COMMITMENT IMPACT: Justin Denson picks Michigan State

Michigan State landed a commitment from three-star defensive back Justin Denson on July 4. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound defensive back out of Providence (RI) announced his decision via social media.

Denson picked the Spartans over other official visits to Florida (June 9-11), and Oklahoma (June 16-18). He also took an unofficial visit to Alabama (June 22) before an official visit to Michigan State (June 23-25). Texas A&M rounded out his top five as he also holds offers from Miami (FL), Penn State, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Florida State and others.

The newest Michigan State commitment is ranked a three-star, the No. 652 overall recruit. Denson is also ranked the No. 67 safety, and the No. 1 recruit in Rhode Island by the 2024 On3 Industry Rankings.

What it means

Denson becomes the 11th commitment in the Michigan State 2024 recruiting class. The Spartans remain hot on the recruiting trail, picking up eight commitments since June 14.

The three-star becomes the fifth defensive back commitment. He joins three-star CB Jaylen Thompson of Murfreesboro (TN) Riverdale, and three-star Camren Campbell of Tampa Bay (FL) Technical School. Michigan State also holds commitments from four-star safety Reggie Powers of Dayton (OH) and three-star Syair Torrence of Syracuse (NY).

Denson will likely round out the defensive back group for Michigan State in 2024. The Spartans welcomed five-star CB Charles Lester of Miami (FL) Central on an unofficial visit June 21. Michigan State also played host to former four-star commitment Jamari Howard on an official visit June 23. Outside of an elite talent like Lester or Howard, the Spartans will likely consider their defensive back class finished for 2024.

On the offensive side of the ball, Michigan State picked up their quarterback commitment in Henry Hasselbeck of Boston (MA) Xavieran Brothers on June 30. The Spartans also landed four-star running back Anthony Carrie of Tampa (FL) Carrolwood Day. The four commitments on the offensive line round out the class in twin lineman Mercer and Charlton Luniewski of Cincinnati (OH), Andrew Dennis of Mount Pleasant (MI), and Logan Bennett of Baltimore (MD).

How it fits

Denson tells SpartanMag.com he will start off at cornerback. At 6-foot-1, 185-pounds with long arms and a long frame Denson will provide positional versatility. He has strong speed to go with his long arms, giving him potential to grow into a very efficient cover corner.

Michigan State will bring in previously mentioned three-star cornerbacks Jaylen Thompson and Camren Campbell in the 2024 class. The Spartans brought in three cornerbacks in the class of 2023 in three-stars Eddie Pleasant, Philipp Davis, and Chance Rucker, as the CB talent continues to stack under Mel Tucker.

Newly hired Jim Salgado will enter his first season with the Michigan State cornerbacks in 2023, as sophomore Dillon Tatum continues to break through at the position. Fellow members of the 2022 Spartan class Caleb Coley and Ade Willie are also hoping to break into the playing group at cornerback.

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