He has the size, at 6-foot-3, 200 pounds. He has the speed, as he is one of the fastest players on Hubbard's football team. And he has the ability, with five interceptions and 49 tackles last year.

Now, Hubbard senior Kurtis Drummond knows where he'll display all of those skills in the coming years. Drummond, a starting safety and wide receiver for the Eagles, made a verbal commitment to Michigan State University on Monday. Drummond said the Spartans recruited him as a safety, and anyone who's seen him play this year can see why.

Drummond was one of Hubbard's best corners last year, but after seeing him develop, physically, over the offseason, coach Brian Hoffman moved him to safety, where he's blossomed into one of the area's best defenders.

''I love the physical nature o fit,'' Drummond said of the change. ''Being able to hit people an make interceptions. It's fun to be able to do both.''

Drummond said he was considering a few other schools, mainly Toledo, Purdue and Syracuse. He said the decision to go with Michigan State came this weekend, when he took an official visit. He said he went to Michigan State's campus in East Lansing, Mich., last year. He returned last weekend, and that's when he realized it was the right place for him.

''The coaching staff and the fan support,'' said Drummond of what put MSU above the other schools. ''It's a privilege to play in the Big Ten, but I really didn't look into the conference as much as I did the program.''

Hoffman wasn't available for comment on Monday, but he spoke to the Tribune Chronicle about Drummond during the preseason. He said what impresses him the most was Drummond's ability to play well against the run and pass.

''Kurtis is pretty good at both,'' Hoffman said. ''He was one of our more physical corners last year. We utilized him to try and take out the team's best receiver. He could play some press (coverage) because he's a very physical player. Due to circumstances with graduation and how he's developed physically, we transitioned him to safety.''

Drummond has 33 tackles, one interceptions, one sack, forced a fumble through six games this season. He also has 11 catches as a receiver for 182 yards and three touchdowns.

jsimon@tribtoday.com