Michigan State football recruiting: Spartans hold strong 2014 class

Michigan State is looking to return to past glory on the field, and that will start with Mark Dantonio’s efforts on the recruiting trail. The Spartans are looking at yet another solid recruiting class in 2014, filled entirely with three-stars, with many coming on the offensive and defensive lines.

Dantonio’s class ranks 29th in the nation, which puts them at third in the Big Ten, behind just Ohio State and Michigan. That would appear to be a position the Spartans should be comfortable with, as long as they can ward off Nebraska, Wisconsin and Penn State (still dealing with sanctions).

Michigan State has received just one commitment in the month of September -- three-star offensive tackle Nick Padla, from Berrien Springs, Mich.

Chris Durkin is considered the top player in Michigan State’s class. The quarterback is from Ursuline (Ohio) High School and is rated a three-star prospect by the 247sports composite. He is considered the 17th-best pro-style quarterback in the country and the 18th-best player in the state.

Brian Allen is one of the Spartans’ top recruits. The center is from Hinsdale Central (Ill.) High School and is considered a three-star prospect by the 247sports composite. He is rated the third-best center in the country and the 10th-best player in the state.

Gerald Owens is another key component in the 2014 recruiting class. The fullback is from West Depford (N.J.) High School and is considered a three-star prospect by the 247sports composite. He is ranked as the top fullback in the country and the 11th-best player in the state.

Enoch Smith, Jr. is another good get for Michigan State. The defensive tackle is from Mount Carmel (Ill.) High School and is considered a three-star prospect by the 247sports composite. He is ranked as the 29th-best defensive tackle in the country and the 14th-best player in the state.

Michigan State is in the hunt for several top prospects.

Chris Slayton, a defensive end from Crete (Il.) Monee High School,

is a large three-star who also has interest from Ole Miss and Illinois.

Will Dawkins, an athlete from Vero Beach (Fla.) High School, is a three-star who can play on either side of the ball and also has interest from USF.

Chris James, a running back from Niles (Il.) Notre Dame For Boys, is a large three-star who also has interest from Pitt and Wisconsin.

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