The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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38 THE WOLVERINE ❱ AUGUST 2023 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND O we n Wa f l e t h o u g h t h e found the right fit. The three-star defensive line- man from Princeton (N.J.) Hun School gave Notre Dame a verbal pledge last year. However, Mich- igan made a late push this spring and ultimately earned Wafle's commitment following his of- ficial visit in June. "Right off the bat, Michigan told me they really liked my game and apologized for com- ing in a little late," Wafle said. "They told me how great of a fit I would be. "Coach [Mike] Elston is one of my favorite people to talk to. He has the track record to back up what he's talking about. "He's not an in-your-face recruiter. He's laid back. He sees where your head is at but doesn't gun after you. He really likes talking with you. "The main part was defensive fit, and I feel like I can fit in re- ally well at Michigan." Wafle is listed by On3 at 6-foot-2, 267 pounds but has added 20 pounds to his frame this offseason. He was recruited to play the three-technique and can also move around the defensive line and play the nose if needed. As Wafle mentioned, he believes he's a great fit for Jesse Minter's defensive scheme. "They have a completely inter- changeable defensive front," Wafle said. "Coach Elston and Coach Minter told me I would be playing anywhere from the five-technique to the zero. I love playing all over the defensive line. "Mazi Smith and Kris Jenkins do that. Mazi was a first-round draft pick, and it looks like Kris is going to be a first- rounder, too. I talked to Kris a little bit, and he had nothing but good things to say about what's going on at Michigan." Development also played a big role in Wafle's decision. Wafle, who is ranked as the No. 38 defensive lineman and No. 419 overall prospect nationally in the On3 Industry Ranking, has plenty of upside and knows how much he can grow under head strength coach Ben Herbert and Elston, who is known as one of the best developers of talent nationally. "Their defense has been ri- diculous the past two years," Wafle said. "Coach Elston com- pletely changed the defensive line. In practice, I would be go- ing against the best every day, and it would make me that much better. "I want to work for my posi- tion. I want to prove to myself and everybody else that I'm here for a reason. It's one of those places that seems like the right fit." Elston also did a tremendous job of building a personal con- nection with Wafle. "He doesn't pressure you to do anything. He's going to reach out to you and recruit you, but he's not in your face. That's something that really stood out to me. "There are a lot of coaches out there that try to force you to do things, and that's never fun. His idea was to let the school talk for itself. The school was very loud." While flipping from one program to another — especially a rival — is never easy, Wafle's family was in full support of his decision. His father, David, who was a defen- sive lineman at Duke, joined Owen for his official visit and was also blown away with what Michigan had to offer on and off the field. "We all agree that the combination of academics and high-level football is pretty rare," David said. "All of us re- ally enjoyed the place. We love it. We love the way Coach [Jim] Harbaugh has things set up. You have the focus on ac- ademics, the focus on internships, the focus on having jobs and being prepared for life after football no matter when it might come. "It's unbeatable. With the tradition and the level they're playing at, you can't ask for a better place." ❏ New Jersey Defensive Lineman Owen Wafle Flips To U-M The On3 Industry Ranking lists Wafle as the No. 38 defensive line- man in the country and the No. 9 player in New Jersey. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Wafle is one of the more underrated defensive linemen nationally. The three-star pros- pect is listed at 6-foot-2, 267 pounds but has added 20 pounds to his frame and is right around 290 pounds now. Wafle has great length despite his height limitations. He's also quick off the ball and has tremendous power. Wafle, who also starts at fullback, is athletic and hardly has any fat on his body. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Wafle is ready to be an immediate contributor along Michigan's defensive line, but he doesn't have much of a ceiling in terms of athletic or frame potential. He is also on the shorter side for a three-technique. His lack of height could hinder him at the next level. Wafle has the versatility to play nose but may not be able to carry much more weight. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: Wafle could follow in the same path as U-M sophomore Mason Graham, who started as a true freshman. Graham was considered a high-floor prospect with the physi- cal tools to make an early impact. Like Graham, Wafle has the size, strength and technique to play early on in his career. Wafle also has longer arms than Graham, which should help in the trenches. — EJ Holland