Michigan State assistant Harlan Barnett is having a busy month of recruiting in the state of Ohio. His work will take him down to the southern most part of the Buckeye State on Friday to check in on Michigan State defensive back target and Xenia junior James Sanford.
The 6-foot-2 and 180-pound Sanford became a varsity starter two games into his sophomore season. He has started at cornerback since that time, intercepting one pass in each of the past two seasons. Sanford made 55 tackles during his junior season. He also thrives on offense.
Sanford projects as a corner or safety in college, but prefers corner. Michigan State is one of six schools to step forward and offer Sanford a scholarship.
“I have offers from Michigan State, Cincinnati, Bowling Green, Toledo, Ohio University and Ball State,” Sanford said. “Right now I’m still open. I don’t know where I want to go.”
Recruiters from Michigan State, Wisconsin, Toledo, Ohio University, Purdue, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Bowling Green and Kentucky have stopped at Xenia in the past couple of weeks.
The Spartans are ready for a return trip to Xenia.
“Coach Barnett is coming out on Friday,” Sanford said. “I like him. I like the whole staff.”
Barnett attended a junior day at Michigan State during the winter.
“It’s a nice school,” Sanford said. “The facilities are really nice. Michigan State is pretty high on my list. I plan to get back up there.”
Sanford is targeting this summer for a return trip to East Lansing.
Bill Kurelic’s Comment: While Sanford does not name a leader, I feel it is safe to say the Spartans don’t trail anyone. Sanford, however, still has some work to do on his academics.
