Michigan State football hosting former 5-star DB on official visit

Michigan State football is hosting a former five-star defensive back from the transfer portal on an official visit.

Another day means more transfer portal news for Michigan State football. It seems like a daily thing at this point which is good because the roster still needs a lot of help.

This time it’s a top transfer target in the secondary who will be visiting East Lansing beginning Jan. 6. This isn’t just your average recruit either, he’s a former five-star.

Michigan State to host transfer portal CB Tony Grimes on an official visit beginning tomorrow (Jan.6)…

In three seasons with UNC, Grimes logged 97 tackles, 74 solo tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and one forced fumble.
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— Jason Killop (@KillopOn3) January 5, 2024

Former five-star Tony Grimes to visit MSU

Transfer defensive back Tony Grimes is set to visit Michigan State this weekend beginning Jan. 6. This is a massive visit for Jonathan Smith and his staff as the secondary arguably needs the most help out of any position.

Grimes could be a special player. Out of high school, he was a five-star recruit from Virginia Beach, Va. In the class of 2020, he was the No. 28 ranked player overall and No. 3 at his position.

So far, Michigan State is the only visit he has set up, so that could be really good news for the Spartans. Especially at a position of need, this is a top priority target that Smith needs to get to focus on.

Tony Grimes’ career

Tony Grimes committed to North Carolina out of high school where he played three seasons. During his three seasons with the Tar Heels, Grimes totaled 97 tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss. He also added a forced fumble, sack, and interception as well.

After the 2022 season he entered the transfer portal and committed to Texas A&M. He unfortunately never saw the field this past season as he suffered a lower-body injury before the year began.

Grimes then entered the transfer portal again on Dec. 1 and will be making his first visit since doing so to East Lansing. I haven’t heard of many other teams involved in his recruitment, but maybe that has to do with coaches being nervous after his injury.

Regardless of his injury status, it’s still a big deal to get him on campus. First, it shows that he has a lot of interest if MSU is his first visit. It’s also extremely important because the staff will get to see him in person and gauge where his recovery is. If he’s healthy, this would be one of the biggest recruiting wins for Smith in his first month.

Grimes is someone who can come in and compete for a starting spot immediately. He also can be a leader on this team with all the experience he has. The Spartans need a lot of guys like that.

Smith has a chance to do something spectacular yet again. Based on his track record so far in East Lansing, I wouldn’t bet against him in this one.