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Michigan State adds PWO commitment from 2025 Orchard Lake St. Mary's RB Darrin Jones Jr.

IMG_2371by:Kenny Jordan•01/17/25
Orchard Lake St. Marys RB and Michigan State commit Darrin Jones (5) runs for yards against Byron Center in the second half of the Michigan High School Athletic Association division two football finals at Ford Field - Kimberly P. Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports
Orchard Lake St. Marys RB and Michigan State commit Darrin Jones (5) runs for yards against Byron Center in the second half of the Michigan High School Athletic Association division two football finals at Ford Field - Kimberly P. Mitchell, USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State has added another commitment to its 2025 class in Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary’s running back Darrin Jones Jr. Jones received a preferred walk-on offer from Michigan State on Dec. 13. He plans to sign with the Spartans during National Signing Day on Feb. 5.

Jones received additional offers from Valparaiso, Davenport, Northwood, Wayne State and Hope College.

With his commitment, Jones becomes the fourth St. Mary’s product to join Michigan State’s 2025 class. Three-star linebacker Charles “DJ” White and three-star tight end Jayden Savoury signed with the Spartans in early December. Michigan State is also awaiting the signature of three-star athlete commit Bryson Williams.

While St. Mary’s has won several Division III and IV state titles in the past, Jones helped propel the Eaglets to their first-ever Division II state championship last fall. Jones finished the 2024 season as St. Mary’s leading rusher, with 1,281 yards on 161 carries (8.0 yards per carry). He finished second on the team in total touchdowns, with 15 (13 rushing, one receiving and one pick-six) in 14 games played. He also demonstrated some pass-catching ability with 13 receptions for 152 yards.

Michigan State has re-tooled its running back room heading into the 2025 season. In addition to Jones, the Spartans signed three-star running backs Jace Clarizio and Zion Gist as part of their 2025 class. Michigan State also picked up former Sacramento State running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver from the transfer portal.

Michigan State will return rising sophomore running backs Makhi Frazier and Brandon Tullis, who rushed for 20 and 21 yards, respectively, last season. The Spartans will also return three walk-ons to the room in Chris Williams, Shawn Foster and Jaxon McCaig.

Michigan State lost its top two running backs from last season in Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams and Nathan Carter. Additionally, walk-on Joseph Martinez entered the transfer portal this offseason.

Jones joins Hudsonville (Mich.) long snapper Jack Wills, Grand Rapids (Mich.) Ottawa Hills offensive lineman Rashawn Rogers and Birmingham (Mich.) Groves wide receiver Nicholas Hardy as preferred walk-ons in Michigan State’s 2025 class.

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