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2022 Altoona (IA) Southeast Polk athlete Xavier Nwankpa coveted a Michigan offer. And on Sunday, when he visited Ann Arbor, he got what he wanted.
While his biggest takeaway from his visit was meeting and spending time with the coaching staff, he was speechless at getting the offer, given the prestige and reputation of the maize and blue.
“Michigan did offer,” Nwankpa told WolverinesWire. “I was surprised and still in shock because of how highly they are held and the standard and players they produce.”
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Michigan is recruiting Nwankpa primarily on defense, but as an athlete who has various abilities, he received something of a full-court press from the coaching staff, getting time with the full-breadth of the powers that be in Schembechler Hall during his visit on Sunday.
“Coach Zordich was explaining the man defense they run,” Nwankpa said. “Coach Jean-Mary and I were just talking and conversating since he was new also. Coach Brown I talked to for a little bit, talking defense and schemes. Coach McDaniels was with us the whole time — easy guy to talk to and relatable. And finally, Coach Harbaugh – (we) we’re chopping it up cracking jokes. (He’s) really just easy to connect with.”
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He notes that he doesn’t yet have a set position in the eyes of the staff, but he feels like his versatility certainly makes him capable of playing wherever he finds a home.
“I think I could fit in well since I’m a physical player who isn’t afraid to tackle or make plays,” Nwankpa said. “At what position I don’t know, but being versatile I feel like I could fit in well.”
As far as what he’s looking for, academics is at the top of his list, to go along with a cultural fit at whatever school or program he chooses.
At the moment, in-state Iowa is recruiting him the hardest, but he admits he grew up rooting for LSU.