Trieu: Michigan State's 'high-energy' coaches appeal to RB target

After a recent spring visit with Michigan State, Jacksonville (Florida) Bishop Kenny running back Caleb Mattison has the Spartans high on his list, with an official visit set for May 29.

Mattison is a compact 5-foot-9, 200-pound prospect who rushed for 1,733 yards and 28 touchdowns last season. He has reported a long list of offers that is now more than 50 schools, but the Spartan staff has him considering being a Spartan.

Head coach Pat Fitzgerlad, offensive coordinator Nick Sheridan and running backs coach Devon Spalding all have built a relationship.

“I have connected with Coach Fitz, Coach Sheridan and Coach Spalding. Something I like about them is that they are all high energy on and off the field,” Mattison said.

Beyond the staff, Mattison, who has a 3.1 grade-point average in the classroom, has appreciated seeing the academic support available at MSU.

“Another part about Michigan State’s program I like is how much they help you with school,” he said. “They want everybody to succeed in life and become young men.”

In addition to Michigan State, Mattison has a UConn official set.

He is looking at several other schools in the north and is actually relishing the opportunity to play in a cold-weather state.

“I have no problem playing in the cold,” he said. “That’s just getting me ready to play on Monday nights and Sundays.”

Mattison does not have a commitment date set yet, but is planning to be committed before his senior season begins.

He also participates in track and field and ran in the 100-meter dash, the 200-meter dash, long jumps and triple jumps.

He has rushed for nearly 4,000 yards in his high school career.

New offer results in official visit being set at MSU

Michigan State offered Springboro (Ohio) defensive lineman Carter Napier during his unofficial visit this week.

Napier quickly moved around his official visit schedule to accommodate MSU, who now gets a June 5 official with him. Iowa State and West Virginia are his two other official visits.

The 6-foot-3, 260-pound Napier is a high-motor prospect who had 52 tackles (five for loss), four sacks and a fumble recovery as a junior.

Allen Trieu covers Midwest football recruiting for On3. He has been featured on the Big Ten Network on its annual Signing Day Show. His Michigan and Michigan State recruiting columns appear weekly at detroitnews.com.