In recent years, Michigan State’s mantra behind recruiting has been doing more with less.

Players such as Le’Veon Bell and Darqueze Dennard, who were both two-star recruits coming out of high school, developed into nationally recognized names during their time in East Lansing.

If that is what Dantonio and his staff can do with two-star recruits, wondering what they can do with their 2014 recruiting class is a scary thought for Big Ten opponents.

The Michigan State football team signed 20 new players Wednesday afternoon, with 3 players remaining who have verbally committed, but have not yet signed.

One of those players who hasn’t signed is coveted five-star defensive end Malik McDowell, who verbally chose the Spartans on the morning of Signing Day. Darius Slade, a three-star defensive end, and three-star offensive lineman David Hedelin also haven’t signed their letters of intent.

When asked if he expects those three players will sign, Dantonio said, “Yeah, I do. I do expect that.”

The 2014 class got a late boost from a pair of highly touted recruits.

T.J. Harrell chose to sign with the Spartans the morning of National Signing Day. The four-star “athlete” from Tampa, Fla., chose Michigan State over Louisville and Georgia.

Former Wisconsin commit, Craig Evans, also signed a letter of intent with the Spartans on Wednesday.  The four-star defensive tackle changed his mind and gave Michigan State a verbal commitment on Monday.

ESPN has Michigan State’s recruiting class ranked 29th in the nation, but scout.com has the Spartans ranked as high as 21st and the second highest class in the Big Ten.

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

Photo: David Defever/Impact Sports