Jaren Jackson Jr., who has shown tremendous potential throughout his high school career, committed to Michigan State on Thursday morning. His finalists included Georgetown, Maryland, Notre Dame and Purdue. Here's a closer look at Jackson's commitment.

Jackson didn't give too much insight into his recruitment over the last year. It seemed like no one knew for certain where Jackson was heading the evening before his decision. In the end, Michigan State was able to secure the commitment of a high-potential player. 

The Nike EYBL circuit is the most talented league on the travel circuit. All of the top post players in the country played in the league this past summer. Jackson was fantastic in the EYBL. He averaged 17 points and seven rebounds per game against the toughest competition available. He shot 44% from the three-point line as a 6-foot-10 forward. His statistics are impressive, but it the competition that he accumulated them against which are exciting.

In an age where most of the top players are a year or more older than their average classmate, Jaren Jackson is a year younger than his classmates. Jackson made his college decision on his 17th birthday at the start of his senior year. He should be a member of the 2018 class by most age standards. The fact that he is younger is especially important because he is still growing into his massive frame. Many of his classmates have been done growing for a couple years. That is what makes his potential so special.

Michigan State secured a top 25 national talent and a position of need. The Spartans will have a lack of post players on the roster when Jackson arrives in East Lansing. Michigan State is actively recruiting Brandon McCoy from California. Nick Ward will be a sophomore during Jackson's freshman year. Unless Michigan State adds a few post players, Jackson will have plenty of minutes available to him. 

It will be fun to see how Tom Izzo taps into Jackson's potential. There are few prospects in the 2017 class with the upside of Jaren Jackson Jr.