Michigan State continues its trend of targeting players with notable last names, and this time it extends across both basketball and football programs. Jonathan Smith and the Michigan State football team have officially extended a gray-shirt offer to Noah Sanders, a standout running back from Wylie E. Groves High School in Birmingham, Michigan.
Noah Sanders, the son of Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders, shared the exciting news on his social media platforms, signaling the potential for another Sanders to make his mark in Michigan.
A gray-shirt offer means Noah would delay his enrollment until the winter semester, providing him with the opportunity to utilize four years of eligibility over a span of five years. This strategic move could be advantageous for both Sanders and the Spartans, allowing him to grow and develop within the program.
Noah Sanders is far from just a famous last name. As a star running back for the Falcons, he has earned a three-star rating from 247Sports. While he navigates his recruitment process, he has already garnered interest from several Mid-American Conference teams, including Bowling Green and Toledo.
Blessed to receive a (gs) Offer to Michigan State University@KbTheStable @TheD_Zone @AllenTrieu @smsbacademy @CoachFlare @MIexposure pic.twitter.com/tTUTylXTQT
— Noah Sanders (@Noah__Sanders) June 11, 2024
There are compelling reasons for Sanders to consider Michigan State. His older brother, Nick Sanders, is a member of the MSU basketball team, and their father, Barry Sanders, has been increasingly involved with the program. This family connection could play a significant role in Noah’s decision.
Michael France of Spartan Nation reports that Michigan State is a legitimate contender for Sanders’ talents. Running backs coach Keith Bhonapha has been pivotal in the recruitment effort. France detailed a discussion with Sanders following the official offer.
“I’ve been up to Michigan State numerous times, also there for my brother (Nick), who is on the basketball team,” Sanders told France. “Whenever I’m up there for football, I can always see basketball, and whenever I’m up there for basketball, I try to see the coaches for football. But (Bhonapha) kinda just watched me develop through my track, and stuff like that, and that’s kind of the connection we’ve been having and that’s where he sees me at with the offer and just heading forward.”
Noah still has his entire senior year ahead of him, but the prospect of seeing the Sanders name on a Spartan football jersey—potentially even wearing the iconic No. 20—is certainly exciting for fans and the program alike. If Noah chooses to join Michigan State, it would continue the legacy of football greatness associated with the Sanders name, this time in East Lansing.
