2028 Grand Rapids CB Austin Nelson Sets Visit with Michigan State
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Pat Fitzgerald has had a litany of recruits setting up visits with Michigan State.
The train isn't slowing down anytime soon, either, as Fitzgerald clearly understands the importance of setting his program up for the future — starting now.
Building a successful program begins with establishing a strong foundation. Fitzgerald is looking for players who understand loyalty, discipline and the importance of putting the team first. When everyone buys into that philosophy and the team accomplishes its goals, the payoff can be enormous for everyone involved.
The latest recruit to schedule a visit with Michigan State is 2028 cornerback Austin Nelson.
Nelson is a 5-foot-11, 180-pound defensive back from East Kentwood High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While 247Sports has yet to assign Nelson a rating, leaving him unranked for the time being, that will likely change as his recruitment continues to pick up steam.
Michigan State has not yet extended an offer to Nelson, though a plethora of programs already have. His current offer list includes Boston College, Kentucky, Louisville, Kansas, Pittsburgh, Washington, Memphis and Southern Miss, along with an array of MAC programs.
However, an offer isn't necessary at this stage of the process for Michigan State to begin building a relationship with the talented defensive back.
Nelson has already scheduled five visits:
- Cincinnati — Sept. 5
- Iowa — Sept. 12
- Michigan State — Sept. 26
- Illinois — Oct. 24
- Michigan — Nov. 7
The Michigan State visit is particularly interesting.
The Spartans will host Nebraska on Sept. 26, giving Nelson an opportunity to experience a game day atmosphere in East Lansing. On paper, it is a game Michigan State could potentially win, and there is nothing better for a college football program than impressing recruits with a victory.
Winning football games is always important, but doing so with a recruit you are hoping to land standing on the sideline adds just a little more excitement to the occasion.
What's even more interesting, however, is that Nelson will get another look at the Spartans later in the season — from the opposite sideline.
On Nov. 7, Nelson will visit Michigan in Ann Arbor when the Wolverines host Michigan State at the Big House.
That gives Michigan State two unique opportunities to make an impression on Nelson. The Spartans will first have him on their sideline for the Nebraska game, allowing him to experience the program firsthand. Then, just over a month later, he will get to watch Michigan State from an opposing perspective during one of college football's biggest rivalries.
For Fitzgerald and his staff, getting involved early with recruits in the 2028 class will be critical. Building relationships now could pay significant dividends down the road, especially as Michigan State looks to establish the foundation of its program under its new head coach.
Nelson is an intriguing athlete in his own right.
The speedy cornerback has demonstrated impressive athleticism on the track, recording a 7.16-second 60-meter dash, an 11.41-second 100-meter dash and a 24.33-second 200-meter dash.
He has also shown his ability on the football field. During his sophomore season, Nelson recorded 25 tackles, seven pass breakups and two interceptions.
Michigan State may not have offered Nelson yet, but the early interest and scheduled visit are worth monitoring. With Fitzgerald emphasizing the importance of building relationships and getting ahead of the competition in future recruiting classes, Nelson could be another name for Spartan fans to keep an eye on as the 2028 cycle continues to develop.
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