Michigan State has picked up its first five-star and highest-rated commit since ESPN began ranking recruits in 2008 in Under Armour All-American OT Devontae Dobbs. Continue reading to see how impactful this monumental verbal could be for the Spartans:
What he brings: The 2019 class includes one of the strongest offensive tackle groups we've seen in several years, and among this talented group Dobbs has established himself as one of the best. The five-star possesses excellent size and will have additional physical upside once he gets into Michigan State's strength and condition program. He is a big body who possesses excellent functional strength and can use those two attributes to create push in the run game. Dobbs demonstrates he can come off the ball low, unlock his hips at contact and drive defenders off the ball with a tenacious demeanor. In addition to being a physical presence, he also displays very good range, aided by a good motor, and can be effective working to the second level and making second-effort blocks downfield. He can work to fine tune his technique, but he possesses the physical tools to protect the edge in pass protection with good balance. This is a very talented OT prospect who still possesses a good deal of upside.
How he fits: This a huge pickup for Michigan State to land not only the top in-state prospect, but one who could anchor the offensive line for several seasons. While Dobbs possesses excellent physical tools, he can still benefit from some further technical refinement and, considering MSU's youth at the tackle spots, he likely will not need to be forced into immediate action. But he can come in and at least offer immediate quality depth. With LT Cole Chewins headed into his junior season, Dobbs' number could get called before too long. When he does get his opportunity, he should give the Spartans' line a player who can be a physical force in the run game as well as a strong pass-protector. During the next few seasons in East Lansing, he could develop into not only one of the top OLs in the conference, but also the nation.
Reminds us of: Dobbs reminds us some of another Big Ten OL, recent departed Ohio State LT Jamarco Jones. An ESPN 300 OT in the 2014 class, Jones was a tackle prospect with good size and the frame for physical growth. He was flexible, agile and tenacious enough to be a productive run- and pass-blocker and came to the Buckeyes with still promising upside. He developed into a multiyear starter at LT, and we see similar tools and upside in new Spartans' commit.
How the class is shaping up: Michigan State has steadily built a very solid 2019 class by sticking close to its traditional recruiting footprint. The Spartans have secured 10 of their 11 current commitments from inside state lines or border states (Indiana, Ohio). Julian Barnett, No. 69 in the ESPN 300, jumped on board in December, giving Mark Dantonio an early headliner. Monday's addition, Dobbs, is the program's highest-rated signee of the ESPN 150/300 era. Per usual, multiple system-fitting three-stars are headed to East Lansing, including DE Adam Berghorst, OT Spencer Brown, LB Luke Fulton and two-sport recruit Jase Bowen (baseball).