Lima Central Catholic quarterback Michael Tyler O’Connor verbally committed to Michigan State on Monday.
“I’m proud to be a Spartan,” O’Connor told Spartan Tailgate via text. “I love everything about (MSU).”
The 6-foot-2, 205 pound signal-caller becomes MSU’s fifth commitment for the class of 2012 and fourth from the state of Ohio. O’Connor held additional scholarship offers from Northwestern, Boston College, Bowling Green, Indiana, Louisville, Miami (Ohio), Toledo, Vanderbilt and West Virginia.
Last week O’Connor announced a top two of MSU and Northwestern, and ultimately decided upon the Spartans Monday.
“(Dantonio) was very excited and was glad I trusted him and the team,” O’Connor said via text. “He said they were ending any other communication with other QB’s and looked forward to getting more recruits along my side.”
O’Connor threw for 2,516 yards and 27 touchdowns with just six interceptions in leading Central Catholic to the state semifinals last season. He also added 470 rushing yards and 13 additional scores on the ground.
“Hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life,” O’Connor said via text when asked about the process. “(My family) was very supportive and happy for me.”
O’Connor joins Marlington offensive lineman Zach Higgins, Traverse City (Mich.) St. Francis athlete Riley Bullough, West Lafayette Ridgewood tight end Evan Jones and Centerville offensive lineman Benny McGowan in MSU’s 2012 recruiting class.
