East Lansing Welcomes New Commitment from Former Air Force Player

East Lansing Welcomes New Commitment from Former Air Force Player

East Lansing, Michigan – Michigan State University received an exciting commitment from David Santiago, a former Air Force rush end, on Monday. The announcement came through social media after Santiago had spent the weekend visiting the campus, further solidifying his decision to join the Spartans.

At 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 235 pounds, Santiago is a promising addition to the Michigan State football team. He brings a solid track record from his previous stint at Air Force, where he recorded 37 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and forced one fumble over two years. After redshirting in 2023, he participated in 10 games during the fall season, showcasing his potential on the field.

Who is David Santiago?

Santiago hails from Raleigh, North Carolina, and has three years of eligibility remaining. Initially, he earned a three-star rating as a recruit coming out of Millbrook High School, ranked as the No. 2,112 player in the 2023 class by industry standards. His commitment to Michigan State marks a strategic move for both him and the university.

Why Choose Michigan State?

The Spartans are eager to bolster their rush end position following significant changes to their roster. This past offseason, Khris Bogle, a sixth-year senior rush end, graduated, which has left the team with a relatively open space in this crucial area. The Spartans have also lost other players to the transfer portal, including Ken Talley and Avery Dunn.

In addition to Santiago, Michigan State recently enrolled another edge rusher, Anelu Lafaele from Wisconsin, to create a stronger presence in their defensive line. Coaches Chad Wilt and Legi Suiaunoa are excited about the potential of both new players, who will join a cast of returning sophomores at the rush end position, including Anthony Jones, Tyler Gillison, and James Schott.

Looking Ahead

As Michigan State continues to enhance its roster through the transfer portal, Santiago’s commitment is indicative of the team’s strategic focus on fortifying their defense. The transfer portal has seen the Spartans amass a total of 12 commitments throughout the cycle. This includes new arrivals such as former cornerbacks Joshua Eaton from Texas State, NiJhay Burt from Eastern Illinois, and Malcolm Bell from UConn, as well as defensive tackle Grady Kelly from Florida State. The infusion of talent through these transfers, along with high school recruits, positions the Spartans for a competitive future.

The ongoing recruitment signals a shift in Michigan State’s approach as they adapt to the challenges of modern college football. With new players like Santiago joining the squad, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these changes influence the team’s performance on the field.

Conclusion

As the 2025 season looms, Michigan State fans can look forward to a new era of Spartan football. With players like David Santiago committed to the program, the team is setting itself up for success as it navigates through a landscape of constant change brought on by the transfer portal.