Recruiting: MSU one of two finalists for Chicago star Williams
Friday is decision day for Chicago DePaul Prep defensive tackle Raequan Williams, a 6-foot-5, 280-pound senior who is considered one of the nation's best at his position. Williams told Scout's Beth Long that he is down to Iowa and Michigan State. While the Hawkeyes appeared to be in the catbird seat for much of his recruitment, Long believes the Spartans are due to add another piece to their 2015 class.
"You've got to like where MSU stands in Raequan's recruitment," Long said. "Although the Spartans were one of the most recent schools to offer him, they have made a big impression in just a little amount of time."
"It will just come down to what's best for my family," Williams told Hawkeye Insider. "Both schools have great people there. It will hurt having to tell one of them no."
Williams has twice visited East Lansing and was visited by the staff during this last contact period. The success the Spartans have had on defense, and the defensive line in particular, are big reasons for the optimism toward him ending up in Green and White.
"He has said that he likes the way (defensive line coach) Ron Burton develops athletes on the defensive line," Long says. "Look for that to be important in his final decision."
The announcement will happen at Williams' basketball game on Friday at 7 p.m. Central.
No matter where he lands, DePaul head coach Bill Jeske is confident that school is adding a player with tremendous upside potential.
"He's got it all. He's got speed. He's got strength. He's got desire," Jeske said. "The biggest thing is that he's got desire. The thing with him is, he hasn't even scratched the surface. He's so raw. When you look at film, you think he's not that raw, but he's got everything in front of him. He's a smart kid, he's going to go somewhere that is regimented, and he is going to be one hell of a player."
Williams was a first team all-state selection this season after recording 74 tackles, eight sacks, nine pass breakups and three forced fumbles.
Spartans offer Pennsylvania junior
McKeesport (Pa.) junior Khaleke Hudson, a 6-foot, 200-pound safety, has added an offer from Michigan State. The Spartans join Penn State, Boston College, Cincinnati, Syracuse, West Virginia, Akron and Ohio on his offer list. He starred at fullback this season but projects to the defensive side of the ball in college.
Grand Rapids senior on the radar
One rising name within state lines is Grand Rapids West Catholic tight end Bryce Witham. The 6-foot-4. 240-pound prospect, who helped the Falcons win two straight state titles, ended his senior season with zero scholarship offers, but has seen a rush of interest, which has now brought about five offers: Minnesota, Central Michigan, Toledo, Buffalo and Southern Mississippi. He has visited Southern Miss, Central Michigan and Toledo, and has a visit set to Minnesota. Michigan State has shown interest in him as a possible greyshirt. Witham plans to make a decision in mid-late January.
More information
Allen Trieu began covering the state of Michigan for Scout.com in 2005 and began managing the entire Midwest in 2009. He has been featured on the Big Ten Network on its annual Signing Day Show. His Michigan and Michigan State recruiting columns appear weekly at detroitnews.com.