The Spartans are not blessed with the stature of Michigan or Ohio State, so John L. Smith has a lot to overcome when it comes to the recruiting season.

It's not that the Spartans can't have a great recruiting season, it's just that it is very difficult for them to do it on consistent basis. Not only must they continually go into battle with The Big Dog -- Michigan, of course -- but other Big Ten teams like Ohio State, Wisconsin and Purdue are more than happy to step on Michigan State.

Smith added 24 recruits this time around and it appears they got particular help at the RB spot, where Javon Ringer of Dayton and A.J. Jimmerson of St. Louis could give the Spartans some immediate impact.

Many of the national recruiting services ranked the Michigan State class somewhere between 30 and 40 in the country. Smith did not argue with their assessments.

"We're never happy with a class," he said. "We're happy with the guys we got, but you're unhappy because of some of the guys you lost. If you can run and you can hit, you should be able to play. So if a guy can run, he's got a chance, and if he'll hit you, he's got more of a chance."

Since DeAndra Cobb is moving on, Ringer and Jimmerson have a chance to make an impact as freshmen.

The Spartans also wanted to get some help on the defensive line because they ranked ninth in sacks in the conference last year. According to defensive line coach Steve Stripling, former junior college players Bobby Jones (6-4, 287), Jonal Saint-Dic (6-1, 262) and David Stanton (6-5, 285) could get playing time early on next season.

"Coming into next year we had only seven scholarship defensive linemen," Stripling said. "So there's a home for those junior college kids and there's an opportunity for them. All three are very athletic so what position they end up at I don't know, but I think they're going to have an impact."

But more than likely, those newcomers will need work -- just like the Spartans' recruiting efforts

RB Javon Ringer, Dayton, Ohio -- A 5-9, 185-pound tailback out of Dayton, Ohio. Rivals.com ranked Ringer 18th in the nation at his position. He could be a big-time producer for head coach John L. Smith.

QB Domenic Natale, Warren, N.J.-- He is ranked ninth at his position and 11th overall in the region. Natale shows a big-league arm, he's accurate, has good leadership skills and a quick release. He has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 50 TDs over the past two years on his way to becoming the most recruited QB prospect in New Jersey.

WR Diego Oquendo, Staten Island, N.Y. -- Oquendo is a 5-9, 177-pound wide receiver, who received a scholarship release from Syracuse when coach Paul Pasqualoni was fired. Oquendo has a quick burst and excellent change of direction.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "He's competitive. He's smart. He does it all. He can get out of trouble and has great escapability."-- MSU coach John L. Smith on the ability and fire that QB Domenic Natale brings to the Spartans.

GLANCE AT 2005: The Spartans have a couple of dangerous offensive players in Drew Stanton and Jehuu Caulcrick. Stanton is an excellent runner who shows great touch on his passes. If he can stay healthy, he has the kind of talent to throw 20 TD passes and run for 10 more. Caulcrick ran for 619 yards, five TDs and averaged 5.5 yards per carry in 2004. He should be ready for more in 2005. He has power between the tackles and has explosion to take the ball into the secondary.

If the Spartan defense can play with a nasty edge, this team could be ready to surprise.

PRO POTENTIAL: PK Dave Rayner -- Has a very strong leg and has a chance to get drafted in the sixth or seventh round. He made 22-of-29 FG attempts -- including 4-of-8 from 50 yards and beyond.

TE Eric Knott -- He has the size to get the job done at 6-3 and 265, and he could be a late pick on Day Two of the draft. Knott caught 31 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns in 2004.

INJURY IMPACT: The Spartans should be relatively healthy for spring football.