Recruiting 2014: Gerald Owens

Alrighty, it looks like recruiting is really rolling now.  The Spartans picked up a huge commitment from New Jersey running back Gerald Owens.  He isn't a consensus 4-star recruit, but he is now the second-highest rated recruit in the 2014 class, according to the 247 composite index.  He is huge (6'1" and somewhere between 240 and 265 lbs.).  He also possesses some exciting video.

Owens looks very impressive.  He is by far the most impressive big-back recruit I have seen all year. He combines his startling size with pretty good athleticism.  Clearly, he is expected to be the next LeVeon Bell / Jehuu Caulcrick, and I don't think he'll have any troubles fulfilling that role.   In fact, I think that if the recruiting sites understood how well he appears to fit that role, they would likely get closer to considering him a 5-star recruit.  At least 247 seems to understand that -- they consider him a high 4-star recruit.  

You never know how things are going to turn out, but at this point I would call Owens the most important commitment for the Spartans in the 2014 class, especially if no big backs emerge this year, and especially if the Spartan o-line continues to struggle.

The Spartans are now looking pretty stocked at running back, but they may still try to bring in one more top running back.  I wouldn't be surprised if they continue to go after Chris James or the very explosive Dacorius Law. In any case, this 2014 class is now well on its way to becoming Dantonio's best.