Signee Spotlight: Michigan DL signee Deyvid Palepale on recent flip from USC, more

Three-star Manheim (Pa.) Township defensive lineman Deyvid Palepale officially signed with Michigan on Wednesday.

The Wolverine’s EJ Holland caught up with Palepale about putting pen to paper and what it means to be a Wolverine. Watch the full Q&A in the video above.

The Skinny

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 305
Senior Stats: Recorded six total tackles and three sacks in just three games
Industry Ranking: No. 78 defensive lineman, No. 799 overall
Interesting Facts: Originally from Alaska. Transferred from Landisville (Pa.) Hempfield to Manheim Township during his senior year. Cousin of Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell. Big fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Participated in track and field (shot put and discuss).

Recruitment

Palepale was considered a Michigan lean for the majority of the offseason but surprised many when he committed to USC in the summer. Palepale got back in contact with Michigan this fall and flipped to the Wolverines this month. Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston served as his primary recruiter. U-M defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as his secondary recruiter.

He Said It

“I think we rushed it a little bit. I committed onsite at USC. After letting it settle, I realized that five hour plane ride is a lot longer that it seemed in my head. Not only that, I took in the fact that the degree is a lateral step, especially in accounting, which I want to major in. Coach (Mike) Elston played a big part and so did Coach (Jim) Harbaugh. Seeing what those guys went through during the season and still coming out undefeated and finishing No.1 definitely played a role.”

They Said It

“I saw Deyvid for the first time two years ago at a game. He was a very big kid, but, at the time, he was a little bit more lean. He was moving pretty fast. Last year, I saw him get more heavy but played the same. Being in-person with him every day, I didn’t realize how athletic he was until I got to work with him hands on. The way he’s performed and completed the workouts I’ve thrown at him is very impressive. A lot of kids his size can’t perform the drills I give him. He’s a hard worker. He does everything correct and is very detailed.” — Neal Cameron, private trainer

Scouting Report

“I think Palepale plays with a really good center of gravity with a lot of balance. He has a really strong power base and takes on multiple blocks. He also can create some destruction by pushing the pocket. He’s a compactly built defensive lineman. He’s well built at 315 pounds, so he’s very stout physically. There’s not much bad weight there. So, he can anchor and move well enough to create some destruction along the interior. He’s the type of defensive lineman who you want to have in the Big Ten.” — On3 Rankings Director Charles Power