The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/152358
commitment profile the Maize and Blue, Wangler had an easy decision to commit to U-M, right? Not exactly. Complicating his decision was a commitment to Penn State he'd made back in May. "Both schools have great degrees," he said. "They're two great schools, so it was a tough decision. I've always loved Michigan, and I really like Penn State. "Penn State, they were the first big school to really jump on me," he continued. "I can't say enough about Coach [Bill] O'Brien and Coach [Ron] Vanderlinden, who is my linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. He's an amazing coach. I love Penn State: the fans are great, it's a great family, it's also Linebacker U., and I think the program is going in the right direction for sure." Although he had plenty of kind things to say about the Nittany Lions, his future is to follow in the family footsteps to Ann Arbor. He visited for a Michigan fall practice Aug. 8, and by the end of the following day he was a Wolverine. Seeing former teammates Shane Morris and his brother Jack in action for the 2013 Wolverines sealed the deal. "Being able to play for my dad's alma mater, and to play with my brother close to home at my dream school is a special opportunity," he said. Although it meant that his son had to break a commitment he'd already made, John Wangler was happy that Jared — like Jack — will have the opportunity to suit up for dad's former team. Film Evaluation Strengths: Wangler is a quick athlete more so than a fast one. He has plenty of experience at the safety position, which helps him play the pass as a linebacker. He diagnoses plays quickly and reacts well to the ball in the air. He is at his most natural in coverage, where he has even lined up at cornerback in offseason camps. He is a sound tackler with good instincts for the game. Areas Of Improvement: Wangler's size is adequate for the high school level, but to make an impact on Michigan's defense he will have to add a lot of mass. His current weight of 215 pounds will have to become 230 before he sees the field. If he sticks on the strongside of the formation, he will have to improve on his ability to use his hands in taking on and defeating blockers, something with which he doesn't have much experience. Michigan Player Comparison: Jonas Mouton entered Michigan in 2006 as a 6-2, 215-pound high school safety. He bulked up during a redshirt year, and by the time he graduated following the 2009 season he stood 6-2, 240. Wangler will make a similar transformation in his Michigan career physically, and will have more consistently excellent coaching. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com