Michigan football lost a member of its 2023 recruiting class Sunday when three-star tight end Andrew Rappleyea reneged on his verbal pledge and committed to Penn State instead.
Rappleyea, who plays at Milton Academy in Milton, Massachusetts, announced the decision on social media.
“Michigan is a great place with great people but the reality is, I committed too quickly and take full responsibility for that,” Rappleyea wrote on his Twitter account. “I have come to realize that my heart is at Penn State. I have developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff dating back to my first visit last September. I’m excited about matriculating at Penn State and playing football four hours from my home.
“I am completely and fully committed to Penn State. My recruitment is closed.
“Thank you.”
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The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Rappleyea was a four-star prospect when he committed to U-M in January but has since dropped to a three-star rating. He’s the No. 373 overall prospect and the No. 19 tight end in the class of 2023, according to 247Sports. He held additional scholarship offers from Florida, Michigan State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Wisconsin, among others.
Andrew Rappleyea poses in a University of Michigan football uniform during his recruiting trip in December.
The addition of Rappleyea bumps Penn State’s class up to fifth nationally and first in the Big Ten. Michigan’s group drops to 13th nationally and fifth in the Big Ten behind PSU, Ohio State, Iowa and Michigan State.
Contact Michael Cohen at mcohen@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @Michael_Cohen13.
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