The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1493247
2023 FOOTBALL RECRUITING ISSUE 34 THE WOLVERINE MARCH 2023 BY ZACH LIBBY Only a few weeks elapsed between when a Michigan offer was delivered to in-state running back Cole Cabana in January 2022 and when the Dexter (Mich.) High star verbally committed in early February. Cabana, who is regarded as one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the 2023 class, was the third of four prospects from the state of Michigan to pledge and eventually sign with the Wolverines. "Michigan likes to throw a lot to their run- ning backs, too, and they run the ball a lot, so it's like a running back dream school," Cabana said. "They've talked about me being like Donovan Edwards — catching out of the backfield, run- ning out of the backfield — so I'm super excited. Donovan's game is simi- lar to my playing style, so I can really see myself playing there and fitting in. "I feel like I haven't even scratched the sur- face. I've never had a true running backs coach to learn from for an extended period of time. I feel like that is going to help me out a lot, and I'm definitely going to get better." Cabana has already bonded with run- ning backs coach Mike Hart. "We're close," Cabana said right before the December early signing day. "We're texting every day. I go up there quite a bit, and we always hang out. He's a great per- son to be around and a great coach. I'm super excited to work with him." Cabana is one of two running back sign- ees for Michigan in the 2023 class along with Benjamin Hall, a 5-11, 235-pounder from Georgia. The pair are viewed as com- plementary pieces — Cabana as a speed back and Hall as a pounder. Cabana stayed locked in with the Wol- verines for the entire 11-plus months that he was committed. Refusing to share publicly other offers received since his winter decision and not visiting other schools unofficially or officially, he ac- tively pursued other top recruits in the class. Cabana holds close co n n e c t i o n s to t h e other in-state signees —offensive lineman Amir Herring, wide re- ceiver Semaj Morgan and kicker Adam Sa- maha. As an early enrollee, participating in winter workouts and spring camp will be instru- mental for Cabana to tack on weight that won't interfere with his speed. Expecta- tions are that he could climb to 200 pounds or more under Michigan's strength and conditioning staff. "I think enrolling early will benefit me a lot," Cabana said. "I have to put on a cou- ple of pounds. It's been rough during foot- ball season. Last year, I put on 20 pounds [in the offseason]. "I'm excited to hit the gym hard again. Getting with the guys and bonding with the team will help. It's an extra couple of months of football." ❑ Speedy And Versatile Cole Cabana Joins The U-M Running Back Room 2023 Projection Cabana has the opportunity to crack the depth chart as the No. 3 backfield option behind All-American Blake Corum and ris- ing star Donovan Edwards next season. He'll have to bulk up in weight to be an every-down back, but his 10.55 100-me- ter speed puts him in position to find play- ing time on third downs and in the slot this fall. On3 ranked Cabana as the 152 pros- pect nationally, the No. 7 running back in the country and the No. 3 player in Michigan. PHOTO BY EJ HOLLAND STATISTICS Year Rush Yds. TD Rec. Yds. TD 2022 — 1,518 27 — 472 6 2021 233 1,688 24 32 368 4 HONORS • Named a PrepStar Top 350 All-American (No. 143). • MLive 2022 Michigan High School Football Player of the Year. • Michigan High School Football Coaches Association first-team All-State (2022). • Detroit Free Press Dream Team as a senior. • Michigan Mr. Football 2022 finalist. • Two-time Associated Press first-team all- state honoree (2021-22). • Three-time all-district selection. • Holds school records (career, season and game) for all-purpose yards and TDs. • Compiled 5,781 all-purpose yards (rushing, receiving, returns) and 79 TDs in three varsity seasons. • Totaled 2,434 all-purpose yards and 36 TDs as a senior in 2022, including 3 return TDs and 444 total return yards. • Helped lead the Dreadnaughts to a program-best 12-1 record and a trip to the Division 2 state semifinals as a senior. RECRUITMENT • Pledged to Michigan Feb. 5, 2022, shortly after receiving his offer on Jan. 15, 2022. • Picked U-M over Michigan State. Also had offers from Purdue, Pitt, West Virginia and Louisville, among others. • Recruited by U-M running backs coach Mike Hart. DID YOU KNOW? • An early enrollee at U-M. • Also lettered in track and field; ran 6.43 in the 55 meters, 6.82 in the 60 meters and 10.55 in the 100 meters as a junior. • Son of Mike and Holly Cabana. • Father played linebacker on Albion Col- lege's team that went 13-0 and won the 1994 Division III national championship. • Born Dec. 19, 2004. COLE CABANA RUNNING BACK 6-0 • 190 DEXTER HIGH DEXTER, MICH. RANKINGS STARS NAT. POS. STATE ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 201 14 2 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 152 7 3 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ — 21 3 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 116 6 2 ✪ ✪ ✪ ✪ 214 5 2 consensus THEY SAID IT Dexter head coach Phil Jacobs: "Cole is a very special player. He's kind of a gen- erational player that you only coach every so often. "His skill set is through the roof. When he sees that hole, he puts his foot in the dirt and gets north and south. You're not going to catch him on the football field. "His skill set as a pass catcher is equally as impressive. He's the high school version of [San Francisco 49ers back] Christian Mc- Caffrey. He can run, he can catch and he's pretty explosive."