USC DL pledge Deyvid Palepale flips commitment to Michigan

Michigan has scored a massive win on the recruiting trail.

Three-star 2024 Landisville (Pa.) Hempfield defensive lineman Deyvid Palepale flipped his commitment from USC to Michigan before the early signing period.

Palepale committed to USC in July. However, the Trojans recently parted ways with defensive coordinator Alex Grinch. This opened the door for Michigan to make a move in his recruitment.

Palepale, who is originally from Alaska, was considered a Michigan lean going into the summer and made an official visit before siding with USC.

“It just felt like a home vibe,” Palepale told The Wolverine this offseason. “My mom really loved it, too. She really liked how Coach Herb (Ben Herbert) transforms guys. Aidan Hutchinson came in looking like a receiver and left how he is now. That stood out to me and my family. She doesn’t have to worry about me eating too much or too little. The biggest thing is reaching my potential, and I think Michigan can do that. If I were to go to Michigan, she wouldn’t have to worry about me leaving the nest.”

Michigan defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive coordinator Jesse Minter led the way in this recruitment and saw him at his school on multiple occasions in the offseason.

Palepale can play multiple positions along the defensive line in Michigan’s defensive scheme.

“(Minter) was telling me that he sees another Mazi Smith in me. He also sees some Kris Jenkins. He thinks I’m a mix of both. My style of play fits in well with their scheme. It meant a lot for him to compare me to them because those dudes are beasts. My favorite team is the Cowboys, so to be compared to him is crazy. Then you have The Mutant. It’s crazy.”

At 6-foot-2, 305 pounds, Palepale is ranked as the No. 79 defensive lineman and No. 787 overall prospect in the country, per the On3 Industry Ranking. He is also ranked as the No. 20 overall recruit in the state of Pennsylvania this cycle.

Michigan has 26 commits in its 2024 recruiting class, which came into the day ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten and No. 16 nationally, per the On3 Industry team recruiting rankings. The class is highlighted by Top 100 Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller running back Jordan Marshall, Top 100 Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day quarterback Jadyn Davis and Top 100 Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst offensive tackle Andrew Sprague.