On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine: Michigan State trending for Jalen Thompson

A decision is coming soon for Detroit Cass Technical four-star defensive lineman Jalen Thompson. The 6-foot-3, 240 pound prospect is announcing his commitment on Aug. 22. Schools competing for his services include Cincinnati, Michigan State, Penn State and Pittsburgh.

According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Spartans have a commanding lead for Thompson’s commitment at 94.8%. The Panthers have the next-best chance at 1.3%.

Thompson is the No. 224 overall prospect and No. 29 defensive lineman in the 2023 On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He is also the No. 3 player in Michigan. 

On3 rates Thompson even higher. He is the No. 222 overall prospect and No. 2 player in Michigan, per the 2023 On300.

Recruiting impact if Thompson commits to Michigan State

Michigan State’s 2023 recruiting class currently contains 13 commitments and is made up of seven four-stars and six three-stars. The group ranks No. 17 in the 2023 On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings and No. 3 in the Big Ten.

If Thompson commits to head coach Mel Tucker and his staff, he will become the Spartans’ first commitment from a defensive lineman. He will also be Michigan State’s fifth-highest-ranked pledge behind Norman (Okla.) Community Christian School four-star EDGE Bai Jobe, Bettendorf (Iowa) Pleasant Valley four-star EDGE Andrew Depaepe, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson four-star offensive tackle Stanton Ramil and Fredericksburg (Va.) IMG Academy four-star linebacker Jordan Hall.

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So far, the Spartans have one commitment this month. It is from Ramil, the No. 203 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus.

Thompson has an On3 NIL Valuation of $10.3K. The On3 NIL Valuation is an index that looks to set the standard market value for both high school and college-level athletes. The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Jalen Thompson On3 Scouting Summary

The following is the On3 Scouting Summary for Jalen Thompson:

“Interior defensive line prospect that has a knack for getting to the quarterback. Productive player for Michigan high school powerhouse Cass Tech. Totalled 30 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and 10 sacks in six games during his junior season. Athletic ability jumps off the tape. Impressive first step off the line of scrimmage. Chases backside to the ball carrier and can get to the sideline comfortably. Body type should add some quality mass at the next level with a collegiate strength and nutrition program. Will need to add mass throughout the frame in order to gain necessary functional strength to kick inside.

“Stands in at 6-foot-3, 245 pounds with a plus 6-foot-9 wingspan. Ran an electronically-timed 5.03 40 and a 4.47 shuttle. Jumped a 22-inch vertical and a 9-foot broad jump during the spring camp circuit ahead of his senior season. Plays a little high, but easily fixable with coaching. Can continue improving his ankle flexion. Could bring early value as a third down interior rusher and will develop into a more significant role as he gets bigger and stronger. One of the younger prospects along the defensive line in the 2023 recruiting class.”