Gaige Weddle has the pick of the litter concerning his recruitment. Even with the broadened interest from programs spanning all four corners of the country, Michigan isn’t backing down in putting its name in the running.

For the Wolverines, their first opportunity to impress Rivals’s No. 1 safety in the 2028 class occurred when he checked out campus on April 2. That trip followed an appearance in Columbus a couple days earlier. The overall takeaway from Weddle was certainly a positive one due to the effort put on by the staff.

“The trip was awesome,” Weddle told Maize n Brew. “It was cool to see the coaches that I’ve built relationships with. I feel like I would fit the scheme really well. I do a lot of what they do at my high school, we run practically the same thing.”

Being a West Coast prodigy, Weddle had a connection with the coaches prior to the Michigan visit, but being able to sit down with defensive coordinator Jay Hill and safeties coach Tyler Stockton inside Schembechler Hall left a big impression.

“Jay is a great DC, makes the offense have a really hard time having success,” Weddle said. “The Michigan safeties looked solid. I’m excited to see how they do this year. Coach Stockton was great. A real dude with a lot of experience in not only football but life. He leads that room with purpose and cares about everyone one of them and pushes them to be their best.”

Weddle — whose father, Eric, is a Super Bowl champion safety — also perceives head coach Kyle Whittingham as the right person to lead the Wolverines.

“Coach Whittingham is awesome, so technical in what he does and will have that place a playoff caliber team in no time,” Weddle said.

Ranked as the No. 1 prospect next cycle from California, Weddle has an idea of when his next return to campus could transpire.

“I think I am looking to get to a game this season,” Weddle said. “Nothing is set but I would love to get out and see this team playing in The Big House.”