Michigan State saw some change in their defensive back coaching this offseason, adding Jim Salgado as cornerbacks coach to assist with Harlon Barnett. With that change came a new spark in defensive back recruiting, along with new prospects showing up on the board, and no matter how you look at it, Salgado and Barnett hit a home run this June.
The Spartans were able to secure commitments from 4 defensive backs, while solidifying the commitment of Tennessee 4-star Jaylen Thompson.
Ultimately, it can be said that the defensive backfield recruiting has been outstanding for MSU and the Spartans may be finished with that position group in 2024.
Check out who the five members are, and who could be added as a 6th member:
4-star CB Jaylen Thompson
Locked in 🟢⚪️ @BallHawkU @NCEC_Recruiting @CoachTBarr @CSmithScout @RHS_WarriorsFB @NatlPlaymkrsAca @CoachDuHart @HarlonBarnett @coachkriesky @supermax100_ @smsbacademy pic.twitter.com/ovTF0yGjiN
— Jaylen Thompson (@JaylenT06) December 27, 2022
Thompson is MSU’s longest tenured recruit in the 2024 recruiting class, and is a huge piece to this defensive back class.
4-star S Reggie Powers
100% Committed #SpartanDawg💚@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/gdewcnQt1S
— Reggie Powers III (@reggie_powers) June 14, 2023
Arguably the biggest recruiting win of the summer, MSU got Powers to cancel an Ohio State visit to pledge to the Spartans.
3-star CB Camren Campbell
1000% COMMITTED✞ @MSU_Football #GoGreen #agtg pic.twitter.com/cxi9DJp8up
— 𝒞7ఌ (@camren_campbell) June 15, 2023
Campbell is an underrated prospect from Florida, something Barnett is very familiar working with.
3-star DB Syair Torrence
GO GREEN 💚🤍!! pic.twitter.com/8JVreLhKCX
— Syair Torrence (@Syair_10) June 25, 2023
Torrence was the first find, and win, of Salgado’s tenure in East Lansing. The Syracuse (NY) DB was once committed to his hometown Syracuse Orange, but was flipped by Salgado and the Spartans.
3-star DB Justin Denson
Go green 🟢⚪️ @MSU_Football pic.twitter.com/kOQl1YcdLk
— Justin “The slim reaper” Denson Jr. ✞ (@Jetdenson) July 4, 2023
Denson has a star studded offer sheet, with committable offers to Oklahoma and Florida, among many others. This was a huge win for MSU to round out the DB class.
Potential 6th member
While I believe the MSU staff is content with the five members of the class they have, but this staff will not turn down an elite talent, should the opportunity present itself.
Check out who could be a potential add:
5-star CB Charles Lester
💚📍 enjoying east lansing pic.twitter.com/v04lRY1ONO
— 5🌟charles “CL3” lester III (@cl3slimee) June 22, 2023
Lester took an unexpected unofficial visit to East Lansing before cancelling his Georgia OV. While there is probably little chance of MSU pulling this one off, there are rumblings that Lester could officially visit before making a decision, giving the Spartans a punchers chance.
4-star CB Jamari Howard
— Jamari “Track star” Howard (@_JamariHoward_) May 13, 2023
The one time commit, Howard had a very good OV to MSU in June, and the Spartans staff would welcome with open arms if he chose to recommit.
UPDATE
Rumors have circled that Justin Denson may be looking at other schools as fall approaches. If MSU were to lose a DB commit, they will evaluate fall film and take someone else. (8/28)
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