Michigan State recruiting: Interest grows for Paw Paw's Karsen Barnhart

Michigan State hosted an impressive contingent of 2019 prospects last weekend. One of the players in attendance was Paw Paw offensive tackle Karsen Barnhart. Before the 6-foot-4, 282-pounder left campus, he got some good news from MSU coach Mark Dantonio.

"The visit was great," Barnhart said. "Getting the news from Coach Dantonio was unbelievable to me. That was my fourth time up to Michigan State and I love it there. I can't wait to go back again."

Paw Paw competes in the Wolverine Conference, which produced the likes of current Tennessee Titans offensive lineman and former Spartan All-American Jack Conklin. MSU offensive line coach Mark Staten is the primary recruiter of Barnhart. Staten is originally from the southwest Michigan and enjoys recruiting players that he will have the opportunity to be their position coach.

The last few weeks have been exciting for Barnhart as he has seen his recruitment take-off. 

"I have offers from Central, Eastern, Western, Bowling Green, Northern Illinois, Arizona State, Indiana, Iowa State, Michigan State and then Kentucky," Barnhart said. "That is all in order. I plan on visiting Minnesota soon as well as Kentucky and Indiana."

Next year could be the best for offensive line talent in recent memory. Barnhart only adds to what is already a deep and talented pool.

The MSU staff will be looking to have Barnhart back on campus soon to check out a practice, sit in on position meetings and then watch the spring game.

Florida DE visiting MSU

One of the fastest rising defensive end prospects in the class of 2018 will be in East Lansing this week, Clearwater (Fla.) Academy International's Habakkuk Baldonado. The 6-5, 230-pound prospect has only been in the United States since the summer, but has seen his recruiting stock take off after a strong senior season.

Baldonado has an offer list that also includes Illinois, Nebraska, Coastal Carolina, Pitt, Connecticut, Hampton, Jacksonville, UMass and UCF. MSU has not offered yet, but that could change this weekend.

"They are showing a lot of love to me and they’re bringing my mom up this weekend - she’s flying in from Italy,” Baldonado said of the MSU staff to Rivals.com's Chris Peak. “Coach Mark Staten came last Friday right after the dead period ended and they sent another coach (on Wednesday), so they’re showing us a lot of love.” 

The Spartans are looking to add one more defensive end to the class of 2018. The staff flying in Baldonado’s mother from Italy is a strong indication that he is a top priority for Dantonio and the staff.

Matt Dorsey is a recruiting Analyst for SpartanMag.com and Rivals.com.\