R250 TE Dotson selects the Spartans

With Penn State being the odds-on favorite and looking like the eventual choice for most of the last six weeks, Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller four-star tight end Matt Dotson surprised many by announcing his commitment to Michigan State on Thursday.

RELATED: Big Ten pipelines

WHAT HAPPENED

Michigan State and Penn State had emerged as the top two late in the spring and ultimately were the only finalists. Dotson then visited both programs in mid-June in preparation for deciding between the Big Ten programs. At the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge presented by Under Armour in Atlanta last month, Dotson arrived in a Penn State hat and said the Nittany Lions held a narrow lead. Over the last few weeks, however, as he and his family deliberated on his college selection, Michigan State emerged as the clear choice for the Rivals250 prospect.

IN HIS WORDS

“(The choice is) Michigan State… because it felt like home. It hasn’t been that hard because I really thought it out and knew I made the right decision.”

RIVALS’ REACTION

With Cincinnati-area quarterback and close friend Sean Clifford committed to Penn State, this decision really looked like it was going to be for the Nittany Lions. Michigan State, though, always recruits Cincinnati well and has several Queen City natives on its roster, so the connections in East Lansing are strong also. The Spartans lose their top two tight ends following the 2016 season, so Dotson has the opportunity, and the ability, to come in and contribute immediately for that offense.