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Lou Esposito, the coach of the New Michigan DL, has a keen sense of talent when it comes to recruiting.

Late last week, news surfaced that the Michigan Wolverines had appointed Lou Esposito to fill their vacant defensive line coach position, swiftly following the departure of Greg Scruggs, who resigned eight days earlier after his OWI arrest.

Esposito arrived at Michigan from Memphis, where he served as co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for approximately two months. Prior to his tenure at Memphis, he held the roles of defensive coordinator and defensive line coach at Western Michigan for seven years. Esposito also gained coaching experience at two other smaller programs in Michigan, Ferris State and Davenport.

Given his background primarily in smaller football programs, questions may arise regarding Esposito’s recruiting abilities. However, it’s evident that he possesses a keen eye for talent on the recruiting trail, having contributed to the identification and recruitment of several players who were undervalued coming out of high school but later developed into professional-caliber prospects.

During his time at Western Michigan, Esposito played a pivotal role in recruiting and developing players such as Braden Fiske and Marshawn Kneeland. Fiske, initially ranked at No. 1,590 overall by 247Sports’ composite rankings, significantly elevated his performance under Esposito’s guidance, ultimately earning recognition as a third-team AP All-American and second-team All-ACC player during his final year at Florida State. Similarly, Kneeland, ranked at No. 3,427 overall, flourished at Western Michigan, receiving All-MAC Second-Team honors in 2023 and garnering attention as a potential Day 2 selection in the NFL Draft following a standout performance at the NFL Combine.

Another notable player influenced by Esposito’s coaching is Andre Carter, who transitioned from Western Michigan to Indiana and achieved significant success in the Big Ten conference. Carter’s impressive performance at Western Michigan, where he received national attention, underscored Esposito’s role in player development and recruitment.

Brandon Kimble, head coach of Godwin Heights in Grand Rapids, lauded Esposito’s recruiting approach and player development strategies, emphasizing Esposito’s genuine demeanor and dedication to fostering relationships with players. Kimble highlighted Esposito’s instrumental role in guiding players like Kneeland, Fiske, and Carter to NFL-caliber success through strategic planning and tailored development programs.

In summary, Esposito’s appointment at Michigan signifies a promising addition to the coaching staff, with his demonstrated ability to recruit and develop players into NFL prospects underscoring his value to the program.