Sparty yes! Long recruiting saga over for Malik McDowell

One of the more bizarre stories coming out of National Signing Day back in February has come to a conclusion, hopefully. Malik McDowell, the prized five-star defensive end from Michigan, has finally submitted his official letter of intent to Michigan State. Michigan State is the school he wanted to attend this whole time, but family drama made for a complicated signing process even though McDowell committed to the Spartans on signing day.

My LOI was sighed and faxed in at 11:12 last night I’m official a Spartan Dawg!!! #GoGreen #GoWhite

— FAT LEEK (@D1_LEEK) April 2, 2014

Despite his intention to go to Michigan State originally, his parents not signing off on the decision did not keep Michigan State from being a winner on signing day. Now that the issues have been sorted, the Spartans remain one of the big winners of the most recent recruiting season. McDowell took a look at Ohio State but never wavered on his commitment to the Spartans, perhaps just waiting for his parents to come around to the decision.

The addition of McDowell is obviously a big win for Michigan State. Adding one of the top players from within the state is always significant when it means you keep that level of talent away from in-state rival Michigan and the likes of Ohio State. Coming off a Big Ten and Rose Bowl championship does not hurt, and Michigan State’s defensive style certainly must have been a solid selling point for Mark Dantonio and the staff.