The newest addition to the Spartan football 2004 lineup said the main thing he hopes to accomplish in his freshman year is to keep the team on track for another winning season.

Justin Kershaw, a 6-foot-5, 235-pound, strongside defensive end from Reynoldsburg High School in Columbus, Ohio, committed on Saturday to play for the Spartans.

"I want to play; I don't want to be redshirted," Kershaw said. "I want to help the team out any way I can."

Last season, Kershaw racked up 97 tackles and added more than a dozen sacks for the Raiders.

"My perspective is if you outwork everybody, you'll accomplish more than everybody," Kershaw said.

"I play a lot, and that's the reason I'm doing so good."

Kershaw arrived in East Lansing on Friday and returned to Ohio on Sunday.

He had already visited Kentucky, Indiana, Minnesota and Cincinnati, which each offered him a scholarship.

He said Kentucky was his second choice, but he liked the fact MSU was relatively close to home, and he could play in the Big Ten.

"MSU's program is going in the right direction, and I like what (MSU head coach John L.) Smith has done," Kershaw said.

"And MSU seems like a great place to be."

Reynoldsburg head football coach Kerry Hodakievic said MSU will be a great fit for Kershaw.

"He's got good power, he's very athletic and very coachable," Hodakievic said.

"Anybody who gets a guy like that with (Kershaw's) work ethic knows he's going to be a big asset."

Hodakievic agreed that what's happening at MSU is a big attraction for Kershaw - coming out with a 8-5 season after going 4-8 in 2002.

"When you look at what Coach Smith has done with the program, those are the same sorts of things that attract a kid like Kershaw," he said.

"When you look at the attributes of an athlete, you want someone you can trust.

"He loves competition, and he can't stand losing. He wants to win."

In addition to his football ability, Kershaw also is a star track athlete - he is the defending State Champion in the discus throw, with a personal best 183 feet, and has thrown the shot put 57 feet.

Recruited by Spartans cornerback coach Paul Haynes, Kershaw said he most likely will play defensive end.

He also plans to bulk up, gaining about 15 pounds before the season starts.

That will put him in the 245-250 range, which Kershaw said makes him a possible candidate for tight end, as well.

Kershaw said he plans to sign a letter of intent on Feb. 4, National Signing Day, and come to MSU in June.