Michigan State beats Auburn for CB TJ Umenyiora

Roswell (Ga.) Blessed Trinity cornerback TJ Umenyiora had offers from over two dozen schools. National programs were on his radar, but it came down to Auburn and Michigan State. After official visits to the Plains and East Lansing, the three-star has committed to Jonathan Smith and the Spartans.

“Michigan State came in and offered me three months ago,” Umenyiora told On3. “They have been recruiting me very hard since and treated me as a top priority. It was a very tough decision, but ultimately it came down to who was recruiting me the hardest, and what felt like home to me.”

In the end, what put Michigan State on top?

“The coaching staff and their plan for developing me as a player were a big part. The cornerback room was big too, I felt connected with the players on my visit. And just the overall family feel to the place made it feel like home.”

The 6-foot-1, 185-pounder has been up to East Lansing twice. He called the atmosphere “vibrant” and he can’t wait to be a part of it.

Blue Adams is Umenyiora’s lead recruiter and he played a big role in this decision too.

“Coach Blue made an effort to connect with me on a deeper level than just football and that meant a lot,” Umenyiora said.

The new commit is the son of former NFL defensive lineman Osi Umenyiora. Osi played college football for Troy, before being drafted by the New York Giants as a second round pick in the 2003 NFL Draft. He was a two-time pro-bowler and a two time Super Bowl champion during his 12 year NFL career.

Michigan State now has 13 commitments this cycle.