Oregon State recruits react to Michigan State hiring Jonathan Smith
Michigan State hired the 26th head coach in program history, hiring former Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith on Nov. 25. Smith is expected to bring five members of his former Beaver staff with him to East Lansing, arriving this afternoon (Nov. 26).
Smith leaves Corvallis, coming off an 8-4 season on the field, and 13 current commitments in the Oregon State 2024 class. SpartanMag.com reached out for comments from those willing to share their feelings of the move.
Three-star offensive lineman Terrell Kim (6-4, 328) of Medford (OR) North High School has been committed to the Beavers since late August. He committed to Oregon State shortly after a strong showing in the Avery Strong Showcase camp. Oregon and Ohio State showed brief interest, with Fresno State and San Jose the lone offers at the time.
“I am still currently conversing with family and friends about everything going on but I have talked to Coach (Jim) Michalczik and we are seeing where things go,” Kim told SpartanMag.com. “He explained to me about his transfer with Coach Smith and that he is going to see how everything goes once things set in.”
SpartanMag.com reported that director of player personnel Cole Moore would also be following Smith to East Lansing.
“I have a relationship with almost the whole staff,” Kim continued. “Coach Moore is awesome. He’s always stayed in contact with me and has helped me through my recruitment process and he’s always welcomed me and my family to corvallis. He’s been a big supporter in my recruitment.”
Also along the offensive line, Rustin Young, of Honolulu (HI) St. Louis High School has been committed to the Beavers since July. The 6-foot-5, 255-pound tackle is ranked a three-star, the No. 707 overall recruit in the 2024 On3 Industry Rankings. He committed to Oregon State over offers from Utah, Auburn, California, and others.
“Coach Michalczik, the offensive line coach called me up yesterday (Nov. 26),” Young said. “He said he was going with Coach Smith and that he wants to continue to recruit me if it’s alright with me. He shared his insight on what I should do moving on.”
“Congratulations to him, he did what he felt was right for him and nobody has a right to tell him it was wrong. It does complicate things for me, though. I am going to have to see how things play out before I make a move.”
Offensive line commitment Peyton Stewart, of Kelso (WA) decommitted from the Beaver class on Nov. 26. The 6-foot-7, 240-pound tackle holds offers from Duke, Northwestern, Washington State, and more.
Cornerback Andrew Brinson, of Tampa (FL) Gaithier High School also decommitted from Oregon State on Sunday.
“I heard from the (Oregon State) coaches yesterday,” Brinson said. “Coach Cole (Moore) and defensive backs Coach Blue Adams. I was told I’m not allowed to disclose what they said, but it was good news.”
Brinson tells SpartanMag.com he will “definitely” be planning a visit to East Lansing.
New Hampshire cornerback Exodus Ayers also told SpartanMag.com he is ‘definitely’ interested in following Smith.
“I’m not sure what to say but good for him honestly,” Ayers said. “Coach Smith is a great coach and a big reason why I chose Oregon State in the first place.”
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