Xavier Henderson to Michigan State: Spartans Land 4-Star Athlete Prospect

Xavier Henderson, a 4-star athlete, has been renowned as one of the most electric players in the Class of 2018, and the Michigan State Spartans made it their mission to land a commitment from the Pickerington, Ohio, native.

On Friday, Henderson announced on Twitter he plans to play his college ball in East Lansing: 

"I feel great," Henderson told 247Sports' Sean Scherer via text message. "I'm real excited to be a part of the Michigan State football program."

Henderson fielded offers from Kentucky, Boston College, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Ole Miss and several other schools, but the Spartans and head coach Mark Dantonio evidently appealed to him most. 

By making his decision official, Henderson became the first commitment in Michigan State's 2018 recruiting class. 

According to Scherer, the Spartans plan to deploy Henderson as a cornerback or safety even though he's listed as 247Sports' 11th-ranked athlete and 169th-ranked player overall in the Class of 2018. He also clocks in at No. 7 among all 2018 recruits in Ohio. 

At 6'0'' and 189 pounds, Henderson has the size, speed and ball skills necessary to evolve into a shutdown corner. But if he puts on more weight as his development continues through high school and at the college level, it's not hard to envision him as a hard-hitting center fielder in the Spartans secondary. 

Based on the way his star has been rising of late, Henderson should have a chance to evolve into a true difference-maker for Dantonio and Co. when he arrives on campus in two years. 

Recruit star rating and information via 247Sports.