Chris Durkin Commits to Michigan State: Spartans Land Stud 4-Star QB

Four-star quarterback Chris Durkin from Youngstown, Ohio has committed to the Michigan State Spartans.

For Mark Dantonio and his staff, Durkin represents a massive recruiting win, and it may even ease the blow of losing the commitment of star wideout Drake Harris a few weeks ago.

Durkin has immense potential as a quarterback, so his commitment is extremely important for Michigan State. Holding on to said commitment will be just as vital.

Jared Shanker of ESPN.com reports on Durkin's decision:

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Chris Durkin (Youngstown, Ohio/Ursuline) committed to Michigan State on Thursday night, according to his father, Christopher. 

"Chris is a Spartan!" his father wrote in an email. 

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Durkin is ranked as the No. 11 pro-style quarterback in the 2014 class, according to the 247Sports Composite. He has tremendous size at 6'4'', 216 pounds and he runs a 4.68 40, according to 247Sports.

That's an elite combination of size and speed, but he also has a strong arm and good accuracy. He's big enough to stand tall in the pocket, survey the defense and make the tough throw. He does a great job of keeping his eyes downfield and he can throw on the run.

Speaking of running, Durkin does have the ability to be extremely effective outside of the pocket as a runner. He obviously he has good speed and he can use that to his advantage as a runner. He gets upfield quickly and isn't afraid of contact—though you'd like to see him slide at the college level. 

If Durkin stays committed to Michigan State and ends up signing with the Spartans, he'll end up being one of the marquee recruits in Dantonio's 2014 class. He has the potential to be an extremely good quarterback at the college level, and he should get even better with more experience from his senior season mind you. 

With redshirt sophomore Conner Cook projecting to be the guy to take over at quarterback once Andrew Maxwell moves on, Durkin could realistically take a redshirt season right off the bat. He could then be in position to compete for the starting job in 2016 with a few years of eligibility left, and if he continues to progress he could end up being a big-time quarterback for Michigan State.

Overall, this is a great commitment for MSU.