Kyle Rachwal grew up Blue (w/ highlights)

GBW was out to see 2014 Lapeer East (MI) High School tight end Kyle Rachwal recently. Rachwal talks about his affinity for the Wolverines, his style of play, and the keys to his recruitment.

Michigan’s effort to increase the role and recruitment of multi-dimensional and talented tight ends is as clear as ever since Brady Hoke took over the Wolverines in 2011. With multiple tight ends in both the 2012 and 2013 classes, 2014 is no different. One prospect that is having a great junior season and has been hearing more from the Wolverines is Lapeer East (MI) High School’s Kyle Rachwal.

“I always loved Michigan,” Rachwal told GoBlueWolverine. “I always loved the Maize and Blue. Running out and hitting that banner and everything. Especially having Jake Long coming out of here, that was a huge thing.”

Former Lapeer East football star and Michigan All-American left tackle Jake Long appears to have had an impact on Rachwal in more ways than one. Rachwal, at 6’3, 215 pounds, has a knack for pancaking the man lined up across from him play after play.

“First thing is physical,” said Rachwal. “I love to put my hand down and hit you in the mouth. That’s the first thing I want to do.”

Second, Rachwal possesses a unique skillset that allows him to flatten guys up front but also use his athletic ability to make plays in the passing game—and even in specific wildcat formations where he’s left all alone in the backfield waiting for the direct snap.

“It was just our heavy formation and I get the ball and they just block down,” said Rachwal. “I just put my head down and go.”

As Rachwal has gone on the field, his recruitment has matched the pace and isn’t limited to just Michigan at this point. Rachwal says he’s hearing from Toledo, Central Michigan, Nebraska and others as of right now.

First things first, Rachwal is hoping to land an offer from anyone at this point and will look closely at a school’s tradition when the time comes for him to make a decision.

“A scholarship is the number one thing obviously,” said Rachwal. “And then just big with tradition and how they play and everything. I love Michigan’s tradition, but you never know.”

Click play below to watch highlights of Rachwal (#20) as he delivers several physical blocks, catches the ball from his tight end spot and even handles direct snaps.