Cole Cabana arrived at Michigan in 2022 as one of the nation's top running back prospects, but the Dexter (Mich.) High School alumnus figured he might have to bide his time.…
Alejandro Zuniga
Cole Cabana arrived at Michigan in 2022 as one of the nation's top running back prospects, but the Dexter (Mich.) High School alumnus figured he might have to bide his time. After all, that's what happens when you join a roster headlined by Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards.
As a freshman, Cabana watched the Wolverines win a national championship largely from the sidelines. He appeared in only one game, carrying twice against Bowling Green for his lone action. But reflecting on his first season in the Maize and Blue, Cabana shared only positives.
"It's been a lot of fun. Obviously, quite the first season, quite a lot of experiences. A lot of fun, close-knit group of guys. It was a blast for sure," Cabana told The Michigan Insider this week after volunteering at a National Cancer Survivors Day celebration near Ann Arbor.
"Obviously, the standard is set. That's how I like to look at it. I knew coming to a school like this, there's gonna be dudes, obviously. Sometimes you gotta wait your turn and I've been blessed to be in a position where I can learn from the best: My coaches, Blake, Dono, some of the best to do it. So I'm in a great position."
That position is indeed an enviable one: Cabana plays for a team that in 2023 averaged 37.3 rush attempts per game and that has forged its identity on controlling the trenches. And with Corum off to the NFL, there are snaps available.
It was a bit unusual, then, when Cabana didn't factor in the 2024 Spring Game. Cabana sayshis absencewas the result of "a little miscommunication" and "there was some stuff going on." Though he didn't elaborate further, he said now things are "all set" and confirmed there are no issues with his health.
"I just wanna help my team win," he said. "I wanna be on the field. I know I can make an impact on the field and I'm just trying to do what I can for this team. … I can play slot, receiver, backfield, whatever. I know I can do it all, and I can help this team."
Cabana has grown into his frame over the past few years. His recruiting profile tells the story of a scatback type who developed into a true between-the-tackles ball-carrier by the end of his career in Dexter. He got bigger still as a freshman with the Wolverines — officially weighing in at 198 pounds — and says he wants to stay around there this fall.
"I'm not really trying to put too much weight on. I'm trying to kind of maintain, get stronger, stay healthy, and just be ready for the season for sure," he said.
And he'll do so under the direction of a new running backs coach, Tony Alford, who joined the Wolverines from Ohio State in mid-March. That transition has been a smooth one, Cabana said, citing the closeness of the entire position group.
"I love him. I feel like the entire room, we all became super close really fast," Cabana said. "He's a great dude. He's like a genius of the game, so I've learned a lot from him already. I'm excited to keep making progress with him."
Cole Cabana, Michigan teammates participate in charity event
Michigan football players Ben Hall, Cole Cabana, TJ Guy, Fred Moore, Semaj Morgan, Davis Warren, Adam Samaha and Jacob Oden volunteeredSundayat a cancer survivors day celebration hosted by the Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor. The event was in partnership with Hail! Impact, a collective which helps athletes "create transformational community impact."
Michigan football players Ben Hall, Cole Cabana, TJ Guy, Fred Moore, Semaj Morgan, Davis Warren, Adam Samaha and Jacob Oden volunteered today at the National Cancer Survivors Day Celebration: pic.twitter.com/q7bs4l7Nfh
— Alejandro Zúñiga (@ByAZuniga) June 2, 2024
Cole Cabana: Scouting profile
Via 247Sports National Recruiting Analyst Allen Trieu in January 2023:
Name of the game with him is speed though as he is a track sprinter with good top-end and breakaway ability. Good pass catcher as well who can line up in the slot or catch passes out of the backfield. Has some twitch and good change of direction but is more of a player who will out run defenders more than shake them in a phone booth. Shows suddenness as a route runner. Can return kicks and punts as well. Fast, but also competitive and versatile, he will be able to help a college offense and special teams in a variety of ways. Has to still keep putting on some bulk, but is the kind of guy you find touches for early in his career.
