Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith reacts to a Spartan first-down against the University of Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Oct. 26, 2024. Penalties cost the Spartans their chance at the Paul Bunyon trophy this year as they fell 24-17 to the rival Wolverines.
Jonathan Smith and MSU football reeled East Lansing High School running back Jace Clarizio back into their 2025 recruiting class less than 24 hours before the first National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Clarizio was recruited by Smith and committed to MSU on May 14, relishing the opportunity to play for the school he grew up supporting. Months later on Nov. 6, Clarizio received an offer from the University of Alabama and committed to the Crimson Tide on Nov. 26.
The East Lansing native talked to Alabama's position coaches and received an offer, plus the chance to visit Tuscaloosa.
"I left Alabama feeling good about it, and I felt great about the trip," Clarizio said.
Within the past two days, Clarizio had second thoughts, reversing his decision Wednesday morning and signing with the Spartans.
"I went with my gut and with my heart," Clarizio said. "And decided last minute, yesterday, that I'm about to flip back a day before signing day."
Smith introduced the 2025 signees at a press conference Wednesday. He said MSU had to "keep competing" for Clarizio with Alabama and believed in its established relationship with the local prospect.
Clarizio was recruited as a three-star and was bumped up to a four-star during his senior season at ELHS but has since been brought back down to a three-star by the 247Sports composite rankings.
The 6-foot, 190-pound back ran for 1,679 yards on 214 carries with 28 touchdowns as a senior this season for the Trojans. Ranked the No. 35 running back nationally and No. 5 player in the state by 247Sports, Clarizio also received offers from Alabama, Indiana, USC, Wisconsin and Iowa among 17 total offers.
It's been uncommon for East Lansing football prospects to play at MSU, and flipping Clarizio from a school like Alabama is a good sign for the rebuilding Spartans.
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
