Jim Harbaugh talks about his new running back, tight end additions
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh sounded almost giddy in talking about some of the Wolverines’ new recruiting additions on Signing Day. He told Jon Jansen on the In the Trenches podcast it was a “great class,” and that all the players fit perfectly with the current team.
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At least one of the running backs could have a chance to play early depending on what happens with Blake Corum (50-50 on a return). Harbaugh likes both — local product Cole Cabana and also Benjamin Hall.
“For us growing up in Ann Arbor, Dexter, it’s part of us … not scared to play in front of family and friends,” he said of Cabana, a Dexter product. “He’s one of our earliest commits in the class and a great guy to help us recruit the class. Your players are some of your best recruiters.
“He’s an explosive player. He’s a track guy … 10.6 in the 100 meters. That’s fast. And he helped turn Dexter’s program into a winning program … first division title since 1963.
“He’s a two-time all-state player. Gained almost 6,000 all-purpose yards in his career and scored 79 touchdowns.”
Hall, meanwhile, is a multi-sport athlete and the starting point guard on the basketball team.
“He’s a coach’s kid. His father has been a long-time basketball coach,” Harbaugh said. “Very smart, very intelligent young man. He’s another guy … constantly likes to work. Great work ethic. That’s been poured into him from his parents.
“On his official visit, he ran to Schembechler Hall to get his workout on that day rather than coming by car. He ran from the graduate down to Schembechler Hall before breakfast. He’s a motivated guy willing to work. That’s what I see in just about every recruit in this class. Just a prerequisite. He’s at the highest level, that work ethic.”
The tight ends, meanwhile, are very similar to those they’ve brought in over the last several years. Harbaugh made it sound like Carlsbad (Cali.) product Zack Marshall might be one of the underrated recruits in the country. He blew up nationally after transferring to the bigger school.
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“He led the state of California in receiving yards as a junior with nearly 1,100 yards and had 9 touchdowns,” Harbaugh said. “He’s younger for his class. He’s one of these 17-year-olds you just say, if they’re 17 compared to 18 or 19, they’re got another year of man growth … he’s going to get better than that, and it’s going to happen fast.
“A year of man growth comes around 18, 19 years old. It happens quick. That’s one of the other great things about Zach. He’s also a multisport guy. His family is very athletic. Three older sisters, including one that plays volleyball at Vanderbilt … terrific family.”
He won the tight end award at the Elite 11 camp, he added.
Deakon Tonielli is in the Colston Loveland mold, Harbaugh said in comparing him to his outstanding frosh.
“Wait until he walks through the door. Okay … that looks like Colston Loveland to me,” Harbaugh said. “Darned near identical.
“He’s a really good basketball player. Multiyear starter and basketball player. Hard working, as I like to say blue collar guy. Loves Michigan … loved it from the day he stepped on campus. I love those guys where it’s love at first sight. They look around and go, ‘this is good. I see real opportunity here.’ You can see it in the eyes, like someone walking into all you can eat buffet … have at it.”
“He has great size, smooth athlete, really incredible ball skills. Super, super excited about both those tight ends.”
