Two Ohioans anchor Michigan State’s early 2012 recruiting class
By Bucknuts Media Network
McGowan talks MSU verbal
Centerville offensive lineman Benny McGowan said two weeks ago Michigan State was in the lead for his services, despite an impressive offers list. He wanted to check out MSU’s campus for the first time during Saturday’s spring game and confirm they were his choice.
Consider it done. McGowan arrived in East Lansing early Saturday morning and spent roughly five hours checking out the football building, touring campus and mingling with coaches. Shortly before McGowan and other commits walked to Spartan Stadium for the Green and White game, he delivered the good news to coach Mark Dantonio.
“We get there, I went in and sat down with coach Dantonio and coach (Mark) Staten,” McGowan said. “Talked to them for a little bit, then I talked to (strength and conditioning coach Ken) Mannie and went around the workout facility, went and toured campus. After that was when I really decided I wanted to commit. That’s when it felt right.”
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman said he will likely play guard for the Spartans. He held additional scholarship offers from Iowa, Indiana, UCLA, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Iowa, Kent State, Ohio and Toledo.
“I just liked everything about it there so I decided to commit,” McGowan said. “I loved everything about it, the coaches, the atmosphere, I just thought it was awesome.”
McGowan also took visits to Ohio State, Notre Dame and Cincinnati, but said they didn’t compare to the Spartans.
“I loved the atmosphere and how the coaches acted,” McGowan said. “It was definitely the best presentation. It wasn’t a junior day, but I went to a couple and compared to those Michigan State was definitely the best.”
McGowan said distance did play a role in choosing the Spartans over top programs like Iowa and UCLA, but overall MSU was simply a more appealing fit. Defensive backs coach Harlon Barnett served as his primary recruiter.
“I liked the energy he brought,” McGowan said. “Whenever I called him and talked to him on the phone it was good to see they were excited about me and he just gave off good energy.”
McGowan comes from a long line of talented players at Centerville. Former Ohio State linebacker and current Green Bay Packers star A.J. Hawk is an alum, along with former Buckeyes quarterback and current ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit. MSU has also offered McGowan’s teammate, defensive lineman Ifeadi Odenigbo.
After ending the process and making his decision to attend MSU, McGowan was able to kick back and enjoy the spring game.
“It was pretty sweet just knowing that I’ll be playing where they are in a couple years,” McGowan said. “It was a great feeling just knowing that I for sure have a scholarship and I’m excited to come up here.”
Higgins is MSU’s second 2012 commit
Marlington offensive guard Zach Higgins committed to Michigan State Saturday morning while on campus to attend the MSU spring game.
“Yes, I committed to Michigan State,” Higgins told Spartan Tailgate.
The 6-foot-4, 310-pound offensive lineman held additional offers from Northwestern, West Virginia, Cincinnati and a host of MAC schools.
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