4-star TE Dylan Mesman commits to Louisville Cardinals: 'They made me feel wanted'

Growing up, Saline (Mich.) four-star tight end Dylan Mesman told himself that if he ever had an opportunity to play for Michigan State, he would suit up for the Spartans. For most of his recruitment, it looked like the 6-foot-5, 230-pound recruit would take his talents to East Lansing.

Then, multiple schools entered the picture, including Louisville. Mesman visited the Cardinals a few weeks ago, as well as for a game this fall.

He grew impressed with head coach Jeff Brohm and his staff and how they envisioned him in the program. As a result, Mesman committed to Louisville on Friday over Auburn, Kentucky, Michigan State and Ole Miss.

“My parents and my grandparents went to Michigan State, but Louisville is the best for me,” Mesman told On3. “Over time, the more I thought about it, I knew Louisville was best for me. They treated me differently. They made me feel wanted.”

Mesman, who told the Cardinals about his decision on April 22, is impressed by Louisville’s facilities, stadium and opportunities off the field. However, the hire of Brohm was what “checked all the boxes” for the Michigan native.

The Cardinals played their spring game on April 21. That was when Mesman knew he wanted to join the program.

“As I watched their spring game, I saw myself in those cleats playing on that field and it just felt right,” said Mesman, the No. 382 overall prospect and No. 25 tight end in the 2024 On3 Industry Ranking. “Something about that feeling was different. Me committing to Louisville felt like a dream come true.”

Louisville’s staff was a difference maker for Mesman

In addition to Michigan State and Louisville, Mesman was speaking a lot with Auburn. However, Brohm and Co. helped seal the deal.

Brohm returned to his alma mater this offseason after leading Purdue to the Big Ten Championship. Mesman believes he can bring similar success to the Cardinals.

“Not only is coach Brohm an offensive guy, but he is also a great leader,” Mesman said. “I watched him in the spring and he gets on his players, but he coaches them and he loves them. That stood out to me. I think he coaches his players in the perfect way. We really bonded. He showed the ability to bond with his players and he is a coach I want to play for.

“I like his offense, he has a history with tight ends and coach Brohm is a coach I want to get behind. He sees the field well, he sets his players up for success and my feeling about him and his leadership is strong.”

Mesman also grew close with tight ends coach Ryan Wallace. Once he arrived at Louisville with Brohm, he began recruiting the four-star.

“We have bonded quickly,” Mesman said. “He is a cool coach, we have had some great talks and I like him a lot.”