Michigan Football: Analyzing commitment of 4-star TE Andrew Rappleyea
Michigan football continued to build its 2023 recruiting class with the addition of four-star tight end Andrew Rappleyea.
If Michigan football fans were worried about the Wolverines losing momentum on the recruiting trail or not capitalizing on their recent run to the College Football Playoff, they can put their minds to rest, at least a little on Sunday following the commitment of four-star tight end Andrew Rappleyea.
Rappleyea is out of Milton, Massachusetts, and is another big addition at the end position for the Wolverines at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds. Back in the 2021 recruiting class, the Wolverines landed Louis Hansen a four-star tight end who is still set to make a big impact.
Now, the Wolverines have landed another talented prospect from the Northeast at the position and Jay Harbaugh continues to be a stellar recruiter and whatever position he coaches.
Rappleyea visited for the Ohio State game and also visited Ann Arbor this weekend, which was the first weekend after the dead period ended. And on Sunday, the No. 332 prospect in the 247 sports composite rankings pledged to Michigan football.
According to On3.com’s recruiting rankings, Rappleyea ranks even better. In the consensus rankings for 2023, he’s the No. 18 tight end and in the On3 specific rankings, he’s 10th. In both rankings, he’s among the top-200 recruits in 2023.
Tight end was a strength of Michigan football in 2021. Erick All had a stellar season and will be back as will Luke Schoonmaker who came on at the end of the season. Hansen will also be in the mix for playing time and in 2022, both Colston Loveland and Marlin Klein were added too.
As far as what it means for the future of Jim Harbaugh as Michigan football coach? It’s probably a good sign but it wouldn’t be the first time a coach kept recruiting before taking another job.
It just shouldn’t be taken to mean more than it is. It does show that maybe if Harbaugh does leave, Michigan will be sticking with this coaching staff. Then this all would make more sense.
Next. 4 possible candidates if Harbaugh leaves. dark
At any rate, Rappleyea is a solid addition and as we have seen before with guys like Cornelius Johnson and Kwity Paye — players in the Northeast are underrated — so watch out.