Video: Jace Clarizio rushes for go-ahead TD for East Lansing football
East Lansing senior and MSU commit Jace Clarizio runs for go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter against Everett on Oct. 11, 2024.
Jace Clarizio is staying home after all.
As it turns out, Michigan State football’s biggest flip ended up being the East Lansing High running back who changed his pledge to Alabama. Instead, Clarizio made one last-minute audible and signed with Jonathan Smith and the Spartans on the first day of the early signing period.
Rated the No. 35 RB nationally in the class and No. 5 player in the state, according to the 247 Sports composite rankings, Clarizio originally committed to MSU in May. But the 6-foot, 190-pound three-star prospect on Nov. 26 announced he would instead be heading to Alabama, where former MSU offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic is an assistant coach.
The Spartans added three-star running back Zion Gist from Frankfort, Illinois, a day before Clarizio’s decision became public. Gist also signed with MSU on Wednesday.
Ultimately, the decision came full circle to stay in East Lansing for Clarizio, who ran for 1,679 yards on 214 carries with 28 touchdowns this season for the Trojans, who lost in the Division 2 semifinals to Byron Center, 41-14.
Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.
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