Michigan State signs 2025 three-star Macomb (Mich.) Dakota LB DiMari Malone
Michigan State signed 2025 three-star Macomb (Mich.) Dakota linebacker DiMari Malone on Wednesday.
Malone (6-2, 220) committed to Michigan State on May 12 after several visits to East Lansing in the spring. He took his official visit to Michigan State during the weekend of June 7. Malone chose the Spartans over Indiana, Kansas, Pittsburgh and Rutgers, among others.
Malone is the No. 849 prospect, No. 90 linebacker and No. 16 player from Michigan in the 2025 class, per the On3 Industry Rankings.
Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith quickly familiarized himself with Dakota High School after his arrival in East Lansing last December. He visited the school on Jan. 12 and extended an offer to Malone on Jan. 19. Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi solidified Malone’s commitment to the Spartans before the official visit season began, which meant that Malone only visited East Lansing during the summer.
Malone has since returned to East Lansing for a couple of Spartan home games, as well as Spartan Dawg Con at the end of July. His high school teammate, three-star offensive lineman Justin Bell, also signed with Michigan State on Wednesday.
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Scouting summary
Malone has above-average instincts at the linebacker position. He’s a good athlete and has some sneaky speed, but his instincts and football IQ are what set him apart from other high school prospects. He played nearly every meaningful snap during his final high school season. Malone played linebacker on defense and tight end/running back on offense. He also featured on Dakota’s field goal and punt block units. Malone has a chance to play early on special teams for Michigan State while he develops behind a deep crop of linebackers.
Reminds us of…
Malone’s football IQ, natural instincts and ability to make an impact reminds us of former Michigan State linebacker Darien Harris. Harris, Michigan State’s assistant athletic director and head of business development and NIL strategy, played five seasons for the Spartans (2011-15). Harris earned four letters for Michigan State and played in 54 career games, which is tied for the most of any player in Spartan history. He earned 25 starts over his last two seasons and was a key special teams player during his first two years in East Lansing.
Personal life & stats
Malone finished his senior season with 53 tackles (11 for a loss). He scored 11 total touchdowns (seven rushing, three receiving and one off of a fumble recovery). This year, Dakota High School made it to the MHSAA Division I regional final, where it fell to eventual state champion Cass Tech, 21-14. The Cougars finished 10-2 on the season.
