Recruiting 2014: Montae Nicholson

So the word is that Montae Nicholson committed to MSU today. That's a pretty big deal because he becomes the highest rated recruit in the 2014 class, according to 247's composite index, and because he may be the best athlete I've ever seen on Youtube.

Seriously, Nicholson looks like he is not even trying while he glides by scores of people. Nicholson has the size (6'3") and athleticism to excel at many positions -- safety, wide receiver, even linebacker -- perhaps as early as his second year in the program. Personally, I think he would be most devastating at wide receiver, he reminds me of Megatron a bit when he goes against those high school defenders.

Of course, that's also the source of biggest concern with elite recruits like Nicholson. I think the biggest reason high-rated recruits often underachieve is that they become a little spoiled in high school. Their dominance in high school makes them think that they won't have to work hard when they get to college. Hopefully, that won't be the case with Nicholson, especially since he'll get to see that Demetrious Cox (who had a higher 247 composite score than Nicholson) wasn't able to just come in and beat out lower-rated guys like Drummond and Williamson at safety. The competition is always intense. He could be great, but he will have to work for it.

As for the rest of the class, the Spartans now have 18 recruits and will probably end up with something like 21 or 22. They'll most likely be going after another wide receiver, a JUCO offensive tackle, another d-lineman, and perhaps a quarterback.