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RECRUITING ATH Bryson Williams officially visits Michigan State, approaches decision

One of the longtime targets for the new Michigan State staff has been Orchard Lake St. Mary's class of 2025 three-star athlete Bryson Williams.

In December, shortly after head coach Jonathan Smith, assistant head coach/co-special teams coordinator/running backs coach Keith Bhonapha and the rest of staff took over at Michigan State, they offered Williams a scholarship. He has also grown close with wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins.

Of course, Williams also already has two of his St. Mary's teammates committed to the Spartans in three-star linebacker Charles White and three-star tight end Jayden Savoury. MSU has made it a point to build a strong relationship with the St. Mary's program.

This past weekend, Williams took his official visit to East Lansing and participated in MSU's seven-on-seven event with St. Mary's immediately afterward.

"What stands out the most to me probably is really what they’re trying to get done," Williams said about MSU. "There’s a new coaching staff coming in, so they have a lot of work to do with trying to fix the program and I really think they have the pieces in the coaches to do that."

More here:

NEW COMMIT: 2025 LS Jack Wills commits to Michigan State as a preferred walk-on

Michigan State has added to the class of 2025 on special teams. The Spartans received a preferred walk-on commitment from long snapper Jack Wills on Tuesday.

“I love everything about Michigan State,” Wills told Spartans Illustrated. “I can’t wait to be a part of this change. Go green!”

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RECRUITING Class of 2026 three-star DT King Liggins discusses MSU offer, visits

Class of 2026 three-star defensive tackle King Liggins received his second Big Ten scholarship offer this past weekend from head coach Jonathan Smith, defensive line coach Legi Suianoa and Michigan State.

“I’ve had really good conversations with Coach Smith and Coach Legi,” he said. “They have shown a lot of interest in me and have a lot of love for me.”

“They keep it really honest with me and tell me what I’m good at and what I need to work on.”

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OTHER SCHOOLS: A new (and exclusive!) photo of Connor Stalions at work

This is a bit unorthodox, but the Spartans Illustrated team has recently been given an exclusive photo taken inside the offices of Michigan football. We are not 100% sure what, if anything, to make of these. It is certainly not something that we can or should write a story about, but we did think that it was at least potentially interesting enough to share here on our premium forum. I personally do not know who took these photos, but I can share that they were sent to us by a credible source who does want them to see the light of day.

So here they are:
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OFF TOPIC: BREAKING: Trajan Langdon is the new Detroit Pistons President of Basketball Operations

He was the general manager of the New Orleans Pelicans. Langdon played basketball at Duke and was a first-round pick. In March 2016, he was named the assistant general manager of the Brooklyn Nets, serving in the role until May 2019, when he was named the general manager of the Pelicans. The Pelicans' win total improved each year he was there: 30-42, 31-41, 36-46, 42-40, and 49-33.

The Piston has been an interesting saga, with much criticism directed at GM Troy Weaver, Head Coach Monty Williams, and owner Tom Gores. They are hoping this move helps the struggling franchise.

OTHER MSU SPORTS Michigan State's Heath Baldwin secures spot in Paris Olympics

Michigan State’s Heath Baldwin is headed to Paris. Baldwin finished in first place in the decathlon at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Saturday night, sealing his spot in next month’s Olympic Games.

Baldwin recorded a personal best score of 8625 over the last two days in Eugene.

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RECRUITING Michigan State's 'tradition' stands out on CB Aydan West's official visit

Class of 2025 three-star cornerback Aydan West is nearing a commitment decision, and Michigan State was able to get him on its campus for his final official visit before he announces his college choice.

West plans to unveil his commitment decision on Tuesday. Prior to that, he will take some time to discuss with his family and reflect upon his visit to Michigan State this past weekend, along with the previous official visits he took to West Virginia, Virginia, Cincinnati and Wake Forest over the past month as well.

Following his trip to Michigan State, West spoke with Spartans Illustrated to detail the visit and provide his thoughts on the program.

"The tradition to be a Spartan stood out," West said. "Something else that stood out to me is how close the coaches and the team are, they are all a family."

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OTHER MSU SPORTS Current & former Michigan State Track & Field athletes at Olympic Trials

It's an Olympic year and there will be some Spartans attempting to qualify for next month's Olympic Games in Paris.

Men's Decathlon - June 21-22

Heath Baldwin and Ryan Talbot will compete in the decathlon at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. The top three in each event at the U.S. trials will head to Paris. Baldwin will be right in the mix to finish in the top three.

If you missed my feature story on his journey, check it out here:

Talbot will be an underdog to make the U.S. team. He finished ninth in the NCAA Outdoor Championships about two weeks ago.

Women's Triple Jump - June 21-22

Former Spartan Tori Franklin will look to make her second Olympic Games in the women's triple jump. Qualifying is on June 21 and the finals is on June 22. Franklin made the U.S. team for the Tokyo Olympics and finished 25th at her first Olympics.

Men's 5000m - June 27 & 30
2022 MSU graduate Morgan Beadlescomb will compete in the men's 5000m at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. Round 1 will be on June 27 with the final on June 30. Beadlescomb is not necessarily favored to make the top three and go to Paris but he has an outside shot.

Women's 3000m Steeplechase - June 27

Current Spartan Kate Stewart-Bennett will run in Canada's Olympic Trials on June 27 in the 3000m Steeplechase. She is not expected to qualify for the Paris Olympics because she has yet to meet the Olympic qualifying standard of 9:23.00 Her personal best is 9:56.76. If she runs 9:23.00 or better and finishes in the top three, Stewart-Bennett will head to Paris.

All U.S. Olympic Team Trials entry lists can be found here:

RECRUITING Four-star DL Bobby Kanka felt great vibes on Michigan State official visit

Class of 2025 four-star defensive lineman Bobby Kanka — a current Michigan commit — recently took an official visit to Michigan State.

“The most impressive part about MSU is how they will pour themselves into you to become a better person and athlete.”

Story on Kanka's time in East Lansing:

OFF TOPIC: Pistons Fire Monty Williams....

Williams leaves Detroit with five years and over $65 million left on his deal.

The Pistons hired Trajan Langdon as their new president last month, but team owner Tom Gores made the final call.



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OTHER MSU SPORTS Ozan Baris, Skyla Schulte, more, earn MSU Athletics All-Sports Awards

Nine Spartans from eight different MSU sports teams earned All-Sports Awards for the 2023-24 season.

More by @Caden Handwork:

OFF TOPIC: Willie Mays, supreme baseball talent considered best to ever play, dies at 93

In my opinion, Willie was the best of my generation. He was a five-tool player, ran the bases well, was a great outfielder, and had tremendous power.

Believe it or not, we didn't hear much about Hank Aaron other than the power. Of course, earlier generations had Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, and Ted Williams.

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