The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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AUGUST 2025 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 39 ❱ COMMIT PROFILE BY EJ HOLLAND M ichigan scored a big win on the recruiting trail in June, earning a commitment from four-star Liberty Hill (Texas) High defensive lineman Ali- ster Vallejo. Vallejo made his decision before even taking an official visit. According to his father, Orlando, Alister knew Michi- gan might end up being his future home from the moment they stepped on cam- pus back in the spring. "When we went on our first visit in April, we got to the campus and the sta- dium, and it was kind of magical, actu- ally," Orlando said. "It was pretty cool to see it and experience it. We got to meet all the staff. They toured us around, and we really liked the campus. They showed us the apartments where they live, and it looks like a little city. "We saw a lot when we first got there. Seeing the tradition, the trophies and all of that, it was a cool moment. He went in without an offer, but he came out with an offer. "Leaving there, we all looked at each other, and we thought, 'This place is pretty special.' It felt good. It was very family friendly. We were really comfort- able there. The weather was nice — a lot better than Texas. I asked Ali if he could see himself there, and he said 'Yeah, I can be a Michigan Man.'" Alister made an unofficial visit to Notre Dame in early June and also took an of- ficial visit to Kansas. While both schools were under strong consideration, Alister simply kept coming back to Michigan. "Ali really loves the development," Or- lando said. "He was really impressed with the weight room. When he got the offer there, he was like, 'This could be real.' The draft picks helped and played a factor. For his position, it's DLU. They take guys that are good and make them better, but they can also make them great. He was really impressed with the practice and style. He saw the drills with Coach Espo [defensive line coach Lou Esposito], and it really hit with him and with me. "I coached him when he was in third grade all the way up to sixth grade. I'm a get your hand in the dirt and get after it kind of guy. He loves that style. He said he wanted to be coached by someone like me and Carlos Chester, his coach here. He sees that style in Coach Espo and Coach [David] Denham. He likes how gritty they are. That suits him best." At 6-foot-3, 310 pounds, Alister, Rivals' No. 21 defensive lineman and No. 270 overall recruit, projects as a three-technique in Michigan's defen- sive scheme, and he is the perfect fit for the Mason Graham role. Naturally, Michigan pundits and fans have already started the comparisons be- tween Alister and Graham, who also flew under the radar before becoming one of the best to ever don a winged helmet. "He doesn't model his game after any- body in particular," Orlando said. "There are some similarities between him and Mason Graham as far as height and weight. A lot of people see and notice that. Ali is very strong for his age. He's only 17, and he's benching 400 pounds. You don't really see that. He's been training with Coach Carlos since fifth grade, so his technique is really sound. To hear those comparisons, though, is definitely a compliment. That dude is a dawg, and that's what Ali is. "He's going to try to beat the guys in front of him, and he's not going to stop until the whistle blows. The comparison is very similar. Ali hears it. There was even an AI photo with Ali and Mason. It's pretty cool to see that they are com- paring you to the No. 5 [NFL Draft] pick. You can't do much better than that." ❑ Texas Defensive Lineman Alister Vallejo Picks U-M PLAYER EVALUATION STRENGTHS: Alister Vallejo is a powerful interior defensive lineman who does a fantastic job of using his brute strength to his advantage. The Texas native overwhelms quality op- position and consistently lives in opposing teams' backfields. Vallejo is at his best against the run, but he also has the ability to provide a pass-rushing presence from the interior. Vallejo handles double teams well and is technically sound. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT: Vallejo plays with violent hands but can be more consistent in that area. While he has plenty of power, it would be nice to see Vallejo add a bit more athleticism. Vallejo doesn't offer much length at the position and doesn't have the NFL measurable projection that you often see in elite defensive line recruits. MICHIGAN PLAYER COMPARISON: That same line about arm length and NFL projection was also used against former Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham. However, Gra- ham was ready to play at Michigan from his true freshman season in 2022 and blossomed into a first-round draft pick. Vallejo could surprise many and follow a similar career path as Graham. He is perfect for that role at U-M. — EJ Holland Vallejo, a four-star prospect from Liberty Hill, Texas — shown with U-M defensive line coach Lou Esposito — is rated the No. 21 defensive lineman nationally by Rivals. PHOTO COURTESY ALISTER VALLEJO