Brady Pallante makes the Michigan choice

When he picked up a greyshirt offer from Michigan in mid-February, Naples (Fla.) Barron Collier junior defensive tackle Brady Pallante made it no secret that he would likely pledge to the Wolverines at the first opportunity.

"It's a decision that's going to affect the rest of my life, so it's a really big one obviously. I'm going to talk to my parents, and it's going to be what's best for my family and me. My parents are definitely going to play a huge role in where I'm going to go to college.

"When I feel 100% comfortable, 100% that the coaches believe in me and I believe in the program, then that's when I'll make my decision. Whether that's when I go up there and visit, or if that's in the summer time. It's whenever I feel like I'm ready."

Pallante made it clear that making his commitment to Michigan was likely a matter of timing. This afternoon, on a visit to Michigan's campus (which lasts through Sunday), the time was right. He offered his commitment to Michigan head coach Brady Hoke.

"There's no comparison with any other university," he said. "Really, I'm excited just to get up there and meet the kids that are part of Team 135 - the other recruits and stuff - and hang out with the players on the team."

As a greyshirt prospect, Pallante plans to enroll part-time at Michigan in the fall of 2014, and join the football team as a full-time student for the Winter semester and spring practice. However, there's always the possibility that his timetable moves up, as well. That was the case with 2012 signee Jeremy Clark, who initially committed to the Wolverines as a greyshirt and received a full scholarship offer before Signing Day.

Pallante can be considered the fifth member of the Class of 2014 or the first of the Class of 2015 for Michigan.

The 6-1, 270-pounder was part of a Barron Collier team in 2012 that finished 7-4 and lost in the first round of the state playoffs. This Winter, he won a state title on the wrestling mat - and is eager to translate that success to the gridiron in the fall.