The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1543210
MARCH 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 29 2026 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE "You just didn't know, when you got up there, how many friendly faces were going to be there," Ishmel said. They enjoyed the chance to see Sean Magee as well. Michigan's general man- ager played a significant role in keep- ing the 2026 class together during the coaching change. They met Whitting- ham briefly during move-in weekend and also spent some time with Powell, who left a positive impression. "He seems pretty genuine," Ishmel said. "He just told McHale, 'Be ready to play. Don't come in thinking you're a freshman. If you don't have the mindset that you're going to take somebody's spot and play in his place, then this is not the place for you.' And that's what we love to hear." McHale checks in at 6-4, 245 pounds. He has the skill set to stick on the edge as a pass rusher, or he could add weight and play with his hand in the dirt at the next level. Despite the coaching change, their family did not worry much about scheme fit because McHale is versatile enough to play just about anywhere. The new staff reassured them that the defense will not change much under co- ordinator Jay Hill's leadership. Powell's conversation with McHale before the move went well. He was ready to meet the edge rusher and hit the ground run- ning. His family left Ann Arbor after a cou- ple of days. McHale moved into his new apartment, complete with a pool and a gym. They bought an electric scooter to help him get around campus, and now he's ready to get to work as an early en- rollee who hopes to see the field quickly. "Now, the dust is all cleared, and he got settled in," Ishmel said. "He's in classes now. We got him moved into his apartment. I think my wife's done cry- ing finally." It was an emotional departure for the whole family. McHale joked to his mother and younger siblings that they are "a bunch of softies." Ishmel said his son feels great about his college future at U-M. "There was just so much unknown," Ishmel said. "But one thing's for cer- tain, he still wants to be a Michigan man and represent that Block M. I don't think he ever was trying to get a release out of his signing." ❑ Blade was the lone freshman defensive lineman to enroll early at U-M in January. PHOTO BY ETHAN MCDOWELL MCHALE BLADE EDGE 6-4 • 245 SIMEON CAREER ACADEMY CHICAGO RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE Industry ✪✪✪ 416 46 13 ✪✪✪ — 45 12 ✪✪✪ — 50 14 ✪✪✪✪ — 35 9 STATISTICS • Limited statistics available throughout his ca- reer. • Credited with 12 tackles, including 2 for loss, with 2 forced fumbles as a senior in 2025. • Limited action as a junior in 2024. • In seven games as a sophomore in 2023, posted 22 tackles, including 5 for loss, with 1.5 sacks. HONORS • Rated a PrepStar Top 300 All-American. • Team captain as a senior in 2025. • Three-year varsity letter winner. RECRUITMENT • Committed to Michigan on June 9, 2025. • Picked U-M over notable offers from Notre Dame, Purdue, Illinois and Wisconsin. • Recruited by former U-M defensive line coach Lou Esposito, now with the Baltimore Ravens. DID YOU KNOW? • Attended Country Club Hills Hillcrest (Ill.) High for his first two years before transferring to Simeon for 2024 and '25 seasons. • Enrolled at U-M in January 2026. • Son of Ishmel and Nicole Blade. • Born Jan. 19, 2007. THEY SAID IT Simeon head coach Sinque Turner: "His lead- ership skills, his knowledge of the game, it's un- matched. He's almost like a coach on the field. And that big frame, he's a nightmare to offensive linemen. I know that Michigan is definitely getting a good guy in McHale." 2026 PROJECTION Blade is the only freshman defensive lineman to enroll early. He missed his junior season with an ACL injury but returned to the field as a senior and, despite a minor shoulder injury that kept him out of a few games, he finished his prep career strong. The early enrollee has a super-high ceiling but will need time to develop. He's a redshirt candidate.