Michigan State football recruit Jordon Simmons signs with hiring of Mel Tucker as coach

Jordon Simmons, a three-star running back out of Powder Springs, Georgia, had delayed signing his letter of intent with Michigan State after Mark Dantonio retired on Feb. 4.

On Sunday night, he put pen to paper, unveiling the announcement on Twitter.

"It's Official !! !! #gogreen"

The regular signing-day period began Feb. 5, and Simmons said then on Twitter that because of "the uncertainty of the MSU program I have decided to take some time to weigh out my options."

On Feb. 12, Michigan State hired Mel Tucker as its new football coach. It was the move that might have given Simmons the reassurance he needed.

“Overall, I think it’s a good hire for the program,” he said in an interview during the weekend with Sports Illustrated's Spartan Nation. “I think coach Tucker brings everything to the table to be able to turn the program around and do great things for the program. So overall, I think it’s a good hire for Michigan State to make.”

Tucker, who was Colorado's head coach for one season, also had recruited and offered Simmons, and Simmons had visited the campus during the summer.

Simmons, 6-foot and 192 pounds, from McEachern High School, had committed to Michigan State in October and made his official visit in late January, mentioning he had experienced "a great atmosphere."

In his senior season, he rushed for 1,093 yards and 16 touchdowns, and had 259 receiving yards and a TD.

“I bring a lot to the table, just with my speed,” he told the Lansing State Journal. “Right now, I think Michigan State is a power (offense) with big backs. They can use somebody that can bring the speed, and I think I’m the guy … the missing piece of the offense that can bring the speed and take it to the house."