National Signing Day 2011: Michigan State Spartans Football Preview

Don't sweat it, Spartan fans. I know you wanted Savon Huggins, but the reality is that coach D didn't really need him.

Sure, he would have been great, but then, what does that say to already well-established RBs Edwin Baker and Le'Veon Bell?

Baker will only be a junior next season while Bell's a sophomore. Therefore, some heavy top RB recruiting won't need to be done until 2012 or 2013.

However, the defense has lost some talent and is in the need of some refilling.

Losing starters such as Greg Jones, Eric Gordon, Chris L. Rucker, and Marcus Hyde will be tough to replace.

-Related Side Note- Be aware that those committed have only given VERBAL commitments. Therefore they are not OFFICIALLY committed until the National Letter of Intent in signed.

Top defensive recruits that have given verbal commits are ILB Lawrence Thomas, OLB Darien Harris, DT Matt Romondo, DE Shilique Calhoun, and OLB Edward Davis.

-Side Note- "Shilique" is one freaking awesome name.

Still considering Michigan State are DT Darian Cooper, DT Marquise Wright, ILB Dexter Staley, DE Andre Sturdivant, S Larry Franklin, OLB Nicholas Grigsby, S Roderick Ryles and DE Frank Clark.

As for the offense, losing starters such as WR Mark Dell, C John Stipek, TE Charlie Gantt and OT D.J. Young will prove how quickly Cousins can adapt to new personnel.

Top offensive commits thus far are WR Juwan Caesar, C Jack Allen, OT Donovan Clark and RB Onaje Miller.

Top recruits still considering Michigan State are OG Audrey Walker and OT Jacob Fisher.

It also must be known that athletes of note have already committed to Sparty: Roger Williamson, A.J. Sims and Taiwan Jones.

Now I'm thinking that your next question is, "How do special teams fit into this equation?"

Well I'm glad you asked, because with the loss of punter Aaron Bates to graduation, the field position game is that much more important.

With that being said, I see Juwan Caesar splitting time with Keith Nichol, therefore saving KeShawn Martin to serve the primary punt/kick return duties.

And as for the actual punting duties, don't be surprised if Dan Conroy is expected to be the "Jack-of-All-Trades" when it comes to kicking in 2011.

There are two other punters on the team, but neither have any experience. So it wouldn't surprise me to see Conroy pulling double duty.

Now look ahead to the 2011 season; Based on Sparty's needs, assuming all those verbally committed officially sign, these incoming freshman should make an immediate impact:

1. Lawrence Thomas (ILB)

2. Juwan Caesar (WR)

3. Jack Allen (C)

I know it may not seem like a lot, but most freshman don't play, let alone dress for games.

Thus far, head coach Mark Dantonio has done a decent job in trying to "reload" as opposed to "rebuild."

All that's left now is the reality of what happens. Will these recruits get the job done if their number is called upon?