Michigan State signs 2024 three-star OT Mercer Luniewski
2024 three-star Cincinnati (Ohio) Hills Christian Academy offensive tackle Mercer Luniewski signed with Michigan State on Wednesday.
Luniewski possesses a good frame at 6-foot-5.5, 310 pounds. He committed to Michigan State on June 26, following an official visit to East Lansing. He held additional offers from Boston College, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Pittsburgh and Wisconsin, among others.
Luniewski is the No. 709 prospect, No. 43 offensive tackle and No. 28 player from Ohio, per the On3 Industry Rankings.
Luniewski committed to Michigan State’s previous coaching staff, which included former offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic. Luniewski remained committed throughout the coaching search. He reaffirmed his commitment after Michigan State hired Jonathan Smith and new offensive line coach Jim Michalczik. Michalczik was a nominee for the 2023 Broyles Award, which honors college football’s top assistant coach.
It didn’t take long for Luniewski to build a solid relationship with his new coaches. He took another official visit to Michigan State the weekend of Dec. 8 to solidify his commitment to the Spartans.
Scouting summary
Luniewski will arrive in East Lansing with a prototypical offensive tackle frame. He has a basketball background, which has helped with his flexibility. Luniewski is relatively raw when it comes to technique, but he improved every year as a high schooler and should continue to under Michalczik. He has a high motor and an eager personality. His natural tools set him up well for the next level.
Reminds us of
Luniewski possesses good size and strength, as well as quick feet and good hands, which should should translate well to pass protection. Current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor had a similar background coming out of Southfield (Mich.) High School as part of the 2014 class.
Okorafor was a three-star recruit ranked No. 720 overall by the On3 Industry Rankings. He was also the No. 63 offensive tackle and and No. 11 ranked player from Michigan in his class. Okorafor received several Power Five offers but elected to play for Western Michigan in college.
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Okorafor in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He also had a basketball background and was considered a somewhat raw prospect out of high school. Like Luniewski, Okoafor had a strong work ethic and solid frame.
Personal life
Luniewski didn’t burst onto the scene until the beginning of this year, when he received his first Power Four offer from Boston College on Jan. 30. Luniewski followed that up with a big spring, in which he totaled 20-plus offers from primarily Midwest schools.
Michigan State offered Luniewski on April 13. He took an official visit to Cincinnati on June 19, just a few days prior to his visit in East Lansing.
Luniwski and his twin brother, Charlton, switched from basketball to football in high school. Charlton is also committed to Michigan State.
