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The promises Michigan State's Mel Tucker made to land Miami CB Gabe Nealy

Michigan State football's Josh Butler is practicing self-distancing but also getting ready for the upcoming NFL draft. Wochit

When Gabe Nealy checked his phone at 10:30 p.m. March 23, he had a Twitter message with a phone number from Michigan State football cornerbacks coach Harlon Barnett.

Call me, the message said.

Nealy dialed the number and what happened next was a recruitment-changing moment bound by energy.

“Spida, Spida, my man,” exclaimed Barnett, using Nealy’s nickname. “I love the way you play.”