Under Coach Muschamp, wielding tough defenses will always be a priority for the Florida Gators football team. Part of continuing that trend is a willingness to go after top defensive prospects clear across the country. One of Muschamp’s top targets is Southfield (MI.) High defensive lineman Malik McDowell.
“I talk to Florida at least once or twice every week,” said McDowell. “ I plan to officially visit Florida, I want to visit for the Florida/Florida State game but I’m not sure because of my high school schedule. I have to talk to my coach about it. If I can’t visit for a game then I will get down there after the season.”
The 6-foot-6, 292-pound McDowell has yet to visit but he’s eager to come down to the University of Florida to see the campus and Gainesville.
“I just want to see what it’s like down there, see if I can live down there and go to school there,” McDowell said. “The distance isn’t a factor for me because my family will move to wherever I go so it’s just wherever I feel comfortable at and get along with the coaches.”
The Michigan native has double digit offers from schools across the country and says many of the top schools are calling and recruiting him hard.
“Florida, Florida State, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, Notre Dame are the main schools I talk to a lot,” said McDowell. “I’m not sure when I’m going to make my decision so I guess just whenever I feel comfortable and find the school that’s best for me. It may be signing day or it may be before that.”
As a testament to his value to the Gators and their defense, Will Muschamp is personally recruiting McDowell.
“Coach (Will) Muschamp and coach (Brad) Lawing are the coaches I talk to the most from Florida,” said McDowell. “They talk to me about playing more defensive tackle but also playing some defensive end as well. Coach Muschamp is recruiting me himself which shows how big of a target I am to Florida.”
With several top schools hot after him and a limited number of official visits, McDowell knows where he’ll go for now: “Florida, Florida State, Alabama, LSU, and USC are the schools I’m going to take officials to.”