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Ranking Big Ten recruiting efforts over the last decade

Ranking Big Ten recruiting efforts over the last decade

Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes reign supreme when it comes to recruiting in the Big Ten.

 • Mike Farrell
Self-Scouting: Evaluating recent five-star defensive ends

Self-Scouting: Evaluating recent five-star defensive ends

Did Rivals over-perform or under-perform with its rankings at the DE position from 2012 to 2015?

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Five-Star History: States that produce the fewest

Five-Star History: States that produce the fewest

South Carolina has produced 10 five-star prospects, including Jadeveon Clowney.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Take Two: Does Dantonio get enough credit for recruiting wins?

Take Two: Does Dantonio get enough credit for recruiting wins?

Michigan State has done a fine job of landing in-state talent, but the Spartans aren't always the talk of the Big Ten.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
Three-Point Stance: Tom Herman; Pac-12 snapshot, reflections on 2014

Three-Point Stance: Tom Herman; Pac-12 snapshot, reflections on 2014

Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell discusses Tom Herman's big splash, 2018 Pac-12 recruiting and more.

 • Mike Farrell
NFL Draft Snapshot: Defensive tackles

NFL Draft Snapshot: Defensive tackles

Another positional preview for the NFL Draft, and another Alabama atop the board. Up next: Defensive tackles.

 • Mike Farrell
Post NFL-Combine stock report: DT

Post NFL-Combine stock report: DT

The SEC, led by Jonathan Allen, is well represented as Rivals experts examine the DT draft class post-NFL Combine.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
Midwest spotlight: What if stars picked different schools?

Midwest spotlight: What if stars picked different schools?

The college football landscape may have looked very different if some Midwest stars picked different college programs.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Rival Views: Adam Gorney's NFL mock draft

Rival Views: Adam Gorney's NFL mock draft

How many QBs will be picked in the first round, and where are they headed?

 • Adam Gorney
Pre-combine rankings: Defensive tackle

Pre-combine rankings: Defensive tackle

Several former five-star prospects rank highly on Rivals' pre-NFL Combine defensive tackle draft board.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
National Signing Day flashback: Malik McDowell, 2014

National Signing Day flashback: Malik McDowell, 2014

Malik McDowell knew where he wanted to go. He just had to get his mother on board.

 • Woody Wommack
NFL Draft: How the 2014 five-stars project

NFL Draft: How the 2014 five-stars project

The five-star prospects from the class of 2014 should be well represented in the early rounds of the 2017 NFL Draft.

 • Woody Wommack, Mike Farrell
Ranking the top 32 prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft

Ranking the top 32 prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft

Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney have Clemson QB Deshaun Watson in very different slots of the NFL Draft. See both lists.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
NFL Draft stock report: Defensive tackle

NFL Draft stock report: Defensive tackle

Some former five-star DTs have seen their NFL draft stock rise and fall this season.

 • Adam Gorney, Mike Farrell
Midseason NFL Draft outlook: Defensive tackle

Midseason NFL Draft outlook: Defensive tackle

A former five-star recruit tops Rivals' list of top 2017 NFL Draft defensive tackle prospects.

 • Mike Farrell and Adam Gorney
Rivals.com Five-Star Club: Favorite Fives

Rivals.com Five-Star Club: Favorite Fives

Rivals.com analysts recall the players they pushed the hardest to receive that distinction, and went on to back it up.

 • Rivals.com
Midwest Breakdown: Current five-stars in college football

Midwest Breakdown: Current five-stars in college football

How are former five-stars from the Midwest currently faring in college football? We take a look.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Ranking the top 32 prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft

Ranking the top 32 prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft

LSU running back Leonard Fournette is among our top 32 prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Three former five-star prospects lead latest installment of Farrell 50

Three former five-star prospects lead latest installment of Farrell 50

The Farrell 50 countdown continues with Nos. 26-30, headlined by three former five-star prospects.

 • Mike Farrell
The Five-Star Challenge Five-Year Team: Defensive Line

The Five-Star Challenge Five-Year Team: Defensive Line

The Five-Star Challenge has featured amazing talent at the defensive line the last five years.

 • Mike Farrell and Mark Pszonak
Ranking the top 32 prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft

Ranking the top 32 prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft

Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson leads our early look at the top 32 eligible prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft.

 • Adam Gorney and Mike Farrell
Five-star tracker: Teams on cusp

Five-star tracker: Teams on cusp

Several former five-stars, like Florida's Vernon Hargreaves III, have their teams on the cusp of the college football playoff.

 • Blair Angulo
Five-Star Challenge: Stars of 2012

Five-Star Challenge: Stars of 2012

Quin Blanding was among the future stars at the first <i>Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge Presented by Under Armour</i>.

 • Mark Pszonak and Mike Farrell
New suitor for Williams

New suitor for Williams

Now that 3-star DE Raequan Williams has an offer from Michigan State, Josh Helmholdt believes the Spartans are the team to beat.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Five who will make an impact: Big Ten

Five who will make an impact: Big Ten

Jabrill Peppers should make his presence felt quickly at Michigan. Which other Big Ten true freshmen could have a big impact?

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Signing McDowell: What it means ...

Signing McDowell: What it means ...

The writers of SpartanMag.com analyze the impact of the Malik McDowell signing on a variety of fronts.

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 • Matt Dorsey and Jim Comparoni
Dantonio: McDowell made a mans decision

Dantonio: McDowell made a mans decision

Mark Dantonio believes Malik McDowell is good enough to play immediately.

 • Jim Comparoni
Five-Star McDowell finally a Spartan

Five-Star McDowell finally a Spartan

The longest and strangest dramas in the class of 2014 has came to an end as 5-star DE Malik McDowell signed with Michigan State.

 • Josh Helmholdt
I think I think ... Helmholdts final 2014 thoughts

I think I think ... Helmholdts final 2014 thoughts

KD Cannon and his fellow WRs have the best chance to make a big impact as freshman, says Josh Helmholdt, who wraps up 2014.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
I think I think ... Gorneys final 2014 thoughts

I think I think ... Gorneys final 2014 thoughts

Adoree' Jackson made a wise decision when he picked USC, says Adam Gorney, who wraps up the 2014 cycle with one last look back.

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 • Adam Gorney
Focused on one

Focused on one

It's nearly two weeks past National Signing Day and the situation surrounding Malik McDowell has not been resolved. However, the five-star prospect sa

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 • Marc Givler
Midwest storylines: Big Ten must protect turf

Midwest storylines: Big Ten must protect turf

Can the Big Ten protect its turf? Will Jerome Baker earn a fifth star? Josh Helmholdt examines the Midwest storylines for 2015.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Rivals.com: Top Big Ten recruiters

Rivals.com: Top Big Ten recruiters

Zach Smith helped Ohio St. win some out-of-state recruiting battles in 2014. See the top recruiters of 2014 from the Big Ten.

 • Rivals.com
McDowell situation unresolved, visits on tap

McDowell situation unresolved, visits on tap

Malik McDowell remains unsigned nearly a week after Signing Day, but his family hopes a couple visits will help resolve things.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Top performers: Elite Big Man

Top performers: Elite Big Man

Junior OL John Keenoy proved to be a mismatch during the Elite Big Man Camp. See who else made Josh Helmholdt's top performers.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Signing Day Blitz: Ranking the Big Ten

Signing Day Blitz: Ranking the Big Ten

Landing Raekwon McMillan and keeping big names close to home helped Ohio state land the Big Ten's best class on Signing Day.

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 • Rivals.com
Deep Read: Inside Signing Day

Deep Read: Inside Signing Day

Analyzing Michigan State's strong finish to the 2014 recruiting cycle, and the entire recruiting year.

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 • Jim Comparoni
Signing Day winners and losers

Signing Day winners and losers

Who were Signing Day's biggest winners and losers? Adoree' Jackson made USC one of the day's winners, declares Woody Wommack.

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 • Woody Wommack
National Signing Day: Conference Breakdown

National Signing Day: Conference Breakdown

Find out what our experts had to say about Derrick Nnadi picking Florida State and all the teams in all the major conferences.

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 • Rivals.com
Signing Day notes: Harris flip, Evans surprise

Signing Day notes: Harris flip, Evans surprise

The day's biggest surprise? Rashaan Evans slipping an Alabama hat on at Auburn High School. Rob Cassidy recaps Signing Day 2014.

 • Rob Cassidy
Video: Malik McDowell explains why hes a Spartan

Video: Malik McDowell explains why hes a Spartan

SOUTHFIELD - Malik McDowell explains why he selected Michigan State. His father explains why he supports his son's decision to play for Mark Dantonio.

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 • Rico Beard
McDowell recruitment sizzles toward its end

McDowell recruitment sizzles toward its end

Malik McDowell hasn't spoken publicly since Monday. But his mother seemed to indicate that he was favoring MSU, Tuesday.

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 • Jim Comparoni
Five Signing Day predictions

Five Signing Day predictions

Will WR Malachi Dupre help propel Florida State to the No. 2 overall ranking? Mike Farrell makes five Signing Day predictions.

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 • Mike Farrell
National Signing Day: Top storylines

National Signing Day: Top storylines

Adoree' Jackson could bring joy to USC on National Signing Day. Our analysts have all the stories to watch around the country.

 • Rivals.com
4-star Evans is a Spartan

4-star Evans is a Spartan

Michigan State received huge news on Monday when four-star DT Craig Evans committed to the Spartans.

 • Matt Dorsey
McDowell previews NSD decision

McDowell previews NSD decision

Five-star DE Malik McDowell is set to announce his college choice on Wednesday, but a final decision has not been made.

 • Josh Helmholdt
McDowell gives the latest

McDowell gives the latest

The recruitment of Malik McDowell is coming down to the wire. We caught up with the 5-star in person at his school and have the latest.

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 • Rivals.com Network
Roundtable: Where will the circus be

Roundtable: Where will the circus be

There's conflicting information out there on five-star Adoree' Jackson. Could his recruitment turn into a circus on Signing Day?

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 • Rivals.com
Weekend Visits: Florida hosting Prince

Weekend Visits: Florida hosting Prince

It is a big visit weekend across the country, and at Florida, that means hosting five-star Damian Prince. We break it all down.

 • John Foletta
Around the Midwest: McDowell narrows list

Around the Midwest: McDowell narrows list

Five-star DE Malik McDowell has his list down to four. Get the latest on his finalists, Michigan State's late targets and more.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Mind of Mike: Where R100 uncommitteds stand

Mind of Mike: Where R100 uncommitteds stand

Where does Malachi Dupre stand one week before Signing Day? Mike Farrell assesses the uncommitted members of the Rivals100.

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 • Mike Farrell
Roundtable: Who needs a key prospect

Roundtable: Who needs a key prospect

Who needs five-star Adoree' Jackson more, Florida or USC? Our analysts debate this and more in the latest Rivals Roundtable.

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 • Rivals.com
McDowell sets final official visit

McDowell sets final official visit

Five-star defensive end Malik McDowell already has four official visits in the books. He has decided where he'll take his last visit.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Roundtable: Who will perform late magic

Roundtable: Who will perform late magic

Can UCLA's Jim Mora go into SEC country and land Malachi Dupre and Rashaan Evans? That's a discussion for our latest Roundtable.

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 • Rivals.com
Weekend Visits: Five-star weekend at MSU

Weekend Visits: Five-star weekend at MSU

It is a big visit weekend nationwide, and at Michigan State, that means hosting four-star Malik McDowell. We break it all down.

 • John Foletta
Reviewing big moves in position rankings

Reviewing big moves in position rankings

Wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie wasn't the only prospect to make a big move in our final class of 2014 position rankings.

 • Rivals.com
Around the Midwest: McDowell changes visits

Around the Midwest: McDowell changes visits

Five-star DE Malik McDowell is altering his visits, as are other top prospects in the Midwest. Josh Helmholdt has the latest.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Weekend makes big impression on recruits

Weekend makes big impression on recruits

Commitments Jonathan Vickers, Corey Martinez and 2015 target Jacques Patrick recap their visit to FSU this past weekend. Get the latest recruiting sco

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 • Ben Jones and Michael Langston
Final rankings bring six new five-stars

Final rankings bring six new five-stars

A big all-star season lifted Travis Rudolph to the top of the list of new five-stars in the final class of 2014 Rivals100.

 • Rivals.com
Around the Midwest: Franklin fallout

Around the Midwest: Franklin fallout

Mikale Wilbon and some others are in limbo after PSU hired James Franklin. Josh Helmholdt has the latest Around the Midwest.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Army Bowl: Handing out some awards

Army Bowl: Handing out some awards

Kentucky QB commit Drew Barker impressed all week at the Army All-America Bowl and earns some hardware as we hand out awards.

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 • Josh Helmholdt & Jason Howell
Army Bowl: West overall top performers

Army Bowl: West overall top performers

Trey Quinn was one of the most impressive performers during Army Bowl week. Jason Howell breaks down the best from the West.

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 • Jason Howell
Army: Ten match-ups to watch

Army: Ten match-ups to watch

East DT Travonte Valentine vs. West OL Damien Mama is one of 10 match-ups to keep an eye on in the U.S. Army All-America Bowl.

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 • Rivals.com
Army: West Coast linemen shine

Army: West Coast linemen shine

The West squad defensive linemen agree: Damien Mama and his fellow Californians on the offensive line have been tough to handle.

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 • Jason Howell
Army: West Team Thursday Best

Army: West Team Thursday Best

Four-star LB Derik Calhoun had another strong day at practice for the U.S. Army All-America Bowl. Who else shined for the West?

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 • Jason Howell
Army: Colorado rises for West

Army: Colorado rises for West

Damon Webb stood out among the defensive backs at U.S. Army Bowl practice on Monday. Get that scoop and more West notes inside.

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 • Jason Howell
Army: West Team Mondays Best

Army: West Team Mondays Best

Wide receiver Trey Quinn was one of several standout players on the first day of the Army Bowl practices for the West squad.

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 • Jason Howell
Buckeyes get last shot at McDowell

Buckeyes get last shot at McDowell

Solomon Thomas isn't the only Rivals100 defensive lineman that Ohio State will host on the final visit weekend of the season. Malik McDowell gives us

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 • Marc Givler
Army: Ten storylines to watch this week

Army: Ten storylines to watch this week

Can Demetrius Knox remain the nation's top-ranked guard? That's one of many things to watch this week at the U.S. Army Bowl.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Class of 2014: Whos next

Class of 2014: Whos next

Michigan State filled a big recruiting need yesterday when defensive back Montae Nicholson of Gateway High School in Pennsylvania selected the Green a

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 • Matt Dorsey
Around the Midwest: Irish after Morgan

Around the Midwest: Irish after Morgan

Notre Dame hopes to Rivals100 ILB Nyles Morgan to its growing 'backer haul. Josh Helmholdt talks ND and more Around the Midwest.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
McDowell back from UF trip

McDowell back from UF trip

Defensive end Malik McDowell came away impressed with his Florida visit, but he has several other high-profile trips coming up.

 • Josh Helmholdt
McDowell plans LSU visit

McDowell plans LSU visit

Rivals100 defensive end Malik McDowell lists LSU as one of his top seven remaining schools and plans to make an official visit there next month.

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 • Paul Letlow
Around the Midwest: Gophers rising

Around the Midwest: Gophers rising

Minnesota is making a push for some committed prospects such as Dorian Baker. Go Around the Midwest for that scoop and more.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
McDowell impressed by Saban

McDowell impressed by Saban

Southfield, Mich., defensive end Malik McDowell took the first of his five visits to Alabama and came away impressed by the Crimson Tide.

 • Josh Helmholdt
Florida visits with Rivals100 defensive end

Florida visits with Rivals100 defensive end

Southfield (Mich.) Rivals100 defensive end Malik McDowell didn't make his scheduled visit to Florida last weekend, but the Gators went to see him Tues

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 • Blake Alderman
First and 10: Plenty of drama left out there

First and 10: Plenty of drama left out there

Check out the recruitment of Joe Mixon and nine other top prospects who will keep us guessing right to the end in First and 10.

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 • Rivals.com
Around the Midwest: Buckeyes pursue trio

Around the Midwest: Buckeyes pursue trio

It looks like Alabama vs. Ohio State for Erick Smith and two of his teammates. Get that scoop and much more Around the Midwest.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Top uncommitted prospects: Midwest

Top uncommitted prospects: Midwest

Four-star defensive end Malik McDowell headlines the uncommitted prospects in the Midwest. Get the latest on where they stand.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Offer is there, but interest is fading

Offer is there, but interest is fading

Late last month Southfield (Mich.) offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor received an offer from Florida, but how much interest Florida show going forward

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 • Robert Lopez
McDowell ready for the next phase of recruitment

McDowell ready for the next phase of recruitment

Southfield (Mich.) defensive end Malik McDowell has seen his senior season come to an end, and is on to the next steps. That means official visits and

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 • Tim Sullivan
Rivals100 DE to visit LSU

Rivals100 DE to visit LSU

In the event four-star defensive end Malik McDowell of Southfield, Mich. ultimately chooses to attend LSU the Rivals100 member would have quite a welc

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 • William Weathers
Recruiting Hot Board: Defense 11/6

Recruiting Hot Board: Defense 11/6

Alabama's 2014 defensive targets are examined in the latest Hot Board. Will the nation's No. 1 Da'Shawn Hand become a part of the class?

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 • Andrew Bone
Recruiting impact: Justin Hollins

Recruiting impact: Justin Hollins

As the winds of change bring with them colder weather, falling leaves and ducks flying South for Winter, so too did those winds blow in the recruiting

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 • Scott Reed
Southfield retains trophy with rivalry win

Southfield retains trophy with rivalry win

<strong>SOUTHFIELD, Mich.</strong> - Southfield High was short-handed against crosstown rival Lathrup. That gave Lathrup a glimmer of hope to bring ho

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 • Tim Sullivan
McDowells recruitment in a holding pattern

McDowells recruitment in a holding pattern

Southfield (Mich.) 2014 defensive end Malik McDowell has a wide range of options when it comes to his recruiting process. He plans to take official vi

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 • Tim Sullivan
Defensive battle a thriller for Southfield

Defensive battle a thriller for Southfield

<strong>SOUTHFIELD, Mich.</strong> - When a defensive player on one team is committed to Michigan, and his teammate is a top prospect on the Wolverine

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 • Tim Sullivan
Recruiting Analysis: Ships sailing

Recruiting Analysis: Ships sailing

The America's Cup yacht race captivated the sports world (or at the very least Twitter) over the past few days, and a sailing analogy applies to Michi

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 • Tim Sullivan
Around the Midwest: Surprising Broncos

Around the Midwest: Surprising Broncos

Tim Cason is one of 10 3-stars in a surprising Western Michigan class. Around the Midwest looks at the chances of keeping them.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Marshall and McDowell cant combine for victory

Marshall and McDowell cant combine for victory

2014 defensive linemen Lawrence Marshall and Malik McDowell form one of the state's most formidable fronts at Southfield (Mich.) High School, and perf

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 • Tim Sullivan
Prep Kickoff Classic top defensive performers

Prep Kickoff Classic top defensive performers

With five tackles for loss, Malik McDowell earned his spot atop the list of defensive performers in the Prep Kickoff Classic.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Ten 2014 prospects with something to prove

Ten 2014 prospects with something to prove

Has five-star DE Lorenzo Carter become complacent? Find out who joins him on our list of prospects with something to prove.

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 • Rob Cassidy
Slice of Life: Malik McDowell at the Five-Star Challenge

Slice of Life: Malik McDowell at the Five-Star Challenge

Michigan fans known Malik McDowell as a dominating defensive lineman. Fewer know him as a person, and he gave The Wolverine a rare glimpse into a day

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 • Tim Sullivan
Top uncommitted prospects: Midwest

Top uncommitted prospects: Midwest

Get the latest on Malik McDowell and more as we continue our region-by-region look at who's left on the board with the Midwest.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Top Prospect Snapshot: Malik McDowell

Top Prospect Snapshot: Malik McDowell

A new feature on TheWolverine.com, taking a look at some of U-M's top remaining targets, where they stand with Michigan, and the latest updates on the

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 • Tim Sullivan
Video: McDowell taking it easy

Video: McDowell taking it easy

Rivals100 defensive end Malik McDowell is at a new school in a new system, but should be able to be his same-old dominant self at Southfield High. He'

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 • Tim Sullivan
Around the Midwest: Pierschbacher hits pause

Around the Midwest: Pierschbacher hits pause

Ross Pierschbacher seemed ready to make an announcement last week but put it off. Find out what's next in Around the Midwest.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Top uncommitted prospects: Midwest Region

Top uncommitted prospects: Midwest Region

Michigan leads for Malik McDowell but quite a few schools are still in it. Get more on the Midwest's top uncommitted prospects.

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 • Josh Helmholdt
Michigan stands out for McDowell

Michigan stands out for McDowell

Detroit (Mich.) Loyola four-star defensive end Malik McDowell made his way over to Michigan for their BBQ at the Big House event on Sunday. His father

 • Josh Helmholdt
Lay of the land: Defensive end

Lay of the land: Defensive end

Welcome to The Wolverine's new series breaking down the big picture in recruiting at each position. We're down to the final few positions, and today w

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 • Tim Sullivan