EAST LANSING - The tireless work of the Michigan State Spartans football coaching staff paid off last night as the Green-and-White struck paydirt twice.
First, the Spartans grabbed an oral commitment from Dublin-Coffman standout Steve Gardiner, a three-star prospect who's presence is a real boost to the MSU linebacking corps.
MSU worked hard to grab a big-time prospect who would give the team a possible freshman contributor and in Gardiner it appears they have their man.
The 6-foot-2, 220-pound speedster will need to bulk up slightly but has the frame to do so and gives the Spartans corp and infusion of talent.
Gardiner was mulling an offer to greyshirt at Ohio State, but instead chose MSU's offer to be a part of the Spartan family.
He recorded 180 tackles in his senior season combined with three forced fumbles.
Describing himself Gardiner says "I'm not the biggest linebacker, but I have great speed and quickness. I'm a great athlete and not just some big guy that can't move. I have great agility, but I want to improve my overall strength and power."