Moffitt impressed with Spartan official

West Haven (Conn.) Notre Dame offensive guard John Moffitt took his first official visit of the season this past weekend to Michigan State. The 6-foot-4, 290-pounder witnessed a tough overtime loss for the Spartans. What did he think of his visit?

"I really liked Michigan State a lot. I loved the coaches and I got to talk to coach John L. Smith and he's a great guy. I really like the way they do things there and had a good feeling about it," he said. "I got there yesterday right before the game and afterwards I went out to dinner with coach Stoutland and my host Pete Clifford. Afterwards I relaxed that night with Pete. Today I toured the whole school and I really liked it. I was very impressed with the facilities and the thing I like most was the coaching staff and players.

The two-star prospect took in the impressive Michigan-Michigan State rivalry game.

"Michigan came to play and they played hard," he said. "I thought both teams played well and John L. Smith has done a really good job getting his team ready. The game atmosphere is unbelievable with close to 80,000 people there. The fans were good, but I liked the campus atmosphere even more.

"On the field, they have some good athletes on the offensive line especially their center. They are all very well coached and I'd rather go somewhere that teaches you all that stuff because that's very important."

For much of his trip, Moffitt was able to talk with coach Stoutland and Smith.

"Coach Stoutland has been recruiting me since May and he's a real straight-forward guy," he said. "I didn't totally know what to expect from coach Smith, but he's so down-to-earth and I talked to him for at least 20 or 30 minutes. He's very personable and keeps his team disciplined."

Overall the No. 14 player in New England rated his trip a nine or 10.

"I really liked it, but I know I still have three visits to compare it to," he said. "I really want to rush and see all the schools because I really like Michigan State. I'm hoping to make a decision before December probably in November."

Moffitt plans to take at least two of his other official visits to Virginia and Wisconsin.

"I'm looking at going to Virginia on October 15th when they play Florida State and then Wisconsin at the end of October, most likely October 22nd against Purdue," he said. "I want to get these done and make a decision. I hope to see something better at these schools than what Michigan State offered. I think it's going to be a hard decision no matter what, but I want to get it over with as I respect these coaches who are recruiting me and I don't want to drag them along."

Moffitt isn't sure if he'll take a fourth official, but if he does it would most likely be to Purdue. He currently is without an offer from the Boilermakers.