The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1493247
2023 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE 40 THE WOLVERINE MARCH 2023 BY EJ HOLLAND Michigan was considered the leader for four-star Oswego (Ill.) High tight end Deakon Tonielli for the majority of his re- cruiting cycle. U-M assistant Jay Harbaugh identified Tonielli early and made him a top priority on the tight end board. However, Michigan endured several staff changes following the 2021 season, including moving Har- baugh from tight ends to safeties. It took a little bit of time for Tonielli to build up a similar bond with tight ends coach Grant New- some. But by the time his summer official visit in mid-June of 2022 rolled around, Newsome had done enough with Tonielli and his family. The talented Chicagoland pass catcher sided with the Wolverines just two days later. "From the jump, I had a great connec- tion with Jay Har- baugh," Tonielli said. "His connection led to my connection with Coach New- some. It all flowed together well. Michi- gan has the highest level of education mixed with the highest level of football. I can't go wrong with that." A former Michigan player, Newsome is the youngest member of Michigan's coaching staff and found a way to quickly develop a relationship with Tonielli. "Coach Newsome is only two years older than my brother," Tonielli said. "He understands the life of a teenager. The age gap really isn't there. We were able to connect and bond after we got to know each other. We were able to click because of how much he knows and how he's able to relate to me." Newsome also received some help from star pupil Colston Loveland, who earned the starting job by the end of his freshman season. Loveland served as Tonielli's official visit host, and the two have a budding friendship. "I got to know him on my visit, and we clicked right away," Tonielli said. "We both have similar backgrounds and came from smaller towns. I can see that he's a true guy. I texted him after games. He's definitely like a big brother to me. I'm excited to build my connection with him even more now." Now, Tonielli is ready to play along- side Loveland. "With Erick All entering the portal and a couple of guys graduating, there are some spots opening up," Tonielli said. "Colston Love- land went nuts as a freshman. I'm try- ing to work my way in there and form a good combo with him. I want to work as hard as I can to be as ready as I can. I'm just excited to be another threat out there." Tonielli will arrive on campus in June. Over the next few months, Tonielli, who has always been consumed with basketball in the spring, will fully dedicate himself to football training as well as Michigan's workout plan. "I'm focusing entirely on football and lifting," Tonielli said. "I'm not worry- ing about basketball. I'm in the gym ev- ery day, and I'm throwing with my high school quarterback on the weekends. I know they are going to have the right recipe at Michigan. I'm ready to get up there." ❏ Deakon Tonielli Could Be Next Standout At Tight End 2023 Projection Tonielli is a tall, athletic pass catcher who should make an impact for the Wolverines in the near future. However, he will more than likely spend his freshman campaign adding weight to his lanky frame and growing more comfortable as an in-line blocker. Tonielli was a star as a flex end at the high school level but saw limited time in a more traditional tight end role. Tonielli did it all at Oswego (Ill.) High. Besides excelling as a tight end, he played defensive end, safety and even quarter- back. He also punted and snapped. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND STATISTICS Year Rec. Yds. TD 2022 42 550 5 2021 32 385 2 2020 25 440 2 HONORS • Special Mention All-State by the Cham- paign News-Gazette as a senior (2022). • Beacon-News/Courier-News All-Area Team as a senior. • Named all-conference as a senior. • The Panthers finished 3-6 in his senior season; went 6-4 with a playoff appear- ance his junior year; and won the district title going 5-1 his sophomore year in a COVID-shortened season. RECRUITMENT • Committed to Michigan on June 19, 2022, after receiving an offer in August 2021. • Picked U-M over offers from Illinois, Ten- nessee, Michigan State and Iowa State. • Recruited by U-M safeties/special teams coach Jay Harbaugh (primary) along with tight ends coach Grant Newsome and offensive coordinator and line coach Sherrone Moore. DID YOU KNOW? • Also played defensive end, punted and snapped for Oswego; played safety early in his career; and filled in as emergency quarterback during his junior year. • Also lettered in basketball and track and field for the Panthers. Was a full-time varsity player in football and basketball as a sophomore. • Son of Saul Tonielli and Jill Bryska. • Born Oct. 7, 2004. THEY SAID IT Oswego head coach Brian Cooney: "His measurables set him apart from a lot of the other guys. Being 6-foot-5, 230 pounds with that type of athletic ability is unique. Early on in high school, he stood out." DEAKON TONIELLI TIGHT END 6-5 • 230 OSWEGO HIGH SCHOOL OSWEGO, ILL. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 396 23 6 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 19 4 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 20 5 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 13 6 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 47 14 consensus