4-star DL Jalen Thompson found the perfect fit at Michigan State
Detroit Cass Tech defensive lineman Jalen Thompson has committed to Michigan State. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound four-star also has Cincinnati and Ohio State on his list, but felt best about the Spartans.
The No. 224 prospect in the On3 Consensus has not taken his official visit to East Lansing yet, but he has visited Michigan State around 10 times. He is very familiar with the program and his likes the fit at the in-state school.
“I have been there so many times and it just feels like home at Michigan State,” Thompson told On3. “Before I visited on July 30, every visit was with just my mom or just my dad. On that visit, I got both there and they liked it the same way I did.
“I went into that visit feeling it was Michigan State and I left with that same feeling. My parents loved it, they know I will be taken care of there, and it is a great fit for me.”
Thompson’s excited about the future under Mel Tucker
Mel Tucker took Michigan State to an 11-2 record in his first season in East Lansing. He then signed a 10-year contract worth 95 million.
Thompson is excited about the future.
“Last season made an impact on me,” Thompson said. “I liked Michigan State already, but seeing them get off to a great start really got my attention. He said when he got there that he didn’t come to play and the results showed that.”
The new Spartan thinks it is only up from here.
“Coach Tucker is going to be at Michigan State for a long time and he knows what it takes to win. He has great experience, he has great knowledge, and he is getting the players to help the program stay strong.”
The fit at Michigan State is what Thompson was searching for
Thompson said numerous times when speaking on his commitment that he has “been feeling it” for Michigan State. The Spartans offered in February of 2021, so the relationships have been building for some time.
Tucker is heavily involved. His lead recruiter is Marco Coleman. Those two are close. Brandon Jordan and Kevin Vickerson are two others that established relationships with Thompson.
Those connections made him feel right at home.
“I feel very comfortable at Michigan State,” Thompson said. “Not only do the coaches have bonds with me, but they have them with my family. They have been real from the beginning, they have made me feel like a No. 1 priority since they offered, and I have a lot of great opportunities.
“Michigan State is going to take care of me on and off the field and it is like home for me. It is close to my family, the people there are great, and the fit for me is right.”