Michigan State lands Rivals100 2018 TE Trenton Gillison

The 2016 season in East Lansing was less than Michigan State fans were hoping for, and their 2017 class has not been as star-studded as recent classes they have signed, but optimism in Spartan Nation is high after Mark Dantonio and his staff just landed their third four-star prospect from Ohio in the 2018 class when Pickerington (Ohio) Central tight end Trenton Gillison announced his decision Sunday night.

THE LATEST

Michigan State started off their 2018 class late last summer by landing Gillison’s teammate at Pickerington Central, four-star cornerback Xavier Henderson. They then picked up Dayton-area four-star wide receiver Joseph Scates on Jan. 16 and, finally, landed Gillison during a junior day in East Lansing this weekend. This most recent visit was one of several Gillison took to see the program since they offered him last summer. He attended two games this past fall with Henderson, and has always talked about the strong vibe he has with the coaching staff.

IN HIS WORDS

“I chose Michigan State because it was the best fit for me. I really like the coaching staff. I also like how Coach D (Mark Dantonio) is running the team and how he wanted me from the very beginning. And I feel at home there.”

RIVALS’ REACTION

The Spartans have been filling out their 2017 class primarily with two-stars over the last couple weeks, but they are off and running in the 2018 class and Gillison, as the No. 99 overall prospect in the Rivals100, is the highest-ranked of the already impressive junior commitments. At 6-foot-5 and 220-pound, Gillison has a big frame that will no doubt be able to carry more weight at the college level. He is, however, more of a flex tight end from a skills standpoint and has shown tremendous body control, good speed and an exceptional pair of hands in the opportunities we have had to scout him thus far.