Michigan football praised for recruiting work at key offensive position
Michigan football built its identity around a physical offensive line and the punishing run game last season. There is no reason to think that mentality will change anytime soon. Given the staff’s roster building, it seems they know the assignment in keeping the train rolling.
ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren put out a list of the teams that are recruiting the best on the offensive side of the ball, where Michigan’s running back room made the cut. The offensive line did not appear but gets a shoutout nonetheless.
“The Wolverines had a ton of success on the ground last season with running backs Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, while mixing in true freshman Donovan Edwards,” VanHaaren writes. “The Wolverines’ offensive line won the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line, and it’s looking to continue the ground success in the future.
“Michigan got a commitment from ESPN 300 running back Cole Cabana, the No. 6 back in the class and the third highest-ranked recruit at the position who has made a commitment. The staff also has a commitment from three-star Ben Hall. Adding Cabana will be a step toward keeping the running back room filled with talent.”
Michigan’s run game was elite last season with the line plowing through defenders en route to 1,327 yards for Haskins and 952 yards for Corum. The Wolverines led the nation with 39 rushing touchdowns, additonally.
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The future for Michigan at running back
Class of 2023 commit Cole Cabana, primarily recruited by running backs coach Mike Hart, brings the most flair to the room in terms of new faces past this season. The Dexter High School product is also a track star and brings that speed to the football field, as well.
“Cabana has had a nice offseason,” On3’s Charles Power wrote in May. “He’s posted several sub-11.0 second marks in the 100 meters and posted a 10.55 second time last weekend. Cabana has also showed off some versatility and pass-catching skills in 7-on-7 settings. The Dexter (Mich.) High star currently checks as the highest-ranked three-star running back prospect in On3’s rankings. If the spring is any indication, he could ultimately push for a fourth star.
Ultimately, Cabana did pick up a fourth star from On3 and now ranks No. 256 nationally and 13th among running backs in the latest rankings update.
Benjamin Hill, another Hart evaluation, is a three-star prospect and the No. 725 player in the 2023 class, per the On3 Consensus.
