This year, it’s defensive end Malik McDowell.

The 5-star prospect out of Southfield (Mich.) committed to Michigan State on national signing day, apparently to the dismay of his parents. His mother said she didn’t want Malik to go to Michigan State and his father said he preferred seeing him leave the state of Michigan altogether.

Still, McDowell went with his heart with his commitment. “I felt like (Michigan State) can get the best out of me,” said McDowell, who added that the recruiting process was “really stressful.”

And it’s not over for McDowell.

According to Rivals.com, McDowell was the only player on the site’s top 250 list who did not sign a letter of intent. Without signing the letter, he can still attend another college because his verbal pledge is non-binding.

On Monday, his father told Rivals.com that there’s a good chance Malik takes some unofficial visits.

“I know he is open to taking some unofficials to Florida State and Ohio State,” Greg McDowell told Rivals.com. “We plan on doing some unofficials and see if he and his mom can resolve this. It’s possible she’ll be open to Michigan State as well, so we’ll have to see.”

McDowell did not give a time frame for a final decision, but the signing period ends April 1.

McDowell is ranked the No. 26 overall player by Rivals.com and No. 38 by 247Sports.com.


FRANKLIN AGAINST HOMOSEXUALITY 


A large number of Missouri football players expressed support for Michael Sam after their teammate came out publicly this weekend. One player who didn't make an enthusiastic declaration: senior quarterback James Franklin.

That's not to say Franklin is hostile toward Sam. Franklin on Monday explained his position to TMZ.com.

"I don't drink. I don't curse. I don't support (homosexuality) — but it doesn't mean I don't accept Michael," Franklin was quoted as saying.

"A lot of people confuse supporting and accepting," Franklin added.

Franklin told TMZ that Sam did not cause any disruption.

"Michael respected us. He didn't make us feel uncomfortable in the locker room," Franklin was quoted as saying.

Franklin also made it a point to say he would not shun Sam in the future.

"He can be whoever he wants to be. I'll be there for him no matter what," Franklin told TMZ.


MORE VOLS GET CITATIONS


Seven more Tennessee football players have received citations in connection with a party that led to the arrests of two current players and one former Volunteer.

A police report filed by the Knox County Sheriff's Office states that linebackers Curt Maggitt, Jakob Johnson and Jalen Reeves-Maybin were cited for providing alcohol to underage people. Offensive lineman Dontavius Blair, defensive lineman Malik Brown, cornerback Justin Coleman and defensive end Dimarya Mixon were cited for underage consumption.

Linebacker A.J. Johnson and former linebacker Dontavis Sapp were arrested on charges of purchasing alcohol for a person underage and resisting arrest. Nose tackle Danny O'Brien was charged with criminal impersonation, resisting arrest and underage consumption of alcohol. Johnson and Sapp are 22 years old. O'Brien is 20.

The arrests of Johnson, Sapp and O'Brien were announced Sunday morning. The citations of the other players were revealed when the police report was released late Sunday evening.

Knox County Sheriff's Office spokesperson Hillary Coward said that people who receive citations are given a later booking date rather than being taken into custody immediately.

Officers say they received a call about a loud party at a Knoxville apartment and responded at about 12:02 a.m. Sunday. Sapp said he'd quiet the party down, but officers someone turned the music up as they were leaving. Officers also said they later heard about a fight in the area.

The report by Officer John Sharp stated that Sapp tried to pull away as they attempted to secure him. Sharp said Johnson also grabbed him by the shoulder in an attempt to keep Sapp from being detained. Sharp said he pulled Johnson to the ground as Officer Keith McFarland took control of Sapp, but Johnson "continued to resist arrest by pulling away and rolling around."

The report also states Sapp and Johnson provided alcohol and marijuana to numerous underage individuals, including at least one minor. Officers said they observed marijuana residue in a pipe, but "the pipe was destroyed by the residents of the apartment as the ownership of the apparent drug paraphernalia could not be determined."

Officers say O'Brien provided identification indicating he was over the age of 21, but further investigation showed he was actually 20. The report said O'Brien "had a very strong odor of alcohol on his breath and became combative" as officers took him into custody.

Sapp, Johnson and O'Brien have all been released.

"We are aware of the situation and are still in the preliminary stages of gathering all facts and information," Tennessee coach Butch Jones said in a statement released by the university Sunday. "We have very high standards and expectations within our football program at the University of Tennessee, and appropriate action will be taken."

Jones told Knoxville radio station WNML on Monday that he's "obviously very embarrassed about it and I know our players are as well. It's not who we are. It's not what we stand for."

Johnson made a team-high 106 tackles last fall in his third season as a starter. He had 138 tackles in 2012 and ranked fourth among all Football Bowl Subdivision players with 11.5 tackles per game. Johnson announced last month he would return for his senior season rather than entering the NFL draft.

O'Brien made 12 tackles and played in all 12 games in a reserve role as a redshirt freshman last season. Sapp closed his career last fall by starting 12 games and making 66 tackles.


KANSAS STAFF CHANGES


Kansas coach Charlie Weis is still tinkering with his coaching staff, moving Rob Ianello to director of research and adding the title of recruiting coordinator to running backs coach Reggie Mitchell.

Ianello had previously been in charge of the Jayhawks' wide receivers, who struggled mightily during a 3-9 season a year ago. Weis said Monday that he will handle wide receivers and Ianello will spend most of his time on recruiting.

The moves came after the Jayhawks wrapped up this year's recruiting class last week, and after new offensive coordinator John Reagan had a chance to review the coaching staff.

Kansas begins spring practice March 4. The annual spring game is April 12.


WASHINGTON STATE WR ARRESTED


Washington State wide receiver Gabe Marks has been arrested following a weekend altercation at a Pullman bar.

Marks was arrested early Saturday at Stubblefields bar.

The Spokesman-Review reported Monday that Marks was cited by police for four misdemeanors, including assault, criminal trespass, being a minor intoxicated in public and frequenting a tavern.

Pullman police say the 19-year-old Marks is accused of punching an employee of the bar. He was not jailed and is free while awaiting a court date.

A spokesman for the WSU football team says they do not comment on internal matters.

Contributors: Ken Bradley, Tom Gatto, The Associated Press