New Ohio State Football Target Palepale Planning First Trip to Columbus

Fast-rising Pennsylvania native along the defensive front has verbal commitment timeline in mind

Author:
Buckeyes Now Staff
Feb 11, 2023 9:57 AM EST

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Ohio State Buckeyes

Deyvid Palepale is on the rise.

The Pennsylvania native, who recently announced his move to IMG Academy, has been adding scholarship offers on routine of late. The last three fresh in for the 6-foot-3, 300-plus pounder featured 10-plus win teams from 2022 in Ohio State, Michigan and Washington.

"Them being on the national stage and to recruit me is insane," the junior told Buckeyes Now over the weekend. "It’s a winning program and every year they continue to prove why they belong on the biggest stage."

An interior projection who is closing in on 20 scholarship offers, Palepale is just now seeing his stock soar. He is picking up tenders from national powers despite not carrying a ranking via the On3 Consensus or 247Sports Composite just yet.

Still, Larry Johnson has targeted him and each side is now working on an initial recruiting trip to Columbus.

"Coach Johnson was telling me that he thinks I’d be a great fit into the program," Palepale said. "Telling me that I am explosive, and have a very quick first step. And telling me I’d have a great impact my first year.

"They want me up in the spring."

The upcoming stretch of the college football offseason will prove critical for one of the hottest juniors in the country. Palepale will look to hit the visit trail hard, including places like Michigan, Notre Dame, Miami, Colorado, and others that have offered, before a summer decision.

"I want to commit by this August, before my senior season," he said.

As a junior at Landisville (Pa.) Hempfield, Palepale helped the Black Knights to seven wins and a second-round playoff appearance in 2022. He also competes in varsity basketball.