(Editor's note: I'm not sure if this roundup is going to continue into the football season. It will depend on a few things, but is it something you would like to see continued? Let me know in the comments)
We're almost two weeks away from games, and the build-up is killing me. I've got my tickets to the Boise State game and just want the college football season to get underway. That really doesn't have to do with this roundup, but I couldn't think of a good intro.
Anyway....
RT
— Dave Berk (@DMBerk) August 10, 2012@allentrieu: Malik McDowell just showed up to practice. Has all MSU stuff on.
I normally put 2014 stories after the 2013 stories in the roundup, but Detroit defensive end Malik McDowell is a big enough prospect that it's worthy. Some people have considered McDowell a Michigan lean, but it appears MSU will have its shot for the state's top prospect. McDowell has offers from plenty of the top schools in the nation.
As for the in-state schools, Will Gholston's success has been a major factor for McDowell's interest in MSU. It's his favorite part about MSU, according to this Scout article. A big junior year for Gholston could affect MSU's standing with McDowell.
Michigan State: I like what they've done with Will Gholston, cause he's a monster.
Michigan: I just like their school. I've always liked their school.
Here's another general story on his MSU interest from 247.
Finley feels connection with Spartan coaching staff (Rivals) - Down to three finalists, Cass Tech OT Dennis Finley says the coaching staff is what he likes most about MSU. Given that Ohio State may be filled up with offensive linemen, it has seemed that MSU is the team to beat for a while. He expects to make a decision during his senior season.
Thomas still on Spartan radar (Rivals) - Detroit Country Day OT Poet Thomas hasn't been heard from in a few weeks, but he's getting interest from more schools nationally. He still doesn't have offers from MSU or U-M and seems to be considered a fringe BCS player, but offers from Florida and Colorado show some teams certainly see him as more. With MSU still looking for offensive linemen, Thomas is one to watch.
Cooper slows it down (247) - Chicago DE Demetrius Cooper was planning on making his decision at the end of August, possibly after he visited MSU for the Boise State game, but now he's expecting an Illinois offer and wants to make a few visits before making a decision.
Cali DB will visit Michigan State (247) - California safety Brandon Arnold will visit MSU for the Ohio State game. MSU and Cal appear to be his current leaders.
Allen talks Indiana commitment (Rivals) - When Indianapolis safety Antonio Allen committed to Ole Miss, it caught quite a few people off-guard. Well, he decommitted two weeks ago and then committed to Indiana. Allen went to the same high school as Isaiah Lewis and MSU was high on his list before the Ole Miss commit. There wasn't much news on him regarding MSU after that.
Webb, parents impressed by unofficial visit (Rivals) - 2014 Cass Tech CB Damon Webb and his parents loved his visit to MSU at the opening of camp. LSU, MSU, Michigan and Ohio State are the four at the front right now, but Webb's father raved about Mark Dantonio.
"I was really blown away with the campus and the coaching staff," said Webb Sr. "We liked it so much that we ended up staying all day. We met with coach Mark Dantonio and his staff then got to watch the team practice. Coach Dantonio is the head coach that I came away feeling the most comfortable with."
New Jersey standout enjoys Spartan visit (Rivals) - 2014 athlete Kiy Hester enjoyed his visit to MSU last week and likes the coaches. The usual.