Canton’s Cochran, an MSU target, picks Arizona

Jalen Cochran passed up on an offer from Michigan State to play for Rich Rodriguez at Arizona.

Cochran, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound linebacker, helped Canton reach the Division 1 state semifinals this past fall.

Cochran, a three-star recruit by Rivals.com and ranked No. 18 on The Detroit News Blue Chip list, visited Arizona this past weekend, then made a stop in East Lansing on Sunday when he returned home to watch the Spartans’ basketball game against Rutgers and visit with MSU head football coach Mark Dantonio.

Cochran received an offer from Dantonio on Monday night, then talked things over that night and again last night following his basketball game, a Canton victory over Westland John Glenn, with his parents before making his decision.

"After Michigan State offered me it was definitely a consideration because it's a top-four program," said Cochran, wearing a red Arizona sweatshirt during his news conference, "so I definitely had thought about it, but then again I already had schools that were showing interest throughout my senior year. It was on and off with Michigan State, due to my grades and it's business so they had to keep going. There's no doubt Michigan State's a great program; but it just wasn't a good fit.

"I was comfortable with Arizona — just getting a phone call meant something and I didn't get phone calls from Michigan State. Arizona started recruiting me four months ago and they're the school that got me on to the academic plan so they got me to qualify so it's a big deal."

Cochran will play linebacker at Arizona. He was recruited to play defensive end at MSU. Iowa State was also in the mix.

david.goricki@detroitnews.com

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