The MSU football team lost one of its recent, in-state recruits Monday morning to a rival Big Ten school.
Aubrey Pleasant, who verbally committed to MSU on Dec. 14, changed his mind after a weekend visit to Wisconsin and will now become a Badger.
"I am no longer committed to Michigan State University," Pleasant said Monday afternoon. "I weighed the pros and cons with my parents and decided Wisconsin was the better fit."
Pleasant, who is from Montrose, attributed his change of mind partly to the Badgers' recent success.
"I like Wisconsin's success," he said. "In the last 10 years, they've won eight bowl games.
"I've been winning in high school, and I want to continue winning in college."
Without Pleasant, the Spartans still added six more recruits during winter break, bringing their total to 19 for the 2005 recruiting year.
With those verbal commitments, the Spartans now have nine openings left to fill.
Of the Spartans' six new commitments, three fall on the offensive side of the ball, and three on defense.
Among MSU's pickups is speedy defensive back Kendell Davis, who was the 2004 Ohio high school state champion in the 100- and 200-meter dash.
Mike Silverthorn, athletic director at Alliance High School, said Davis' strong suit is his speed.
"He is a phenomenal, natural athlete. He's really chomping at the bit to prove he can play," Silverthorn said.
Offensive lineman Kenny Shane and defensive back Demond Williams will each have a familiar face in their new locker room at MSU - they were teammates at Pima Community College in Tucson, Ariz.
Javon Ringer, a 5-foot-9, 186-pound running back from Chaminade High School in Dayton, Ohio, also is on his way to MSU.
According to his high school football coach Jim Place, Walker is a prized recruit.
"Javon works his tail off and is just a heck of a football player," Place said. "He is a very unique kid."
"You can't say a bad word about that kid."
In addition, the Spartans also added 6-foot-1, 282-pound defensive tackle Alan-Michael Cash, from Varina High School in Virginia, and 6-foot-6, 265-pound offensive lineman Brendon Moss, who went to Saline High School.
Official signing day is Feb. 2.
