Recruiting: Michigan State looking to reload on defense after hosting camp
Michigan State's defense was its hallmark when it won the Rose and Cotton Bowls in 2014 and 2015. On Saturday, MSU coach Mark Dantonio offered two of the top defensive performers at the Michigan State elite players camp: Bolingbrook (Ill.) defensive tackle Dashaun Mallory and Chardon (Ohio) linebacker Chase Kline.
The Spartans did not sign a defensive tackle in their most recent class, making it a high priority for the class of 2018. Mallory, 6-foot-3 and 265 pounds, was by far the best defensive lineman at the camp on Saturday. He showed good power and take-off in the drills and one-on-one portions. Based on the current depth, Mallory could make an early impact if he ends up at MSU. Rivals.com ranks him the No. 11 player in Illinois for the class of 2018.
"The camp was well organized and I had great camp," Mallory said. "So much time was given to perfect the craft. The coaches were open to helping and teaching. I enjoyed every part of it.
"Yes, I did get offered. I got the news 10 minutes after camp. My thoughts were mind-blowing because State has been my dream school since 6th grade. Just shows hard work really does pay off! They are at the very top as of now. I will make my decision before Aug. 10."
Under defensive line coach Ron Burton, the Spartans have had a lot of success in the Chicago area. Current starter Raquan Williams hails from there as do 2016 signees Naquan Jones and Mike Panasiuk. Look for the staff will be keeping close tabs on Mallory over the coming weeks and would like to see him not only become a member of the MSU family, but help recruit other players to East Lansing.
Kline was one of the players that the staff was looking forward to having on campus. The Rivals.com four-star recruit showed up on Friday and was able to tour the campus and get to know the coaches better. On Saturday, he participated in the camp and was offered a scholarship shortly after it concluded.
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Kline, 6-3 and 225 pounds, definitely passes eye test. Kline was one of the top performers in the testing portion and then showcased his skill, not only at linebacker, but also off the edge as a stand up pass rusher.
"Blessed and honored to receive a scholarship from Michigan State," Kline said. "Great coaches, people, and facilities. They like that I can play many positions and that I'm fast and smart. They are for sure great people."
Kline's next visit will be to Boston to visit Harvard and Boston College. Harvard is just one of several Ivy League schools that have extended a scholarship. Ohio State is keeping tabs on Kline and he'll likely wait and see what the Buckeyes do before he makes any decision.
Kline did say being comfortable with a coaching staff is a primary focus as far as making his college choice. Spending Friday and Saturday in East Lansing allowed him to build some valuable rapport with the MSU staff.
Matt Dorsey is a recruiting analyst for SpartanMag.com and Rivals.com.