Fort Wayne (Ind.) Wayne Top247 defensive lineman Auston Robertson tells 247Sports he signed his letter-of-intent with Michigan State on Thursday morning.

Auston Robertson becomes the fourth four-star DL to sign with Michigan State in 2016.

“It’s very exciting,” Robertson said.

Robertson committed to the Spartans last summer over a national offer list but wasn’t able to sign in February because of off-the-field issues.

“It’s a lesson learned,” Robertson said. “I’m just thankful that my team never gave up on me and I’m just ready for the next level.”

Robertson will be back in East Lansing for a visit in two weeks and will enroll the week before the fourth of July.

One of the jewels of the Michigan State 2016 recruiting class, Robertson, his family and circle of trust kept in contact with Mark Dantonio and his staff weekly through all the struggles.

“It shows how committed they are to me,” Robertson said. “I want to do the same to them. I’m really happy they stuck with me throughout this whole process, so is my family, I’m just very thankful of Coach D.”

247Sports ranked Robertson as the nation's No. 8 weak-side defensive end and No. 102 player overall. He was the No. 3 recruit in the state of Indiana.

With Robertson back in the fold, Michigan State is bringing in one of the nation's top defensive line classes as he joins fellow four-star recruits Josh King, Naquan Jones and Mike Panasiuk.

The Spartans were ranked No. 23 on National Signing Day by 247Sports, but with Robertson's LOI now in, the Spartans rise to No. 18. MSU passed Penn State for the No. 3 class in the Big Ten.