The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1516256
2024 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ ❱ 60 THE WOLVERINE ❱ MARCH 2024 BY EJ HOLLAND Recruits don't always have one specific moment they can point to that directly led to a commitment. But that's not the case with Michigan defensive line signee Deyvid Palepale. The three-star defensive lineman from Manheim Township (Pa.) High remem- bers watching Michigan take on Penn State. As the game unfolded, Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant went viral for chasing down PSU running back Kaytron Allen way down the field. It was at that moment that Palepale knew he had to reconnect with Michigan. "That play specifically is one I can point to," Palepale said. "That one made head- lines. It was all over every sports page. That just speaks to the development and the belief they have in young guys. "As soon as I saw that, I texted [for- mer defensive line] Coach [Mike] Elston. Watching that game excited me even more about reaching out." Palepale was considered a Michigan lean early in the process but surprised many when he committed to USC in the summer. A native of Alaska, Palepale grew up rooting for USC and got caught up in the moment when he made his official visit there in the summer. He never stopped paying attention to Michigan, though, and ultimately flipped to the Wolverines just before the early signing period this past December. "My family and I had multiple talks," Palepale said. "One day, we sat down, and they asked me where I really wanted to be. USC is really far from home. It's all the way across the country. I wasn't content with my decision. I let Michigan know that I really wanted to be there." Palepale, the No 78 defensive lineman nationally, was a key late addition to the class. The Wolverines had a need for a massive nose tackle prospect, and Palep- ale certainly fills that void. "I can see myself playing heavily on the inside," he said. "I can play the one, two, three and maybe even the four-technique. I feel like I am very versatile. I love taking on the double teams, shedding blocks and stopping the run. I know I can develop my pass rush. I see myself doing whatever they need me to do." In the 2024 Polynesian Bowl all-star game, he recorded 2 tackles, including 1 stop for loss at the goal line. His brute strength was on display as he bulled his way into the backfield several times by knocking his blocker to the ground. While Michigan's entire defensive staff left this offseason, Palepale committed to U-M for more than just his relationships with the previous coaches. "It just felt like a home vibe," Palepale said. "My mom really loved it, too. She re- ally liked how Michigan transforms guys. Aidan Hutchinson came in looking like a receiver and left how he is now. That stood out to me and my family. "My mom doesn't have to worry about me eating too much or too little. The big- gest thing is reaching my potential, and I think Michigan can do that." ❑ Alaskan Native Deyvid Palepale Brings Wide Body And Brute Strength To U-M Defensive Line Palepale, the No. 78 defensive lineman nation- ally, flipped his commitment from USC to Michigan in December. PHOTO BY JIM HESS 2024 Projection Palepale missed most of his senior year with a stress fracture in his foot. While he is fully healthy, Palepale will need some me to adjust to the next level and get back in the flow of playing football. He has the size and skill set to get into the rota on early but will likely learn behind Kenneth Grant. STATISTICS Year Tackles TFL Sacks 2023 Injured/Transferred 2022 49 10 2.5 2021 29 10 4 HONORS • Polynesian Bowl All-Star (2023). • PrepStar All-Eastern Region (2023). • Pennsylvania Football News' Outstanding Line- man of the Year (2022). • Sec on 1 first-team Offense and Defense (2022). • Pennsylvania Sportswriters Class 6A first-team All-State (2022). RECRUITMENT • Pledged to Michigan Dec. 9, 2023, a er receiv- ing offer in February 2023. • Picked U-M over notable offers from Notre Dame, Penn State and USC. • Originally commi ed to USC before flipping to Michigan. • Recruited by former U-M defensive line coach Mike Elston. DID YOU KNOW? • Moved from Alaska to Pennsylvania when he was 14. • Played two seasons on varsity at Hempfield (Pa.) High before transferring to Manheim as a senior, where he did not play due to injury. • Cousin of Detroit Lions offensive lineman Penei Sewell. • Son of Tumua Lauano and Sayonara Palepale. • Born May 27, 2006. THEY SAID IT On3 director of scou ng and rankings Charles Power: "Palepale plays with a good center of gravity with a lot of balance. He has a really strong power base and takes on mul ple blocks. He also can create some destruc on by pushing the pocket. He's a compactly built defensive lineman. At 305 pounds, he's very stout physically. There's not much bad weight there. He can anchor and move well enough to create some destruc on along the interior. He's the type of defensive line- man you want to have in the Big Ten." DEYVID PALEPALE DEFENSIVE LINEMAN 6-3 • 305 MANHEIM TOWNSHIP (PA.) HIGH ANCHORAGE, ALASKA RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ 829 78 20 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 76 25 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 84 18 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 27 12 ✪ ✪ ✪ — 35 17 INDUSTRY