Recruiting: Blue-chip Pa. offensive lineman Blake Zubovic looking to visit Michigan State

One of the top offensive line recruits on the board for Michigan State for the class of 2018 is Belle Vernon's (Pa.) Blake Zubovic (6 foot 4, 310 pounds).
 
Offensive line recruiting is a critical aspect for the class of 2018 and MSU is to prioritize several players. Zubovic is one of the prospects that the staff was able to evaluate this spring and he was extended a scholarship back on May 6. Zubovic tweeted out the news:

The MSU offer definitely adds some intrigue to Zubovic’s recruitment. In addition to Spartans, he also holds offers from both of his local BCS programs, Pittsburgh and Penn State. Rivals.com ranks him as a three-star recruit and the No. 35 player in the nation at his position.  Other schools to extend a scholarship include Virginia Tech, Virginia, Maryland, Northwestern and Minnesota.
 
As with many Pennsylvania prospects, the Nittany Lions are always viewed as a team to beat. Penn State has picked up three offensive line commitments over the past month including Muskegon prospect Antwan Reed. The Spartans currently do not have any commits at the tackle position and Zubovic has become a plan “A” recruit.
 
“I've talked to both (MSU offensive line) coach (Mark) Staten and Coach Dantonio on separate occasions and it is definitely a school I am considering. I can't wait to get up for a visit. I hope to visit in early June,” Zubovic said.
 
Getting Zubovic on campus will be critical for MSU. He is hoping to make a summer decision so he can focus on his senior season.

“I've moved it up to a commitment date of June or July," Zubovic told Rivals.com analyst Ryan Donnelly. "There’s nothing in particular that any school has to do or have. At the end of the day, it’s just whatever fits me best and gives me the best chance to succeed athletically and academically.”

Staten is MSU's primary recruiter of western Pennsylvania. Position coaches will often target players they personally want the opportunity to coach more so than players that might project at another position.
 
One aspect that is certainly appealing about Zubovic to MSU is that he has the ability to play inside or outside at the next level. The Spartans like players with length at the tackle spot and they like athletic guards who can get to the next level. Zubovic has a nice combination of both, much like former standout Donovan Clark. That type of versatility can make the entire line stronger.

June is always an important visit time for MSU. Zubovic will be one of the most anticipated prospects the staff will be looking to host. The opportunity to see the school and facilities, as well as build rapport with the staff, will be a key aspect of his recruitment moving forward.
 
Matt Dorsey is a recruiting analyst for SpartanMag.com and Rivals.com.