Michigan State started its 2021 recruiting class with an oversized guard from Detroit who is rising in the recruiting rankings.

Pierre Brooks II, a four-star guard for Detroit Douglass, announced his verbal commitment to the Spartans on Tuesday afternoon. In doing so, he becomes the first member of the Spartans’ 2021 recruiting class.

Brooks’ commitment comes as in-person recruiting is suspended across the country due to the coronavirus pandemic. He took a reported virtual visit with the Michigan State staff earlier this week and announced his pledge days later, canceling plans to release a finalist list.

I appreciate y’all 🖤 pic.twitter.com/g1pkLGmIui — Pierre Brooks II (@nba_pbj) April 22, 2020

Despite the shutdown, Brooks was plenty familiar with Michigan State after taking multiple visits to East Lansing during the season. Michigan State was also plenty familiar with him, after Tom Izzo and other Spartans coaches took several trips to the Detroit area to watch him play.

Brooks reported an offer from Michigan State in August. He took other reported visits to Michigan and Xavier before ultimately choosing the Spartans this week. He can formalize his commitment when the early signing period opens in November.

At 6-foot-6, 207 pounds, scouting services describe Brooks as a powerful guard with a college-ready frame and emerging skill set. He averaged 23.2 points, seven rebounds and 4.7 assists per game as a junior for Douglass, where he plays for his father.

Brooks is currently ranked the No. 96 player in the country in the 247sports composite, up from a No. 120 ranking.

His commitment kicks off what could be a relatively small 2021 class for Michigan State. The Spartans currently have one more scholarship available following his commitment, although that number can change via attrition between now and next summer when the 2021 class will enroll.

Brooks could also be the start of a Michigan-centric class. The Spartans also have scholarship offers out to Farmington point guard Jaden Akins and Grand Rapids Christian guard Kobe Bufkin, both four-star prospects.

Five-star Illinois guard Max Christie and five-star Canadian forward Charles Bediako are also among the 2021 players that Michigan State has shown interest in.