Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald struck an energetic and optimistic tone during last Wednesday’s National Signing Day news conference, reflecting on a whirlwind first two months on the job and the rapid progress the program has made. Fitzgerald noted that assembling his coaching staff and reconstructing the roster has been a nonstop process, but one that has already begun to pay dividends.
With 45 new players, including 30 transfers and 15 early enrollees, already embedded in winter workouts, the head coach emphasized that strength gains, conditioning and team chemistry are all trending upward. “Everyone’s gained weight and added strength,” he said, crediting new strength coach Joel Welsh for helping set the early cultural tone.
One of the highlights of the day was the official addition of Samson Gash, the lightning‑fast in‑state wide receiver who had long been committed but waited to sign until after getting to know the new staff. Fitzgerald called signing Gash “a huge win,” praising both his character and rare speed, Gash is not only the fastest athlete in Michigan but one of the fastest nationally. The staff, including longtime recruiter Courtney Hawkins, worked deliberately to rebuild trust with the Gash family after the coaching transition. Their efforts culminated in a strong final visit, where Fitzgerald said Spartan fans made it clear how much the program wanted him. “I’ve never had anyone this fast,” Fitzgerald said, projecting Gash as a potential early catalyst for the offense and a statement piece for in‑state recruiting.
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(CONTINUED) Fitzgerald also emphasized the program’s strategic shift back toward regional recruiting, especially within Michigan. He described the first month on the road as overwhelmingly positive, outlining a blueprint rooted in local relationships and Mark Dantonio‑era philosophies: build the roster through high school recruiting, supplement with targeted transfer portal additions and win the line of scrimmage. The head coach made it clear the Spartans will prioritize players who want to be in East Lansing, using what he called OKGs, “our kind of guys”, defined by toughness, passion for football and long‑term buy‑in. While the transfer portal will remain part of roster building, Fitzgerald stressed that assembling a sustainable, high‑retention foundation starts with high school recruits like Gash.
Beyond recruiting, Fitzgerald highlighted major cultural investments, from weekly values‑driven team meetings to revamped strength and conditioning standards. He praised several of his new hires, including special teams coordinator Lamar Woods and quarterbacks coach John McNulty, describing the overall staff as high‑character teachers who know how to develop players. With spring practice set to begin March 17, Fitzgerald believes the program has already built meaningful momentum. “We’ve got a lot to do,” he said, “but the buy‑in is already there.” As he put it, the Spartans are taking tangible steps forward, and now have the elite talent, such as Gash, to help accelerate the climb.
