Four-star DJ Wesolak: 'They see me as a Micah Parsons comparison'
With Penn State losing a commitment from defensive end Tyreese Fearbry last week, it’s no secret that the Nittany Lions would like to add an impact player on the defensive side of the ball. Fearbry, who lives in Pittsburgh, will certainly be someone that the staff continues to pursue, but Penn State fans should also keep an eye on four-star hybrid player DJ Wesolak in the months ahead.
Listed at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds, Wesolak primarily rushed off the edge for Boonville High School last season, but he also has interest in potentially playing linebacker at the Division I level.
“I really do prefer linebacker. I call myself a linebacker now,” Wesolak said. “This year I'll play more middle linebacker for our high school. ...On most of the visits I've taken, they see me as a middle linebacker or outside linebacker or someone who can also rush off the edge at times. So, that's where I see myself.”
Related: Five things we learned about Penn State recruiting in July
A true hybrid player is what Penn State has been pushing in recent months. Wesolak said he’s built a close relationship with assistant recruiting coordinator Alan Zemaitis, as well as defensive coordinator Brent Pry. Both compared Wesolak to former Nittany Lion Micah Parsons, who was drafted in the first-round by the Dallas Cowboys in April.
“Me, Coach AZ [Zemaitis] and Coach Pry have been really close with each other,” he said. “They see me as a Micah Parsons comparison. Micah played D-end all throughout high school, but as soon as he went to college, he was middle linebacker that could rush, but also had that athletic ability to cover the field. That's how I see myself, so I love that.”
Wesolak went on to add, “Coach Pry has also had great success with linebackers, too. What he did with Parsons and so many other guys that played linebacker for him is impressive. A lot of guys are in the league. Their success at linebacker has been one of the main focuses of their program. But we've always been close through this process. I'm talking to Coach AZ and Coach Pry almost everyday."
Although he hasn’t met Nittany Lion head coach James Franklin in person yet, Wesolak has gotten to know over multiple conversations.
“His character is important,” Wesolak said. “Coach Franklin has always sided with his players. He's really been a great coach for everyone. Everyone that I've talked to about him loves him, so that stands out. They have one of the best classes right now, too, so a lot of people see that. A big part of that is because of who Franklin is.”
In June, Wesolak took official visits to Florida and USC. He also went to Clemson, Georgia, Missouri and North Carolina unofficially. He’s now planning to attend Penn State’s White Out game against Auburn
“Auburn is in my top 15, so I can watch two of my top schools in one visit,” Wesolak said. "I’m looking forward to that. I know it’s a great atmosphere there. I'm also trying to figure out a couple of other schools. It's really hard to decide, with Alabama, Oregon and a couple other schools.”
As for a decision timeline, Wesolak said he hasn’t thought about it too much.
"At the end of the day, I just want to be comfortable," he said. "I want to take all my officials before I decide. I don't want to end up missing out on something that could've had. Also, I want to see where teams are in the season, at least the first month or so.
"Some coaches are on the hot seat right now and I don't want to be a part of a program that's gonna have a new staff. September 14 is my birthday, so I've considered that, but I'll go to National Signing Day if I have to. Really, anytime between those two dates could be when I decide. I just want to figure out what's best for me."
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