Breaking down the Class of 2014: Defensive Linemen

June 7, 2014

Michigan State turned their recruiting class of 2014 into one of the best with several big-name signees on the defensive line, and it was not an easy task to sign a few of them.

* * *

DE Malik McDowell, Southfield H.S. (Southfield, Mich.)

It was not without drama, but the five-star recruit finally faxed in his NLI in April minutes before the deadline. Finally MSU will get to see what he can do on the field and not worry about anything else. McDowell was the top-ranked recruit out of Michigan, and he is expected to make an immediate impact for the Spartans coming in at 6-foot-6, 280 pounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYX4lWg4X54

DE Robert Bowers, Walnut Ridge H.S. (Columbus, Ohio)

The Spartans snagged another defensive end in the 2014 class in 6-foot-5, 215-pound Bowers out of Ohio. While not as coveted as McDowell, Bowers will certainly contribute to the Spartan defense and it just may not be this fall. He lacks in size, but he makes up for it in athleticism.

DT Craig Evans, Sun Prairie H.S. (Sun Prairie, Wis.)

Michigan State defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi was able to land a big recruit out of Wisconsin in Evans. At 6-foot-2, 305 pounds, Evans will be one of the biggest bodies on the defensive line. Wisconsin, Michigan, Nebraska and plenty of other schools have had their eyes on Evans. But in the end, he felt MSU was the best fit for him.

DT Enoch Smith Jr., Mount Carmel H.S. (Chicago, Ill.)

After signing his NLI in February, Smith Jr. called into WDBM studios to talk with The Pact. Smith is 6-foot-2 and currently weighing in at 275 pounds. He will add more depth to the defensive line and will likely be a contributor as a freshman, or in 2015 as a redshirt freshmen.

DT David Beedle, Clarkston H.S. (Clarkston, Mich.)

At 6-foot-5, 285 pounds, Beedle is in the same boat as Smith Jr. Both will compete for playing time, but either or both could end up redshirting their first year in East Lansing. The Clarkston native received offers from several MAC schools as well as Illinois.