Blue Chips: Top DL target Deyvid Palepale names Top 3; what’s next?

*** I did not include three-star Landisville (Pa.) Hempfield defensive lineman Deyvid Palepale in my ‘who’s next?’ story earlier today. No, it doesn’t mean I’ve lost confidence in my prediction. However, Palepale may not make a decision until later this month. Palepale released a Top 3 last night that included Michigan, Penn State and USC. While USC hasn’t been mentioned much, Palepale is originally from Alaska and has plenty of family out West. USC defensive line coach Shaun Nua, a former U-M assistant, has strong Polynesian ties, which can only help the Trojans.

*** It wouldn’t be surprising to see Palepale make an official visit to USC at some point this month. Remember, Palepale has already used an official visit on Penn State. While the Nittany Lions pitched him on staying closer to home, I don’t think they did enough. I’m still feeling very, very good about my prediction in favor of U-M. The Wolverines did a fantastic job on his official visit over the weekend. Everybody from defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to defensive line coach Mike Elston to head coach Jim Harbaugh wowed Palepale and his family.

*** Another reason I’m still feeling good about my Michigan prediction is the Wolverines’ lack of pursuit of other nose targets. Michigan offered three-star Garner (N.C.) South Garner nose Nnamdi Ogboko during the spring evaluation period and talked about bringing him in for an official visit. However, nothing has been scheduled, and right now, I’m not anticipating that he makes it to campus. Michigan locked in an OV with three-star Fairburn (Ga.) Creekside nose Micah Boireau for this month, but that could change. I’ve put in a prediction for him to land at Florida.

*** Palepale is far and away the top priority at nose and the final missing piece to the puzzle along the defensive line this cycle. If/once Michigan gets Palepale onboard, it will solely dedicate itself to the Justin Scott race. I don’t expect Michigan take any other defensive lineman if they miss on Scott. Miami and Georgia are two huge out-of-region contenders, but if this turns into a Midwest race, I do think Michigan can beat out Ohio State and Notre Dame.

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