The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1242051
MAY 2020 THE WOLVERINE 47 COMMITMENT PROFILE D ominick Giudice came out of no- where. Just hours after earning an offer, the two-star New Monmouth (N.J.) Mater Dei Prep defensive end went from recruiting unknown to Michi- gan commitment. "Coach [Shaun] Nua hit me up and said he watched my film and really liked me," Giudice said. "I was re- ally happy because Michigan was my dream school. He shared my film with Coach [Jim] Harbaugh and Coach [Don] Brown, and we set up a FaceTime call. "They offered me on the call, so I talked to my parents and we made the decision. I called them back and committed." For the Giudice family, the decision was a no-brainer. After all, Giudice grew up loving Michigan. In fact, playing in The Big House has been a goal since early childhood. "Growing up, Michigan was my dream school," he said. "I imagined playing for them as a kid. I've been working towards that goal since I was 5. I always watched them on TV and loved the way they played hard-nosed football. Also, they have tremendous academics." Giudice committed to Michigan over offers from Air Force, Ball State, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Massa- chusetts, Temple and others. Though he has yet to visit Michi- gan and is just getting to know the coaching staff, he is already off to a strong start in the relationship-build- ing department and can't wait to get to campus after the dead period. "I've had great talks with Coach Nua, Coach Harbaugh and Coach Brown," Giudice said. "They are high-intensity guys that I want to play for. Coach Nua has been reach- ing out a lot, and we're building a great relationship. I'm excited to meet them when I visit. "I'll be up there after all of this [coronavirus-induced dead period] is over. I want to see the facilities and everything they have to offer aca- demically and athletically." Giudice was one of New Jersey's state sack leaders as a junior, regis- tering 22. While he doesn't have a ton of big offers, he is an intriguing prospect with upside. "I think he's going to fit in great at Michigan," Mater Dei Prep head coach Dino Mangiero said. "He's a defensive end that's going to get a lot bigger. Maybe they move him inside. He's a really wide-shoulder kid. He's up to about 260-265 right now. He'll play next year at 270-275. "He'll be quick and agile. He doesn't have an ounce of fat on his body. He's a strict trainer. He eats properly. He goes 1,000 percent. He'll fit in great." Michigan likes the versatile pros- pect at multiple spots along the de- fensive line. "They basically like me as an an- chor strong-side defensive end or a three-technique," Giudice said. "I'll play whatever. I feel like my biggest strengths are my motor and relent- lessness. I never give up on a play. I use my hands well. I have hand violence and speed. I'm aggressive. I just want to smash somebody in the mouth on every play." At 6-4 and 262 pounds, Giudice is not ranked at this time. — EJ Holland New Jersey Sack Machine Dominick Giudice Jumps On Offer From U-M FILM EVALUATION Strengths: Dominick Giudice was a sack machine as a junior. He uses his hands well and has a relentless motor. When you turn on the film, that's the first thing that pops out. He's always on the move and plays with reckless abandonment. He is a big hitter and plays with an angry attitude. While he can get after the quarterback, he is very solid against the run as well. Weaknesses: Giudice is an extremely productive high school defensive line- man, but the big question with him is how he will transition to the next level. Only a two-star prospect, he lacks the athleticism that most schools covet in a defensive lineman. He will more than likely need to slide inside and be a defen- sive tackle in college. He needs to improve his flexibility and lateral movement. He is more of a project from a recruiting perspective. Michigan Player Comparison: Jess Speight has been a glue guy for Michigan along the defensive line. The former walk-on earned a scholarship, is a former Scout Team Player of the Year and found his way onto the field last year. Giudice projects as a similar contributor that will always give his all for the team. He may not be an impact player, but he will provide depth and leadership. — EJ Holland Giudice "Growing up, Michigan was my dream school. I imagined playing for them as a kid. I've been working towards that goal since I was 5." Giudice, who grew up a Michigan fan dreaming of playing in The Big House, notched 22 sacks as a junior. PHOTO BY TOM LEMMING