The Michigan State Spartans football program has picked up its first commitment of July with Parks Gissinger, a three-star defensive end/athlete out of Chaminade College Prep (West Hills, California), announcing his allegiance to the Spartans via Twitter.

Gissinger stands at a towering 6-feet-4-inches tall, and weighs 235 pounds. He is the first recruit from the West to commit to the Spartans. The current class is made up of eight Ohio prospects, three Michigan prospects, one Georgia prospect, and now one California prospect.

Gissinger ranks as the No. 38 weak-side defensive end in the 247Sports Composite. He also ranks as the No. 77 player in California.

Scout sees him as a three-star athlete, who ranks 14th at the position in the entire West region. Meanwhile, Rivals lists him as a three-star strong-side defensive end.

Gissinger seems to bring versatility to the class. As a junior, he also played tight end and long snapper, according to his Hudl highlight video. Though, I would expect him to call the defensive line home in East Lansing, as the Spartans recruited him defensive end.

I actually expected Chase Kline to be the next Spartan, however, this makes me just as happy and is a welcomed addition!

Defensive line is one of Michigan State’s biggest question marks in 2017 and beyond, after attrition in the offseason depleted the position. This is a great commitment for the Spartans at a position of dire need.

Apparently, Gissinger took a visit to campus last week, and was blown away by the facilities and the program. Adding that he felt at home there.

Per Scout.com:

“I had a great visit there last week and everything just felt right,” Gissinger said. “The facilities are unreal and they have a big time football program that is tough to beat. Coach (Mark) Dantonio is an amazing coach and a great guy.

“He made me feel at home on the visit and helped make my decision for me. I also love the Business School. Eli Broad donated a bunch of money to it so it’s coming up. I don’t know how to describe it but it just felt like the right choice for me and I’m very excited to be a Spartan.”

Assuming Gissinger is set to play defensive end, he joins the Slade twins — Jacob and Zachary — as the third defensive lineman in the class. That would also make him the ninth player on the defensive side of the ball in the 2018 class.

Check out Gissinger’s highlights below: