Monday, June 6, 2011

Spartans Get Commitment From Tyler O’Connor

       The Spartans have received their fifth commitment for the class of 2012.  Quarterback Tyler O'Connor, a three-star quaterback, chose the Spartans over the likes of Northwestern, Bowling Green, Indiana, Louisville, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia.  According to Scout, O'Connor is the 38th ranked quarterback in the country, he is about 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, and runs the 40 in 4.75.  He self-reports a 245-pounds bench, a 440-pound squat, and a 28-inch vertical jump.  In his junior season, O'Connor threw for 2,516 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also rushed for 470 yards and 13 touchdowns.  He also appears to have performed well at the recent Nike Camp, in Columbus.
       O'Connor appears to be in the same mold as previous quarterbacks recruited by MSU.  He's not particularly highly ranked, but he also seems to be considered solid.  His size reminds me of Kirk Cousins, and in fact, so does his status as a three-star recruit.  He is more highly ranked than last year's quarterback-commit, Connor Cook (2-star), though he appears to be less athletic.  
      His highlights look impressive.  He shows good athleticism and a strong arm.  I have to say, his highlights look more impressive than 3 stars, but I suppose that's why they call them highlights.  In any case, he shouldn't get much playing time for his first 2 years, because Andrew Maxwell will be taking over for Kirk Cousins.  But in the long run, he seems to have the potential to become a starter, perhaps for as many as 3 years--especially if the Spartans don't eventually land a 5-star recruit.  The upshot is that the quarterback position seems to be solid shape for the next several years.

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