The soap opera that is star defensive end Malik McDowell's recruitment continues to provide twists and turns.
McDowell is the top prospect in Michigan in the 2014 recruiting class and one of the nation's top 35 players. He announced last Wednesday that he would be attending Michigan State despite his mother's objections. But he hasn't sent in a letter of intent and can sign with any school he wants before April 1.
Malik McDowell (6-foot-7, 290 pounds) lives with his mother -- whom the Detroit Free Press reported has sole custody -- in Southfield, Mich., a Detroit suburb.
Monday, his father, Greg McDowell, told 247sports that his son still wants to sign with Michigan State. But he also told Rivals.com that he and his son plan on revisiting Florida State and Ohio State soon. Those schools were two of Malik McDowell's four finalists, along with Michigan and Michigan State.
"We plan on getting down to Florida State as soon as possible, and with Ohio State being a three-hour ride, we'll drive over and sit down," Greg McDowell said.
Greg McDowell said there was a chance Malik and his mom can reach a resolution on his initial decision.
"It's possible she'll be open to Michigan State as well, so we'll have to see," he said.
Greg McDowell had said he did not want his son at Michigan State, but took a different stance after his son's announcement last Wednesday.
"My son, he stood up and said, 'Hey, this is where I want to be,' and despite my reservations and his mom's reservations, I fully support my son," he said.
The Free Press reported that a national letter of intent must be signed by the custodial parent for it to be valid. But a Big Ten tender offer could be signed by McDowell's father, and that would bind him to Michigan State within the conference.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio and his staff signed the consensus No. 3 class in the Big Ten; it ranked 21st nationally. McDowell would be the Spartans' best signee.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
