Michigan State football recruiting: A look at 2019 in-state prospects

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Muskegon quarterback and Free Press Dream Team selection La’Darius Jefferson talks about committing to Michigan State and attending the Free Press All-State Dream Team banquet at the Dearborn Inn on Dec. 10, 2017. Chris Nelsen, Special to the Detroit Free Press

On Tuesday, Michigan State football added 20 players for the recruiting class of 2018. While the Spartans may still add another player or two before the February signing day, the focus now turns toward the class of 2019.

The Spartans already have commitments from three of the best prospects in the state: Belleville's Julian Barnett, Oak Park quarterback Dwan Mathis and Walled Lake Western offensive lineman Spencer Brown of Walled Lake Western High School, all four-star recruits. 

Many of the other top players on the recruiting board for MSU coach Mark Dantonio and his staff reside in the state of Michigan:

Muskegon OL Anthony Bradford

This 6-foot-5, 320-pounder played a key role in leading the Muskegon to the Division 3 state title. This past fall, he helped clear the way for MSU 2018 signee La’Darius Jefferson rush for over 2,000 yards. Bradford is a four-star recruit and the No. 170 prospect in the nation for 2019. His offer list includes MSU, Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and Minnesota.

More: Michigan State 2018 recruiting class a return to Mark Dantonio's roots

Belleville OL Devonte Dobbs

It is a great year for offensive line talent in Michigan and Dobbs is a big reason why. The 6-4, 275-pound prospect is the No. 2 player in the state and the No. 27 player in the nation by Rivals.com. Dobbs has offers from pretty much every major college program in the nation including MSU, Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State Alabama and Clemson.

Flint Carman-Ainsworth DE Michael Fletcher

With over a dozen early Division 1 scholarships, the 6-foot-5, 235-pound Fletcher is one of the most coveted defensive ends in the Midwest. Fletcher is also an outstanding basketball prospect, much the same way as former MSU defensive end Shilique Calhoun. MSU, Wisconsin, Iowa State, Indiana and Pittsburgh are just a few of his early offers.

Detroit Cass Tech RB Jaren Mangham

Cass Tech will once again be a must-stop for college coaches looking for elite prospects. The Technicians will have multiple Division I prospects and Mangahm will be at the top of the list. The 6-2, 217-pound prospect is a power runner who also has excellent speed for a player his size. Rivals.com ranks him the No. 194 prospect in the nation and MSU, Oregon, Florida and UCLA have already offered.  

If the Spartans are able to add two or three of the above players to the class of 2019, they will once again assure themselves of not only having an outstanding group of in-state prospects, but would also provide the foundation for another strong recruiting class.

Matt Dorsey is a recruiting analyst for SpartanMag.com and Rivals.com.