MSU is getting help where it needs it the most - on defense.

Flint Northern defensive back William "Greg" Cooper told The State News on Tuesday night he has changed his verbal commitment from Michigan to MSU because of personal reasons and because he felt more comfortable in East Lansing.

Cooper verbally committed to U-M during the summer, but then visited MSU's campus last November - prior to former head football coach Bobby Williams' firing. He visited again a couple weeks ago and talked to new head football coach John L. Smith before making a verbal commitment.

Ohio State was also one of Cooper's options.

His decision comes following a season in which MSU lost four defensive backs. Cooper was ranked the No. 8 defensive back in the nation by www.rivals.com, an online recruiting magazine.

"I went down there a couple of days after he was hired," Cooper said. "I think he's a good person. I think it's a good program and I'm looking forward to it."

The 6-foot, 185-pound senior was a four-year varsity starter. He has not declared a major yet. He added adjusting to Big Ten football makes players work harder and "it's going to be more physical."

But Flint Northern head football coach Gary Lee said Cooper is ready for college football.

"He's a great player - speed, quickness and power," Lee said. "He's a cut above, no doubt. He is a Big Ten football player."

Meanwhile, Cooper is ready for MSU.

"It's more busy and more sight-seeing," Cooper said, adding the other schools he visited were not as lively as MSU.

Cooper joins top Indiana offensive lineman John Masters, who verbally committed to MSU on Sunday.

MSU coaches are not allowed to comment on recruits until the athlete signs a National Letter of Intent. Signing day is Feb. 5.