Fit is incredibly important when it comes to recruiting. While everyone wants to put together the best class in the B1G, it’s also important that players understand the culture, as well as fit the scheme and philosophy.

In his first meeting with the media since being introduced as head coach, Mel Tucker talked briefly about his approach to recruiting at Michigan State. Over the last few years under Mark Dantonio, the Spartans have slipped a bit in that area, and it’s something Tucker hopes to fix.

“I want players that want to be at Michigan State for all the right reasons,” Tucker said, according to Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press. “They connect with the coaching staff, they have a great appreciation for the academics and requirements and understand [Michigan State] and East Lansing is a special place.”

Tucker added he wanted players who will be “comfortable with me and my staff.”

Michigan State brought in the B1G’s 10th-ranked recruiting class in 2020, which was listed No. 43 nationally. There were no four-star prospects that committed to the Spartans, which is a significant problem while trying to compete in the B1G East.

Recruiting at the top of the B1G hasn’t been Michigan State’s calling, but when the program was rolling under Dantonio, the Spartans were regularly raking in classes that ranked in the top four of the conference and consistently hit between No. 25 and No. 35 nationally. That’s where Tucker needs to recruiting to return to be competitive in the toughest division in football.

Keeping in-state talent at home, while plucking prospects from Ohio, Illinois and Indiana was a staple for Michigan State under Dantonio, and it could work with Tucker. It’ll be worth keeping an eye on the kind of players the new staff is targeting with the 2021 class.