Michigan State Recruiting: 5-star PF Jaren Jackson commits

After seeming like a Purdue or Maryland lean, Michigan State recruiting landed five-star 2017 power forward Jaren Jackson on Thursday.

Tom Izzo’s wait is over. No longer is the head coach trying to land his first 2017 Michigan State recruiting pledge as five-star power forward Jaren Jackson has picked the Spartans.

Must Read: MSU Recruiting: Constructing ideal 2017 basketball class

Jackson tweeted out on Wednesday that he would be making the decision the following day, his birthday. Early Thursday morning, his decision went public as he chose the green and white over the likes of Maryland and Purdue.

????????…????????S/O @TiptonEdits_ for the dope edit‼️ pic.twitter.com/ALcV2o4oUa

— Jaren Jackson Jr. (@therealjnari_) September 15, 2016

This choice was a bit of a shock to those who didn’t watch the Crystal Ball on 247Sports on Wednesday. The surge was for Michigan State and that may have been because of a recent in-home visit with the coaching staff. He was considered a heavy lean toward Maryland at one point, then Purdue, but it was ultimately MSU that made him feel at home.

Izzo’s 2017 class might stand at just one right now, but getting a Plan ‘A’ target like Jackson is a great start. He stands 6-foot-10, 220 pounds and is ranked the No. 22 overall player and eighth-best power forward in the class, according to 247Sports.

Jackson attends La Lumiere in La Porte, Ind., which happens to be the same school as fellow 2017 MSU target Brian Bowen who might end up joining him and 2019 point guard target Tyger Campbell who is considered one of the best in the class.

A strong rebounder, devastating shot-blocker and smooth finisher, Jackson is the complete package for the Spartans. Izzo reeled in a very big fish.