It was a big day for the Michigan State football program on Wednesday, as Mel Tucker and his staff were able to lock in all of their committed players during the early signing period, but they were also able to land some high profile transfers.
After things started to settle down, Mel Tucker spoke to the media about the happenings of the day, where the program stands, and a few other important topics, and you can see check out the notable comments from that press conference below.
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Mel Tucker at the podium to sum up MSU's 2023 recruiting class. Says the staff worked "tirelessly" on assembling the 14 prep players and 12 transfers.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker adds that "more are expected" but he likes the size and speed the Spartans added today.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says K Jonathan Kim "is a kickoff machine." Will also "be critical" in FG/PAT. Mentions Ryan Eckley, who could be the punter in 2023.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker calls QB Sam Leavitt "a football junkie" with "a live arm."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says RB Jaelon Barbarin "is one of the fastest players in the country. … He gives our RB room a different dimension. He's a home-run hitter."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker on UConn transfer RB Nathan Carter: "The kid loves football" and runs a 4.2 40-yard dash while playing with toughness.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker calls WR Aziah "AZ" Johnson "is a total alpha" and a playmaker who scored TDs five different ways. Adds that WR Jaelen Smith is "one of the most underrated players in the country."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says he's known juco OL Keyshawn Blackstock "for a few years." Calls him "nasty" as a blocker who can make an immediate impact as a January enrollee.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says OL Stanton Ramil and Cole Dellinger also could make an early impact as early enrollees.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker confirms J.D. Duplain and Nick Samac will return in 2023 for MSU's offensive line.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker on DE Andrew Depaepe is at 250 pounds right now. "He is a high level, elite level pass rusher. One of the most gifted pass rushers in the country." Another January enrollee.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker on DL Jalen Thompson is "a powerful pass rusher who plays with a chip on his shoulder." Another potential early impact player.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker on DE Bai Jobe, who is at 230 pounds now. "His potential is through the roof." Says the Senegalese player could have the quickest first step in the country.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker on Texas A&M transfer DE Tunmise Adeleye is "a physical player, outstanding pass rusher. He's one of those guys who comes in ready to play."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says adding DTs Jarrett Jackson (FSU) and Dre Butler (Liberty) helps add size, depth and experience in the middle of the defensive line.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says LB Jordan Hall "is a true leader on the field, a get-you-lined up guy who directs traffic and takes charge." Another January enrollee.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says MSU can't talk about "some in-state guys that are coming home." Alludes to Jaden Mangham, Jaylan Franklin and Aaron Alexander, as well as a safety who is "a big hitter."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says "we may add a couple more guys" to the class.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says parents are concerned about whether they can trust coaches w/sons right now with how much everything is changing in college football right now. "It's become so transitional and transactional so to speak with players coming & going. At the same time, 'This is my son.'"
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker says "some of the negative recruiting out there actually pushes players to us."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
Tucker calls the 2023 class the first NIL class nationally. "We have seen some guys that have been affected by NIL and maybe promises kept or not kept." Adds the portal gives players a chance "to get out of there" if promises aren't kept. "We'll see how it is a year from now."
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) December 21, 2022
