The Michigan State football program just got itself a steal in the world of preferred walk-ons when the Spartans nabbed a commitment from Orchard Lake St. Mary's senior tight end Nate Conrad.

A sturdily built 6-foot-5, 220 pounds, Conrad is sure-handed and the definition of a "character kid" on and off the field.

Last week he made it official: He'll be wearing the Green & White for his college pigskin, passing up a slam dunk at the D2 or D3 level at the last minute for a shot at the brass ring....or is that a Rose Bowl ring, I'm not certain?.

Talk about great value!

Burney honestly thinks this is the type of guy that comes in the back door and leaves through the front….i.e. eventually earns a scholarship and playing time with TEAM DANTONIO.

Conrad was hurt last fall and missed the entire season (he did start on the Eaglets 2012 Catholic League-title squad and D3 state-finalist as a junior). Now, he's healthy and ready to bring his tireless work ethic and endless engine to the Big Ten. Something tells me this the beginning of a beautiful relationship!! Congrats to my main man Nate the Great from your boy, Burney!