Auston Robertson to Michigan State: Spartans Land 4-Star DE Prospect

After a brush with the law temporarily put his collegiate career on hold, 4-star defensive end Auston Robertson signed his letter of intent with Michigan State on Wednesday.

“It’s a lesson learned,” Robertson said, per Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports. “I’m just thankful that my team never gave up on me and I’m just ready for the next level.”

Robertson temporarily delayed signing his letter of intent after being charged with misdemeanor battery in Fort Wayne, Indiana. A female classmate alleged Robertson touched her inappropriately last October.

As part of a plea agreement with prosecutors, Robertson can have the charges dropped in one year if he stays out of trouble. He was previously arrested on charges of criminal mischief, damaging or defacing property and resisting arrest last year. Those charges were eventually dropped. 

Recruiting service 247Sports ranked Robertson the No. 101 prospect and ninth-ranked weak-side defensive end in the 2016 class in its composite rankings. He was the third-best player in Indiana and one of just four 4-star players from the state overall. 

The legal problems briefly caused Robertson to reopen his recruitment, but Michigan State remained the leader throughout. He said he was "very thankful" head coach Mark Dantonio stuck with him through his troubles.

“It shows how committed they are to me,” Robertson said, per Wiltfong. “I want to do the same to them. I’m really happy they stuck with me throughout this whole process, so is my family, I’m just very thankful of Coach D.”  

The decision comes not a moment too soon. Robertson needed to sign his letter of intent by April 1 or risk being ineligible for the 2016 season. While the path to playing time is difficult on an always-stout Spartans defense, Robertson is a multitalented player with immense physical gifts. The 6'5", 260-pounder has a natural burst off the line and created havoc in high school by being simply more talented than everyone on the field.

That'll change as he enters the Big Ten. It'll be up to Dantonio and Co. to work on his technique and turn him into more than a physical marvel. With his legal issues in the rearview, they can finally get to work. 

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter

Star rankings courtesy of 247Sports.