In-state offensive tackle commits to MSU

Mustafa Khaleefah got a big-time congratulatory tweet Thursday, minutes after he committed to play for Michigan State.

It was from former Spartan star and current university Board of Trustees member Brian Mosallam, who 25 years ago followed the same football path from Dearborn to East Lansing.

Khaleefah became the Spartans’ 12th recruit in their 2017 class and the third this week after Saturday’s one-day camp at MSU. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound offensive tackle from Dearborn High is a three-star recruit according to Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com.

He received a scholarship offer from MSU after working out at two camps in East Lansing last week and reportedly had other scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Syracuse and a host of MAC schools.

“I’m really excited about this one because I went to two of their camps and I did really well at them,” Khaleefah told 247Sports.com. “I worked hard for this one. I earned it. So I feel good. …  I committed quickly because every time I go up there, it just feels right and the coaching staff has only shown me love. I have much respect for (Mark Dantonio) and his program.”

Athlon Sports ranks 128 college coaches, Dantonio No. 4

Khaleefah becomes the third offensive lineman in MSU’s 2017 class. The Spartans’ other commitments are from running back Weston Bridges, tight end Jack Camper, offensive lineman Matt Carrick, linebacker Darien Clemons, offensive lineman Kevin Jarvis, quarterback Rocky Lombardi, defensive end Jacub Panasiuk, defensive end Lashawn Paulino-Bell, receiver Hunter Rison, receiver Cody White and defensive end Donovan Winter.

Verbal commitments are nonbinding until national letters of intent are signed in February.

Detroit Free Press reporter James Jahnke contributed to this report. Contact Chris Solari at (517) 377-1070 or csolari@lsj.com.