Michigan State Football: 5 Top Recruiting Targets for National Signing Day

National Signing Day is less than four weeks away, and currently the Spartans have 17 total verbal commitments. 

And we know that could change daily, but in addition to those 17, there are also 18 more considering to attend college in East Lansing, Michigan.

Expectations will be higher for the 2011 season, BUT, like I've stated in previous MSU articles, this time of year is where it all begins.

Whether you're a recruit, current member of the program, or a coach: Where the current season ends, the next season begins. 

1. Lawrence Thomas (LB)

Could he be the next L.T.? 

Don't get too excited, Spartan fans, there will never be another player like the real L.T. (And no, I'm not talking about LaDainian Tomlinson, you know who I'm talking about).

But that doesn't mean this Lawrence cannot be a stud at line backer.

He's 6'3", 230 lbs, and, according to rivals.com, he runs a 4.6 40-yard dash with a 34-inch vertical.

All I can say is, "Yikes!"

Not to mention he is ranked the No. 2 LB on rivals.com and the No. 5 LB on ESPN.com.

As of now, he is the highest verbally committed recruit to the Spartans, but we're hoping more like him are on the way.

2. Savon Huggins (RB)

Huggins is currently ranked as the No. 5 RB on ESPN.com and the No. 7 RB on rivals.com.

At 5'11", 190 lbs, he runs a 4.5 40-yard dash and has a 34.5 inch vertical.

Straight up, a stud back who ran for over 1,500 yards his senior year, with 22 TDs.

Along with the Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell duo, Huggins would be not only a great asset to being a situational back, but would help add versatility to the Spartans rushing attack.

I could see coach Dantonio using Savon as a possible third-down back while utilizing his speed for screens and draws.

3. Darian Cooper (DT)

Coming in at 6'1" and 295 lbs, Cooper rocks a 26-inch vertical and a 4.9 second 40-yard dash.

Through 12 games, Darian recorded 10 sacks in addition to his 70 tackles.

And as a DT, that is not a common as it seems.

Currently ranks as the No. 21 DT on ESPN.com and No. 19 on rivals.com, Cooper is the highest DT considering Michigan State.

And if Sparty manages to receive his John Hancock ("John Hancock, it's Herbie Hancock, durrrrrrr." Chris Farley anyone?) he will be a great additional complement to current Spartan standout Jerel Worthy.

4. Jack Allen (Center)

With the departure of senior center John Stipek, the Spartan O-Line has some big shoes to fill.

Heading into spring ball there this should be one of the more competitive positions that is in need, and leading into training camp, Mr. Allen should have a chance as well.

Currently ranked as the No. 10 center on ESPN.com and No. 15 on rivals.com; Allen is listed at 6'2", 265 lbs and runs a 4.8 second 40, with a 30-inch vertical leap.

And when signing day comes Spartan fans, you're going to want this guy blocking for Baker and Bell (and potentially Savon Huggins).

5. Roger Williamson (WR)

Needing someone to do one of three things:

1. Fill in the shoes of WR Mark "Dude you're getting a" Dell (And don't act like you forgot about that commercial).

2. Take over the PR/KR duties for KeShawn Martin, as he may be Dell's replacement, or

3. Play a small role as a receiver and primarily be the return man (much like what Martin did this past season).

Williamson has these capabilities because of his 4.4 second 40-yard dash and a 34-inch vertical jump.

Listed at 6'1", 180 lbs, Roger will most likely come in as an athlete (listed as one on ESPN.com, but as a WR on rivals.com), but coach D and his staff are aware of his versatility, so expect them to utilize that to the fullest extent.