" title="Spartans Weblog">Spartans Weblog

Some good news for a rivalry week Friday: Russell Byrd has chosen Michigan State over Kentucky and Michigan.  What we know about Mr. Byrd:

• Junior out of Fort Wayne.  Becomes MSU’s second commitment of the 2010 class, joining Keith Appling.
• 6′7″, 190-pound forward known for his perimeter shooting ability.
• Ranked as a 4-star recruit by both Scout and Rivals.  Rivals has him as the #89 recruit in the nation for the 2010 class.

I’ve updated the Projected Roster page based on this commitment.  Byrd becomes the heir apparent to Chris Allen as MSU’s designated sharpshooter.

In terms of the big picture recruiting situation, Izzo could technically add two more players to the 2009 class. If he fills both spots, though, that would leave no spots for 2010.  More likely, he’ll use one in 2009 (fingers crossed for Jamil Wilson) and save the other for 2010–or bank both for 2010.

Update: Jerry Tipton of the Lexington Herald has some comments from Byrd’s dad.  One factor was driving distance.  Also:

“Other places were maybe more impressive,” Kelly Byrd said. “Other places you could be really blown away by things.”

Kentucky, which the Byrds visited on Big Blue Madness weekend, was one of those places. “I mean blown away in the best sense of the phrase,” Kelly Byrd said. “It was just a gut feeling when he sat down with Coach (Tom) Izzo and his staff. He did say he sensed from the first time a real strong sense of family, a real connection.”

Tags: recruiting, russell byrd