California's top defensive talent Isala Aisa Wily-Ava locks in Michigan's top three, with a crucial spring game visit on the horizon.
Although college football may be on the "offseason", there is still much work to be done between the players and coaching staff. More specifically, Michigan football's new coaching staff, going from coast to coast, casting a wide net out onto the best high school football players in the country. With the Wolverines looking to fill every spot with elite talent, they found themselves out west recently.
The Michigan Wolverines’ defensive backfield has long been a factory for elite talent, and the next cornerstone may be headed from the "Golden State" to the "Maize and Blue." Isala Aisa Wily-Ava, the high-octane defensive back from Bellflower (CA) St. John Bosco, has officially narrowed his recruitment, naming Michigan among his top three program choices.
The news comes on the heels of intensified interest from the Michigan coaching staff, specifically defensive ends coach Lewis Powell, who recently visited the Bosco campus to meet with the 2027 standout. For Wily-Ava, the connection with Powell and the broader vision for the Wolverines' program was immediate.
"Our talk was great," Wily-Ava told The Michigan Insider. "Coach Powell is a great person. He was saying how he sees me playing in their defense and how the Michigan environment can help me accomplish life-long goals".
A Visit to Remember: The Spring Game
While nearly 30 scholarship offers are currently on his table, Wily-Ava is already taking concrete steps to see if Ann Arbor is his future home. He has locked in his first-ever trip to the University of Michigan for the highly anticipated Maize and Blue Spring Game on April 18th.
The excitement to experience "The Big House" is palpable. For a recruit of Wily-Ava’s caliber, the spring game offers a unique opportunity to witness the program's culture and coaching style firsthand. Wily-Ava noted that the staff's emphasis on family resonated deeply with him, a factor that helped propel Michigan into his elite top group.
Scouting Report: The "Total Package"
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 195 pounds, Wily-Ava is regarded as one of the premier safeties in the nation for the 2027 class. Scouts have raved about his "rare combination of range, ball skills, instincts, and hitting ability".
Last season, he was arguably the best defensive player for the St. John Bosco Braves, a program known for producing NFL-level talent. His physical profile is so impressive that many analysts believe he could transition into an "uber-athletic" linebacker at the collegiate level. Key attributes include:
- Versatility: Capable of playing safety, nickel, or corner.
- Ball Hawking: Set a school record with seven interceptions as a sophomore.
- Physicality: Described as an "excellent open-field tackler" who flies off the hash to make plays.
Key Career Highlights
- Sophomore Record (2024): Set a St. John Bosco school record with 7 interceptions.
- All-American Honors: Named a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American after leading a defense that reached the state rank of #2.
- Physical Profile: As of January 2026, he is measured at 6'3" and 208 lbs, with scouts noting he has the frame to potentially transition to linebacker in college.
- Recruiting Status: Rated as the No. 17 safety in the nation for the 2027 class by 247Sports, holding major offers from programs like Michigan, Ohio State, and Washington.
Recruiting Landscape
While Michigan sits in the driver's seat as a top-three contender, the battle for Wily-Ava remains fierce. Other heavyweights in the mix include Washington, Oregon, USC, Ohio State, and Texas. Notably, Washington has already received a "Crystal Ball" prediction to land his services from some recruiting analysts, though Wily-Ava’s recent comments suggest his recruitment remains very much open.
The Wolverines have never signed a prospect directly from St. John Bosco, but with a confirmed visit and a surging relationship with the new staff under Kyle Whittingham, the Maize and Blue are looking to break that trend and secure a foundational piece for their 2027 secondary. Can the Wolverines coaching staff do enough to land this exciting prospect?