Coveted Defensive Lineman McDowell Officially Signs with Spartans

Michigan State received a few big, last-minute verbal commitments on National Signing Day, but none was bigger than five-star defensive end Malik McDowell.

McDowell, the top rated player from the state of Michigan, chose the Spartans over in-state rival Michigan, Ohio State and Florida State.

However, questions arose at the end of the day when no official Letter of Intent was sent in by McDowell.

In following days, stories began to come out that McDowell’s parents were not supportive of his college choice.

It became fact a few days later that his mother, Joya Crowe, wanted her son to go out of state to either OSU or FSU. She also cited Michigan State’s infamous social scene as a reason for her unwillingness to sign the Letter of Intent.

National Signing Day was February 5, and now nearly two months later, McDowell has officially signed with the Spartans.

The news became official this morning when McDowell tweeted at 7:45 a.m:

 

 

This was truly a last-minute signing, as he sent his Letter of Intent at 11:12 p.m. and the signing period ended at midnight.

At 6-foot-7 and 290 pounds, he has the size and speed to be able to work his way into the rotational mix at strong-side defensive end.

With the addition of this monstrous physical specimen, Michigan State does not only cap off one of it’s best recruiting classes in recent memory, but gains a player who will likely help the defense try to duplicate the same level of play as last season.


Dan Tyler is the host of the Spartan Red Zone for Impact Sports.

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports