Michigan State DT Malik McDowell makes 'difficult decision' to leave

EAST LANSING - Malik McDowell has announced that he will leave Michigan State to enter the 2017 NFL draft.

“I’m excited to announce that after careful consideration and numerous discussions with my family and coaches, I have decided to forgo my remaining college eligibility at Michigan State University and enter the 2017 NFL Draft,” McDowell wrote in a Twitter post. “This was a very difficult decision and I will always cherish my time in East Lansing. I want to thank my family, coaches, teachers, administrators and teammates. I’m ready to fulfill my childhood dream of playing in the NFL. I promised my parents that I could come back to Michigan State University to finish my college education and get my degree.”

Joya Crowe, McDowell’s mother, called it “an exciting time” but did not have further comment.

McDowell’s decision had been expected for much of the Spartans’ 3-9 season. The junior hurt his left ankle in the second half at Illinois on Nov. 5. Coupled with rib injuries that he dealt with throughout the season, he did not play in the Spartans’ final three games.

The 6-foot-6, 276-pound Southfield native has been considered a potential first-round NFL draft pick, though he told reporters before the season that he wouldn’t leave MSU unless he was a top-three selection. McDowell has signed with Rosenhaus Sports and NFL super-agent Drew Rosenhaus, who tweeted a picture of McDowell and his family signing the paperwork.

“Malik McDowell is an extremely gifted player who has demonstrated the ability and mindset to succeed at the next level,” MSU coach Mark Dantonio said in a released statement. “His pre-draft numbers project him as a likely first-round selection. We are thankful for his contributions to the program that significantly impacted our recent success, culminating with last year’s Big Ten Championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff. We wish him the best and are excited for the opportunity in the next chapter of his life as he pursues his dream to play in the NFL.”

The Spartans will return Raequan Williams and Mike Panasiuk as sophomore defensive tackles next season. The duo manned the starting spots following McDowell’s ankle injury. Kyonta Stallworth also saw some time as a backup late in the season, and Naquan Jones sat out as a redshirt after a hand injury early in the season.

McDowell had 34 tackles and 1.5 sacks in nine games this season, bouncing between defensive tackle and defensive end. Over 36 games at MSU, he had 7.5 sacks and 90 tackles, including 24.5 for lost yardage.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @chrissolari.