Michigan State's Josh Jacobs Leaves For Sarnia of OHL

Michigan State sophomore-to-be defenseman Josh Jacobs will not return to East Lansing for his second season. Via Chris Solari of the Lansing State Journal:

MSU hockey coach Tom Anastos: defenseman Josh Jacobs will not return for his sophomore season. Huge loss for improved Spartans.

— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) May 29, 2015

Jacobs was a second round draft choice of the New Jersey Devils in the 2014 NHL Draft. He is expected to play for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League next season.

Jacobs had a strong season last year as a rookie for the Spartans. The defensive defenseman tallied 0-9-9 in 35 games, but logged heavy minutes for Michigan State. He was named to the Big Ten's All-Rookie team, and SBN College Hockey's Media All-Big Ten Rookie team. Jacobs ranked 39th on our list of the top 100 NHL prospects in the NCAA last season:

39. Josh Jacobs, Defenseman, Michigan State(New Jersey Devils)

Though still a bit raw, Jacobs has tremendous physical talent. The big defenseman moves extremely well for his size. He's been mostly effective on the defensive end in his rookie season, and he has the potential to develop more of an offensive game as he adjusts to college hockey, which would make him a very good two-way threat at the next level.