Spartans in a good spot with McKee

Columbus (Ohio) Marion Franklin linebacker Anthony McKee is nearing a decision following his second recruiting visit to Michigan State on Wednesday.

"My first visit was last year when they played Michigan, but I didn't really see a lot because they beat Michigan and everybody was excited, wanted to get out," McKee said. "(This time) I saw the campus and talked with former teammate Robert Bowers about his experiences up there. He's a freshman now and he loves Michigan State."

McKee himself has had a recruiting relationship with Michigan State assistant coach Mike Tressel since his freshman year, and comes off his most recent visit to East Lansing with his interest in the Spartans as high as it has been.

"It is really a stronger vibe. I got to see more, take some notes," McKee said. "I love their D, their coaches and what they are doing over there. It's just a good deal and I've been hearing from them since I was younger."

Coming off the visit, McKee said it would be accurate to describe Michigan State as the team to beat, but he has not made a commitment to the Spartans yet.

"People were asking me was I going to commit and I was telling them it could go either way," McKee said. "I talked to (Mark) Dantonio where I stand with that. I didn't commit so I could come home and talk it over with a few people, but (Michigan State) can feel really good where they stand."

That is a good spot for the Spartans to be sitting considering McKee does not plan to take his recruitment out much longer.

"I want to get it over with before senior year so I can focus on my senior year," he said. "I definitely do plan on getting it over with before senior year."

Michigan State is recruiting the 6-foot-2, 195-pound McKee for their STAR position. As a junior he tallied 110 tackles, 12 sacks, three interceptions, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery for a touchdown playing for Walnut Ridge High.