Michigan State Spartans

Michigan State Recruiting: Spartans miss on 4-star TE Tyler Johnson

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:53 p.m. ET

Fansided, Connor Muldowney/FanSided via Spartan Avenue

Michigan State recruiting missed on Spartan legacy Tyler Johnson, a four-star tight end who just committed to Arizona State.

A tough year for Michigan State recruiting just got bleaker on Friday afternoon when four-star Spartan legacy recruit Tyler Johnson picked Arizona State. Michigan State seemed to be in the running, but he decided to stay close to his home in Gilbert, Ariz., and play for the Sun Devils.

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It’s tough to lose on a kid who was looking like a Michigan State lean because of where his dad, Bill Johnson, starred in college. However, the Spartans’ 3-9 season hasn’t helped matters as it looks like their best commits have already joined the class.

Let's get it ???? pic.twitter.com/pPxOjo916R

— Tyler johnson (@TyJohnson87) December 16, 2016

Is it time to panic? No, not at all. The Spartans still have a top-25 recruiting class in the country which might not seem like much given the four 11-win seasons in the past six years, but what else can you ask for after a rough season with only three victories?

The fact that Mark Dantonio hasn’t had a single de-commit after this season is incredible in itself. Heck, last year the Spartans had a few de-commitments in Abdul Adams, Jonah Morris and Hunter Rison (who has since re-committed). Dantonio will get more top-tier guys, but this cycle is winding down and not many guys want to buy in after a year like this.

Johnson was ranked the No. 249 overall prospect and sixth-best tight end in the 2017 class, according to 247Sports.