Signee Spotlight: 2024 Michigan RB Micah Ka'apana talks putting pen to paper, RB development, more

Four-star Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman running back Micah Ka’apana submitted his National Letter of Intent and is officially signed with Michigan after announcing his verbal commitment in August.

The Wolverine’s Zach Libby caught up with Ka’apana to discuss his decision, why he stayed solid with the Wolverines throughout the process and more. Watch the exclusive interview above.

Ka’apana Recruitment

Michigan running backs coach Mike Hart flew to Las Vegas during the spring evaluation period and extended an offer to Ka’apana, who took his first-ever visit to Ann Arbor in June.

“I feel like my dream was always to go to the NFL and Michigan is the greatest opportunity to achieve that dream,” Ka’apana told The Wolverine. “Also, the history and culture that’s behind that school, I feel like it’s special. They’re doing great right now this season and I can’t wait to join them.”

Less than a week after his official visit on campus, Ka’apana announced a commitment to the Wolverines, siding with the three-time reigning Big Ten Champions over other notable offers from Washington State, Oklahoma State, Utah, Nebraska, Arizona State, BYU, UNLV, Hawaii and New Mexico State.

“What fans should expect is (Micah) doing anything, going anywhere and playing any position he’s needed to play,” father George Ka’apana told The Wolverine. “He’s a running back, not the biggest guy out there. But I’m telling you, if you need someone to block, he’s going to give up his body to make that block so a teammate can break free.”

Ka’apana finished his high school career having won three straight NIAA 5A Championships. As a senior, he carried the ball 56 times for 705 yards and 9 touchdowns, along with 13 receptions for 172 yards and 1 touchdown.

He’s set to enroll in June.

At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, Ka’apana is ranked as the No. 27 overall running back in the country and No. 1 player in Nevada, according to On3.

Scouting Report

“From what we saw in his film, I think Micah will be a good complementary running back. He obviously plays at a national powerhouse. From a polish and development standpoint, you know what you’re getting from him. Jordan Marshall is certainly going to be the future cowbell running back at Michigan, but Ka’apana’s downhill style and physicality are what Michigan really likes. Also, he’s highly productive on a per-carry basis, which you love to see. He’s also tested well, so the explosion and his good build are all really positive.” – On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power

Michigan 2024 Recruiting Class

Michigan has 26 commits in its 2024 recruiting class, which is ranked No. 4 in the Big Ten and No. 16 nationally, per the On3 Industry National Team Recruiting Rankings.

Among the notable commits in the class are Top 100 Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day quarterback Jadyn Davis, Top 100 Cincinnati (Ohio) Moeller running back Jordan Marshall, Top 100 Kansas City (Mo.) Rockhurst offensive tackle Andrew Sprague, On300 Rochester (Mich.) Adams tight end Brady Prieskorn, On300 Pittsburgh (Pa.) Central Catholic linebacker Cole Sullivan, On300 Brandywine (Md.) Gwynn Park EDGE Devon Baxter, On300 Austin (Tex.) Vandegrift offensive tackle Blake Frazier, On300 West Charlotte (N.C.) High linebacker Jaden Smith, four-star Harper Woods (Mich.) High defensive back Jacob Oden and four-star Nashville (Tenn.) Ensworth linebacker Mason Curtis