Henry Hasselbeck, the son of former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, has made a surprising change to his college plans, announcing his commitment to play football at Michigan State.
Hasselbeck, a multi-sport athlete from Massachusetts, had initially committed to play lacrosse at Maryland. However, increased interest from Power Five programs during the spring recruiting trail led him to reconsider his options.
“I’m excited to announce that I have committed to play football at Michigan State!” Hasselbeck shared on social media, expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Spartans football program.
Excited to announce that I have committed to play football at Michigan State! @MSU_Football @Coach_mtucker @JayJohnsonFB @MSUFBRecruiting @JakeReiling97 @CoachCKap @M2_QBacademy @XBHS_Football #GoGreen ⚔️ 🟢⚪️ pic.twitter.com/nmLLGf6S1O
— Henry Hasselbeck (@HenryHasselbeck) July 1, 2023
His decision to commit to Michigan State came after multiple visits to the campus in June.
Hasselbeck’s commitment to the Spartans carries significance beyond his famous football pedigree and recognizable name. Both head coach Mel Tucker and offensive coordinator Jay Johnson made him a priority in their recruiting efforts.
As the only quarterback currently committed in Michigan State’s 2024 class, Hasselbeck’s addition is seen as a crucial move for the program.
Despite his relatively small stature, listed at just 165 pounds according to his recruiting profile, Hasselbeck’s ability to excel in multiple sports at a high level suggests he possesses untapped potential.
Playing lacrosse has helped him maintain a lean physique, making him an intriguing prospect for Michigan State.
The commitment from Hasselbeck comes at a time when Michigan State is facing some uncertainty at the quarterback position. Earlier this offseason, Payton Thorne, the team’s returning starter, entered the transfer portal after spring practice and eventually committed to Auburn.
With Thorne’s departure, sophomore Noah Kim and redshirt freshman Katin Houser are left to compete for the starting job this upcoming season.
The addition of Hasselbeck to the Spartans’ quarterback mix brings added depth and potential for the future, providing the coaching staff with a promising talent to develop in the coming years.