Joe Rexrode

Detroit Free Press

Michigan State’s late pursuit of a pair of high-profile defensive ends made more sense Wednesday after it became apparent that Auston Robertson would not be signing with the Spartans.

Robertson tweeted that MSU is still “my No. 1” but that he is “re-opening” his options. He’s also facing a misdemeanor battery charge in his hometown of Fort Wayne, Ind., so the decision not to sign may not have been Robertson’s.

MSU can’t comment on unsigned recruits, so Mark Dantonio did not discuss the Robertson situation at Wednesday’s news conference to introduce his 2016 class. But when asked in general about the possibility of the class growing by “one more based on guys who have committed and not signed yet,” Dantonio responded: “You know, there’s always that possibility.”

Robertson did not return a call and text to his mobile phone, and his coach at Fort Wayne Wayne High, Derrick Moore, declined to comment.

The 18-year-old Robertson, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound “four-star” defensive end ranked No. 10 nationally at his position by Rivals.com, committed to MSU in June over offers from Alabama, Ohio State, Michigan and many others.

He was arrested Jan. 13 on a battery charge stemming from an Oct. 22 incident at his school. He is accused of improperly touching a female classmate, according to Allen Superior Court 4 records.

Robertson was released Jan. 18 on $750 bond and has a status hearing at the court Feb. 11. He previously faced misdemeanor charges of criminal mischief, damaging or defacing property, and resisting arrest, but those charges were dropped in Allen Superior Court 5 on Sept. 10.

With MSU senior defensive ends Shilique Calhoun and Lawrence Thomas departing, suspended defensive end Montez Sweat “in limbo” according to Mark Dantonio, and now Robertson uncertain, MSU went after two defensive ends late in the process.

Prince Sammons (Cincinnati) picked Auburn over MSU, and Karamo Dioubate (Philadelphia) dropped MSU from his list of finalists Wednesday.

MSU still signed a strong defensive line class Wednesday, led by the top-rated prospect in Illinois – defensive end Josh King of Hinsdale South. Dantonio said King “just will be an outstanding player and person.”

“Josh King has got the most potential of anyone in this class,” said Steve Wiltfong, national recruiting director for 247Sports.com. “He was the tallest prospect with the longest wing span at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, and I’m sure (MSU defensive line coach) Ron Burton and (head strength coach) Ken Mannie are licking their chops to start working with him. You’re talking about a kid who was a great wrestler, he’s just a different dude.”

MSU also signed two defensive tackles from Illinois, Naquan Jones of Evanston Township High and Mike Panasiuk of Roselle Lake Park West. Dantonio said all three could be early contributors.

Notebook: MSU also announced the addition of walk-on fullback Reid Burton of East Lansing. He is the son of MSU defensive line coach Ron Burton, who said his son missed his senior season with a knee injury. Dantonio said Reid Burton has “great lineage.” … There’s no official word yet, but Dantonio reiterated the expectation that linebacker Ed Davis, defensive lineman Damon Knox and offensive lineman Brandon Clemons will be granted sixth years of eligibility by the NCAA. … Dantonio didn’t want to declare this his best class, but when asked about that he said: “I'm not even sure how many stars (linebacker) Brandon Randle has, for instance. But I can tell you Brandon Randle probably is a five-star player in my mind.”