Michigan lands commitment from former Notre Dame DL pledge Owen Wafle

Michigan has scored an important win on the recruiting trail.

Three-star Princeton (N.J.) Hun School defensive lineman Owen Wafle gave the Wolverines a verbal commitment on his official visit this weekend.

“Right off the bat, Michigan told me they really liked my game and apologized for coming 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 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 really well at Michigan.”

Wafle is listed at 6-foot-2, 267 pounds but has added 20 pounds to his frame this offseason. Wafle was recruited to play the three-technique and can also move around the defensive line and play the nose and 4i if needed.

As Wafle mentioned, he believes he’s a great fit for Jesse Minter’s defensive scheme.

“They have a completely interchangeable 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. Obviously, Mazi Smith and Kris Jenkins do that. One was a first round draft pick, and it looks like Kris is going to be a first rounder. I talked to Kris a little bit, and he had nothing but good things to say about what’s going on at Michigan.”

Wafle committed to Notre Dame in May of last year and appeared to be happy with his pledge to the Irish before Michigan made a strong push this spring. Once Wafle made it clear he wanted to make an official visit to Michigan, the two sides parted ways.

“I don’t have anything bad to say about Notre Dame,” Wafle said. “Michigan just started coming around and talking to me. At first, I was like ‘I’m committed to Notre Dame.’ I didn’t want to overstep any boundaries. Michigan gave me more information on their school, how I would fit into their defense and got me talking to a lot of coaches there. I wanted to schedule an official visit, and Notre Dame has a policy that you cant take OVs if you’re a committed player. I felt like I owed it to myself and the recruiting process that I needed to check out Michigan.”

Wafle is ranked as the No. 38 defensive lineman and No. 409 overall prospect nationally, per the On3 Industry ranking.

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