Andrew Willemsen, the Grand Haven 2027 running back, shared on social media last week that he’s planning to visit Michigan State on April 3.
I will be at Michigan State University for a spring day visit on April 3rd @SeanLevyMSU @Coach_Smith @coachbieds pic.twitter.com/69GfWvDwFf
— Andrew Willemsen⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@AndrewWill33) March 14, 2025
Andrew Willemsen is presently recognized as the third-ranked running back in Michigan for the 2027 class, according to Prep Redzone. Although he has yet to secure a Division 1 offer, his potential to excel in the Big Ten is evident. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing over 200 pounds, his physique is comparable to last season’s starting running back Nate Carter, who was listed at 5-foot-10 and 202 pounds.
Willemsen is a robust, dependable runner capable of handling all three downs in a highly competitive West Michigan conference. Gaining playing time at such a prestigious school at this stage highlights his significant potential and promising future.
This type of athlete might be exactly what running backs coach Keith Bhonapha is seeking as he develops his roster. Hailing from Grand Haven, Willemsen is among the many underappreciated talents from Michigan that the Spartans will welcome to East Lansing this spring. This region remains a key focus for head coach Jonathan Smith and his team.
While the 2026 recruiting class is beginning to solidify and its priority list is likely set, the 2027 class remains largely uncharted. It’s clear that the Spartan coaching staff is shifting some focus toward future classes, diligently researching prospects, particularly those from their own backyard.
Willemsen appears to be a strong match for MSU’s system, especially given their historical success with versatile, high-volume three-down backs who can exhaust opposing defenses. Beyond his prowess running between the tackles, Willemsen offers dependable hands as a receiver and the ability to exploit defenses in the screen game with his explosive speed.
Building early relationships with recruits is a smart strategy, and Coach Smith and his staff understand its value. As they grow more familiar with the local recruiting terrain, they’ll refine their approach, likely identifying and securing overlooked talents ahead of competitors, which could give them a distinct advantage in future recruiting efforts.
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