Michigan State land 2024 four-star CB Jaylen Thompson
Michigan State added another commitment to their class of 2024, adding four-star defensive back Jaylen Thompson on Dec. 27. Thompson is the third four-star commitment in the Spartans 2024 class.
Thompson announced his live at Ford Field.
The Murfreesboro (TN) Riverdale High cornerback released a list of top five schools on Dec. 15. His finalists included Michigan, Nebraska, Auburn, and Kentucky.
Listed at 6-foot, 170-pounds Thompson held other offers from Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, and more. He is ranked the No. 235 overall recruit, the No. 21 cornerback, and the No. 4 recruit in Tennessee by the On3 Consensus rankings.
Michigan State defensive graduate assistant Gerren DuHart played a big role in the recruitment of Thompson.
“He is a great coach,” Thompson said. “He is very straightforward and he is an awesome person. I feel like I can always have a conversation with him. He’s just a great person in general.”
Thompson was offered by Michigan State before the 2022 spring game. Harlon Barnett extended the offer.
“He (Barnett) was basically telling me about the culture of Michigan State and what type of coach he was,” Thompson said. “He told me I was a great player and just as time goes on to develop good habits and to strive to be a leader.”
Thompson also visited Michigan State this fall, for an unofficial visit during the game against Ohio State.
“They have had their ups and downs but there is no doubt they are still a amazing program so it really just helps me figure out what MSU is about on the field,” Thompson said. “The coaching staff and how they made me and my family feel at home up there. Just the program as a whole.”
The four-star also spoke highly of the coaching he will receive from former defensive back Mel Tucker.
“I think it’s awesome,” Thompson said of Tucker’s resume. “Especially to have the head coach hands on with your position. It gives you a kind of insight from what specifically he is looking for and how you can be especially effective during games. I can take what he gives and execute on the field.”
Thompson joins four-star wide receiver of River Rouge (MI) Nick Marsh and another four-star cornerback Jamari Howard of Hialeah (FL) in the Michigan State 2024 class.
“MSU is a great school and football program that really welcomes you,” Thompson said. “This is a school that is the type I like. A place where they offer more than just football they offer a family experience while you’re there.”
