ESPN analyst: L.J. Scott to make big impact for MSU

Jeremy Langford's departure undoubtedly leaves a huge hole in the Michigan State backfield next season. Help, apparently, is on the way. And it could come soon.

Hubbard (Ohio) four-star running back L.J. Scott, who has committed to Michigan State, is one of the nation's top 10 "instant-impact recruits," according to Tom Luginbill, senior national recruiting analyst for ESPN.com.

The Spartans have a need with the loss of Langford, who rushed for 1,522 yards and 22 touchdowns as a senior, as well as Langford's primary understudy, Nick Hill (622 yards, nine TDs).

"With Michigan State's run game and Scott (6-2, 228 pounds) it's an ideal marriage of skill set and scheme," wrote Luginbill, who ranked Scott at No. 10 on his list. "Jeremy Langford is a senior and there is little depth behind him, which could open the door for Scott to come in and make an impact running between the tackles. He is a physical load-carrier with excellent feet in the hole to move the chains."

Underclassmen Delton Williams, Gerald Holmes and Madre London also figure to be in the mix next season for the Spartans, who were ranked No. 5 in the country following an 11-2 season and Cotton Bowl victory over Baylor.

Scott is the only Big Ten recruit in Luginbill's top 10. Topping the list is running back Ronald Jones II, who is committed to USC.