When Milton Academy tight end Andrew Rappleyea committed to Michigan on January 16th, he did it because he thought that was the best place for him athletically and academically.

Despite verbally committing to Michigan, the Wolverines were not Rappleyea’s first choice. He always wanted to play at Penn State. The New York native was disappointed that the Nittany Lions couldn’t offer him a scholarship at the end of last year. Then, things changed.

“There was a lot that played into it. To be honest, Penn State was always my first choice, like forever. At one point there was a little situation where I wasn’t sure I could go to Penn State.” Rappleyea continued: “I went in another direction so I went to Michigan. I decided that’s where I wanted to go. ”

A big reason why Rappleyea chose Michigan in January was then tight ends coach Jay Harbaugh. Harbaugh was moved to the defensive side of the ball by his brother Jim after Rappleyea had committed already. Rappleyea says that changed things because of his relationship with Jay Harbaugh.

“I was ready to go to Michigan. Even if the Penn State opportunity reopened. And then the coaching change happened and it really pushed me over the edge.” Rappleyea added: “It was Coach (Josh) Gattis leaving and then my tight ends coach, Jay Harbaugh moved to safeties coach.”

When a spot opened up at Penn State in February, the opportunity to play for James Franklin and Penn State’s reputation for developing tight ends made it hard for Rappleyea not to come back to the Nittany Lions.

“They were my ninth offer, I had some ACC offers and some PAC-12 but they were the first big school to offer me and they stayed on me for a while.” Rappleyea continued: “Coach Franklin was in constant communication with my parents, like two or three times a week. Coach (Ty) Howle, the tight ends coach, he’s the man.”

Playing tight end at Penn State is a dream come true for Rappleyea.”It is also very convincing that their offense consistently produces very good tight ends. Pat Freiermuth, Jesse JMike Gesicki, Jesse James. Theo Johnson this year is going to be disgusting.”

In the end, Rappleyea wants people to understand that he did what was best for him. He talked about college football now being a business.

“I’m really happy with my decision. I’m hoping it works out. I want to go there and then take the next step. The way I think about it, it’s a business and it’s always going to be that. Honor and respect come into this, but people have to do what’s best for them.”

Business or not, Rappleyea seems happy. He followed his heart and did what was right for him. In the end, that’s all that matters.