Michigan State football added a late but intriguing piece to its 2025 recruiting class in safety Evan Young, a three-star defensive back from Lufkin, Texas. While he may not be an immediate contributor in East Lansing, Young has the tools and potential to become a future asset for the Spartans’ secondary.
A Late Addition to the 2025 Recruiting Class
Young committed to Michigan State in early December and quickly signed his National Letter of Intent. He joins a group of four defensive backs in MSU’s 2025 class, alongside Aydan West, George Mullins, and Deuce Edwards. The Spartans placed a clear emphasis on bolstering their secondary depth in this cycle, giving defensive backs coaches Blue Adams and James Adams plenty of talent to work with.
Athletic Profile and High School Production
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 192 pounds, Young has a solid build for a collegiate safety with plenty of room to grow. A two-sport athlete in high school, he was also a standout on the track, showcasing the kind of speed that can help him keep up with fast receivers and make plays in space.
During his high school career at Lufkin, Young racked up 88 tackles, including five tackles for loss, a sack, and 21 passes defended. His film displays a well-rounded safety with strong play recognition, sharp instincts, and excellent closing speed. He consistently kept his eyes on the quarterback, read plays well, and reacted decisively — particularly in pass coverage.
In the run game, Young wasn’t afraid to get physical, flying downhill to lay big hits on opposing ball carriers. His combination of speed, aggression, and football IQ make him an exciting long-term prospect.
2025 Season Expectations: A Developmental Year
Despite his potential, fans should temper expectations for Young’s freshman season. The Spartans return experienced safeties like Malik Spencer and Nikai Martinez, who are expected to start. They’ve also added key depth through players like Tracy Revels, Devynn Cromwell, and Armorion Smith. That leaves Young buried on the depth chart for now.
However, that doesn’t mean 2025 will be a wasted year. Young can use this time to adjust to the college game, add muscle, and learn from experienced players in the secondary. It’s an important developmental year that could set the stage for a bigger role down the road.
Looking Ahead: Young’s Long-Term Potential
Though he may not make an immediate impact, Evan Young is a player to watch in the coming seasons. His physical tools, high football IQ, and willingness to hit suggest he could eventually grow into a starting-caliber safety for MSU. With proper development and time, Young has the potential to become a key piece in the Spartans’ defensive backfield in future seasons.
For now, 2025 is about growth but the long-term outlook for Evan Young is full of promise.