Recruiting: Michigan State Football in top group for 2025 Detroit ATH

Michigan State is currently in Week 2 of spring practice, but head coach Jonathan Smith and his staff are hard at work on the recruiting trail as well. The Spartans are still seeking their first commitment in the 2025 recruiting class, but have made the top group of a coveted prospect from Detroit.

Elijah Dotson, a three-star two-way athlete out of University of Detroit Jesuit High School, included Michigan State in his 'Top 8' schools alongside Tennessee, Purdue, Michigan, Pittsburgh, Illinois, Kansas and Penn State.

Having played wide receiver, saftey, and cornerback in high school, Dotson is considered the No. 531 overall prospect, No. 38 Athlete in the country and No. 8 player from the state of Michigan in the 2025 class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. Dotson has offers from 13 FBS-level programs, and has taken unofficial visits to Penn State, Louisville and Wisconsin within the last year.

During his junior season in 2023, Dotson totaled 66 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense, while adding 1,653 all-purpose yards and 18 total touchdowns offensively.

Here's what 247Sports' national recruiting analyst Allen Trieu has to say about Dotson: "Has above average size and plays physically. Will put his face in the action in run support and will get his hands on receivers if playing man to man. Receiver background helps in his ball skills. Versatile and can play deep in the secondary or come into the box as well as match-up one on one with slots and tight ends. Most likely projection is safety, but it is not out of the question a school could try him as a big corner. Track background speaks to his athleticism and has enough straight line speed to recover and run down plays."

Michigan appears to be the team to beat in this recruitment as of now, with the Wolverines holding three 'Crystal Ball' predictions in their favor on 247Sports. However, the Spartans are in position to make a run at Dotson after being included in his 'Top 8' on Wednesday.

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