Class of 2025 safety Desmond Straughton talks Michigan State; recent junior day visit

Beverly Hills (Mich.) – Michigan State three-star defensive back target Desmond Straughton, of Roseville (Mich.) High School spent the afternoon working out at Detroit Country Day High School in the SoundMind SoundBody pro-day event on Feb. 19.

SpartanMag.com caught up with the safety, fresh off his junior day visit to East Lansing. Straughton was sporting some Michigan State gloves as he worked out during the afternoon.

“I am just working on my speed really,” Straughton told SpartanMag.com after the event. “That is the main aspect of my game that I really need to work on. Also, just getting better at my one on ones. Guarding the man, just working on things technique wise.”

Michigan State target Desmond Straughton (@DesStraughton) rocking the MSU gloves here today… pic.twitter.com/RuHMkX7C5d

— Jason Killop (@KillopOn3) February 19, 2024

Straughton (6-1, 180) is a hard hitting safety, also playing offense for Roseville as a standout running back as well. He is ranked a three-star, the No. 447 overall recruit in the class of 2025 On3 Industry Rankings. He is also ranked the No. 8 recruit in Michigan. I have long said Straughton is currently a tad underrated, as he holds four-star talent in my opinion.

The in-state safety was a top priority for the former Michigan State staff, as the new Spartan staff looks to pickup where they left off. His current offers include Kentucky, Duke, Minnesota, Arizona State, Indiana, West Virginia, and others.

Straughton visited East Lansing for the Feb. 3 junior day event, spending time with new head coach Jonathan Smith and the rest of the Spartan staff.

“It was really good connecting with the new staff,” Straughton said of the Michigan State visit. “We are just trying to build that bond with my mom and dad with the new coaching staff and make it feel like home. Also, just seeing the new facilities that were built.

“We also spent time with Coach Blue Adams and he was telling me about the defense they are going to run and where he sees me in that scheme.”

Adams and Smith both visited Roseville High School on separate occasions this past evaluation period. Straughton and Adams continue to build on their relationship as Adams takes the lead role in his Michigan State recruitment.

“It was really good,” Straughton said of the Spartan staff. “They were talking to me like I was on the team already. They have made me feel like I was a priority for them, just picking up where the old coaching staff left. It feels like a smooth transition for this new staff, making me feel at home for when I make my decision.”

When Jonathan Smith stopped by the school, Straughton was taking a final exam so he was unable to speak with the head coach. He sat down with Smith while in East Lansing on the unofficial visit.

“He told me where he sees me in their defensive scheme,” Straughton said. “We watched some film on what they used to at Oregon State and where he sees me making plays. He also went over all the past teams he has coached and all the NFL prospects he has coached and stuff.”

The safety spent some time touring the brand new Tom Izzo Football Building while on campus. Straughton was able to visit East Lansing during the construction phases as he was impressed with the final result.

“I really like it,” Straughton said. “I saw it before and what they had planned, but I thought it looked way better than the virtual reality they showed before. I really liked the weight room. They have the big ramp leading into it, that can really help with your speed. All their racks have the iPads and they all wear the catapult systems, I really like that.”

Straughton is hoping to get back to East Lansing for a practice this spring. When observing practice he will have his eyes on the Michigan State defensive backs.

“I am hoping to get out there in March,” Straughton said. “I want to see them flying around with intensity on the defensive side. Seeing them communicate and the angles they take to make plays. I am hoping to introduce myself to Coach (Demetrice) Martin.”