Malik McDowell to Michigan State: Spartans Land 5-Star DE Prospect

A handful of elite teams were in the running for 5-star defensive end Malik McDowell, but Michigan State was able to land the crucial commitment from the coveted player.  

The news comes courtesy of the Detroit Free Press:

The Southfield High (Southfield, Mich.) superstar received massive interest from top programs around the country, and it's not exactly difficult to see why:

McDowell is a rare specimen. At 6'7", 290 pounds, he has the size to play anywhere across the defensive line, but he combines that towering stature with gaudy athleticism, quick, active hands and a devastating spin move that allows him to cause havoc on the outside edge. 

As such, it's not a surprise that 247Sports' composite rankings slot McDowell as the 32nd-best overall prospect and third-best strong-side defensive end in the deep class of 2014. He is considered the top recruit coming out of Michigan.

Recently, at the Core 6 Athletes event in Cincinnati, McDowell showcased his talent against 4-star offensive lineman Jamarco Jones and several other top prospects, and he didn't disappoint. 

247Sports' Steve Wiltfong named McDowell as one of the top performers, while ESPN's Jared Shanker listed him as an MVP:

Shanker also gave us an impressive look at one of McDowell's overpowering one-on-one battles with Jones:

Although McDowell already has the physical traits and talent to make an impact right away at the collegiate level, there is still plenty of room for him to grow and improve. 

For everyone except Mark Dantonio and his staff, that has to be a scary thought.