Signing Day Capsule: Anthony LaLota

Anthony LaLota shocked many when he made the decision to continue his football career at the Michigan, but not those who followed it all right here on GoBlueWolverine.com. LaLota enrolled in school in January, and appears to be a prominent member of the Michigan defensive line in the years to come.

Anthony LaLota Defensive End 6-5/260/4.65
The Hun School (Princeton, NJ)
NR: **** Position Rank: 15

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His Recruiting Story

Anthony LaLota comes to the University of Michigan from the Hun School in New Jersey, one of the most well-known football factories on the East coast.

As you'd expect with a top prospect from a top high school program, Michigan went toe-to-toe with top football programs such as Florida, Notre Dame and Penn State to ink this 6-foot-5, 260-pound pass rusher. In the end, though, his affinity for the Maize and Blue became too much for any other school to overcome.

"They have a great coaching staff, it's a great academic school, and Ann Arbor is a great area," LaLota told CBS College Sports' Tom Lemming during his live announcement back in early September.

After pledging to the Michigan Wolverines, LaLota made a second visit to Ann Arbor, this time an official one, for the Wolverines late October battle with the Michigan State Spartans. Despite the Wolverines coming up short on the field that afternoon, it left a positive impression on LaLota and solidified Michigan in his mind.

“It was fun, even though they lost the game. My whole family went, it was important to me that they see the school I’m going to and why I committed. I loved the environment, the fans, and the energy of the campus. I was talking to the coaches, and some of the recruits."

LaLota was selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American game as one of the top recruits in the nation. Following his trip to San Antonio, LaLota flew straight to Ann Arbor to begin classes in Ann Arbor this past January. As an early enrollee, LaLota is eligible to go through spring practice with the team this March.

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Anthony LaLota comes to Michigan in a year where recruiting the defensive line was an absolute must for the Maize and Blue. With just Brandon Graham returning from last years starting line, it became imperative that Michigan restocked this February.

While many feel that LaLota's highest level of potential is actually at offensive tackle, the need for defensive ends, plus LaLota's love of his first position, have the Hun School prospect projecting at the end position.

“I’m playing defensive end. They like my size, strength, and motor," LaLota said.

LaLota is athletic for his size, has good speed and uses his hands well. As a junior, his first year playing football, LaLota tallid 40 tackles and 10 sacks from the defensive end position.

"I'm still working on my pass rushing moves and I do a lot of speed training. My brother is a personal trainer and I work out with him like three or four times week."