USA Today with a Malik McDowell story including quotes from his Mom.

EAST LANSING – Malik McDowell wasn’t actually talking to reporters or NFL teams when he declared earlier this month that he wouldn’t leave Michigan State early for the NFL unless he’s projected as a top-three draft pick.

McDowell doesn’t seem like one to pander for effect. And, I’m told, he doesn’t read headlines. Or pay any attention to what’s written about him. So this column will stay between us.

He was talking to only one person on Aug. 8 — himself.

“Mmhmm,” McDowell agreed last week.

McDowell may or may not wind up at the top of NFL draft boards next spring. But he’s going to die trying. He’s made up his mind about that. And …

“Once I figure out what I want to do, that’s what I want to do,” he said.

There is no greater truth about McDowell than this.

His teammates, coaches, his mother — seemingly everyone who knows MSU’s imposing 20-year-old defensive lineman uses some variance of the term “headstrong” to describe him. “Once he has his mind set on something, that’s what his mind is set on,” MSU senior safety Demetrious Cox said.

SawGreen wrote:Stretch that top 3 to a top 20 young man. But nice to hear that you are enjoying the MSU experience.

LooseGoose wrote:Another story with Joya quotes.....

Couch: Headstrong as ever, Malik McDowell again has his mind made up

EAST LANSING – Malik McDowell wasn’t actually talking to reporters or NFL teams when he declared earlier this month that he wouldn’t leave Michigan State early for the NFL unless he’s projected as a top-three draft pick.

McDowell doesn’t seem like one to pander for effect. And, I’m told, he doesn’t read headlines. Or pay any attention to what’s written about him. So this column will stay between us.

He was talking to only one person on Aug. 8 — himself.

“Mmhmm,” McDowell agreed last week.

McDowell may or may not wind up at the top of NFL draft boards next spring. But he’s going to die trying. He’s made up his mind about that. And …

“Once I figure out what I want to do, that’s what I want to do,” he said.

There is no greater truth about McDowell than this.

His teammates, coaches, his mother — seemingly everyone who knows MSU’s imposing 20-year-old defensive lineman uses some variance of the term “headstrong” to describe him. “Once he has his mind set on something, that’s what his mind is set on,” MSU senior safety Demetrious Cox said.

Most football fans know Buddha as Desmond King. Last year, he earned the Jim Thorpe Award, honoring the nation’s top defensive back after he tied an Iowa record with eight interceptions and led the Hawkeyes to their winningest season in school history. J.D. is Michigan’s star cornerback Jourdan Lewis. In 2015, he led the nation in most passes broken up with 15, earning him All-American status as well after he sparked Michigan to a 10-win season. Double M is Malik McDowell, who has grown into becoming the Big Ten’s most imposing defensive lineman. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound McDowell had 13 tackles for loss last fall as he helped Michigan State win the Big Ten title.