Here's Your Shield, Monty Madaris

I had my doubts for a minute there that the Spartans were going to get anyone else this recruiting season, but it looks like the suspense was worth it. Today, the Spartans received a commitment from Ohio wide receiver Monty Madaris.  Folks, Madaris is an exciting pick-up.  All of the recruiting sites (except Rivals) consider him a 4-star recruit and they all consider him a top-60 receiver.  Scout rates him the highest, ranking him the 26th receiver in the country.  Madaris also had some pretty solid offers from places like Boston College, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Florida State, Illinois, Michigan, and Nebraska.  So basically, he's good.

Madaris has excellent size for a receiver (6'2" and 190 lbs.), but there seems to be some concern about his speed.  None of the sites have a 40-time recorded for Madaris and Scout lists his speed as area for improvement.  The only 40-time that is available come from one of his videos, which says he runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds.  

Actually, whether his speed is a concern or not depends on which of his videos you watch.  In one video, his speed does seem to be less impressive and then there is this one: 

In this one Madaris looks like he possesses all the tools to be a great receiver.  He looks athletic.  For a 6'2" guy, he looks quick and elusive; he is able to put moves on tacklers and has the burst to get by them.  When he gets to the second level he shows great top-end speed.  He also shows the ability to go up and win jump-balls and shows some grit, diving into the end-zone.  I am hoping that this video is from Madaris' senior year and the other video I saw was of his junior year.  That would show some serious development on his part.

Madaris' commitment wraps up the Spartans' wide receiver recruiting.  The Spartans picked up four wide receivers in this class, including two 4-star guys.  Aaron Burbridge is the most likely of the four to see playing time as a freshman, but to me, the Madaris in this video looks like someone that could compete for some playing time.  We'll have to see.  Even if he doesn't play as a freshman, Madaris should eventually become one of the Spartans' best receivers.