Okoli takes first official to MSU
Virginia Beach (Va.) Salem defensive tackle Chimaeze Okoli took his first official visit of the season to Michigan State last weekend. The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder had a good trip, but where do the Spartans stand for the raw lineman prospect.
"I really enjoyed myself on the official," he said. "I'd never been up to Michigan before and I pictured a quiet town, but it was alive and active. The people there were all about Michigan State and I like the huge rivalry they have with Michigan."
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Okoli arrived in East Lansing Friday afternoon.
"I toured around the facilities, ate and was able to meet with coach Dantonio," he said. "He talked to me about rebuilding their program and that is something I'm interested in being apart of. It'd be exciting to be apart of something new a breath of fresh air."
The Commonwealth prospect was hosted on the visit by wide receiver Terry Love.
"Terry is a really cool guy that is down to earth," he said. "I was a little disappointed I wasn't with a defensive lineman, but I had fun with him anyway. He basically said if I come there I have a chance for solid playing time since they are rebuilding."
Before leaving, Okoli met with the coaches one more time.
"I talked to coach Narduzzi and he's a really cool guy and the rest of the staff," he said. "Then I talked to coach Dantonio and he gave me an offer. I felt really honored to be offered a scholarship. It's my first Big Ten School and it just felt great.
"Then I talked with coach Dantonio a little while. I liked him. He's so passionate and fiery about Michigan State, it's like he's been there for 10 years. I could tell he really believes in the program."
Okoli rated the trip a nine.
"I do have a genuine interested in the school," he said. "It was an experience."