Michigan State has landed its first 4-star commitment of the 2022 recruiting class.

Monday, the Spartans received a verbal pledge from wide receiver Antonio Gates Jr., one of the nation’s top prospects at the position. He is the son of 5-time NFL Pro Bowl tight end Antonio Gates.

The younger Gates announced his decision with a post on Twitter. He becomes the 16th player of the cycle to commit to Mel Tucker’s team.

Per 247Sports, Gates is listed as one of the Top 300 overall prospects in the 2022 class. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, he ranks as the No. 45 wide receiver in the class and is the No. 8 player out of Michigan.

From 247Sports recruiting analyst Allen Trieu:

Bigger body for a wide receiver. Thick and physically strong. Uses size and physicality to out-body defenders for 50-50 balls. Shows timing and ability to high-point the ball. Strong, natural hands and ability to catch the ball away from his body. Good route runner with fluid change of direction and understanding of how to create separation. Still can get straight line faster.

Gates received offers from nearly two dozen schools. He picked Michigan State over Cincinnati, Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, Ole Miss, Penn State, Pitt, Tennessee and several others.

With Gates’ pledge, the Spartans bump up to No. 32 in the national recruiting rankings and No. 7 in the B1G.

Gates’ father was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and was considered one of the top tight ends in the NFL.