Michigan State true freshman DT Malik McDowell has made sudden impact

EAST LANSING — When Malik McDowell signed with Michigan State last spring it represented the highest-ranked national recruit of the Mark Dantonio era since Lawrence Thomas chose the Spartans three years earlier.

Thomas, a 6-foot-4, 309-pounder from Detroit’s Renaissance High School, redshirted his first season, played fullback his second season and battled through an injury-marred sophomore year before winning a starting defensive tackle position this season.

McDowell, 6-6, 307, has played in all 10 games as a true freshman, seeing some of his most extensive action for the No. 10-ranked Spartans in their 37-15 win at Maryland on Saturday night. - Read more at MLive.com