken Mannie and company won’t look to bulk these men into 300lb monsters. However, making a 270lber into a 300lber is usually much easier than going from 330 to 300.

Many believe Ohio Guard Travis Jackson will be in the fold by the end of the weekend (myself included), and Tackles Skyler Schofner and Michael Dennis are reportedly MSU-leans. NJ C Brandon Vitabile is taking in the sights this week.

The idea when you sign a runningback the size of Nick Hill is to give him some big tackles to hide behind. Dennis and/or Schofner would fit the bill. Lowell Guard Connor Kruse has made waves at camps and is a darkhorse for an offer.

July Status Report

Call me a couple weeks ago, and I was terrified. As I mentioned in the Defensive Recruiting Breakdown, this will be a defensive oriented class. This side isn’t quite as exciting to discuss.

I also mentioned in that piece that Mark Dantonio has yet to sign a “highly regarded 300-lb ready-made nose tackle”. Offensively, Mark Dantonio has yet to nab a receiver quite the caliber (in the recruiting world) of Shakim Phillips.

Michigan State has addressed its priorities, depth is continuing to be built, and more is likely coming after the weekend. Stay tuned.