What’s Western Michigan Getting In Cole Cabana?

When former four-star running back Cole Cabana, out of Dexter (Mich.) High, committed to the Michigan Wolverines back in February of 2022, U-M fans were pretty excited. They were glad that a speedy, local product chose their Wolverines over the Spartans of Michigan State and others and had high hopes for him due to Michigan’s propensity to run the ball. At 6-0, 180 pounds, and with legitimate track speed, Cabana enrolled early at U-M and immediately became someone that U-M fans wanted to see in spot duty behind studs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards. Unfortunately, injuries and the emergence of some other younger backs kept Cabana on the sidelines for both of his years in Ann Arbor.

Cabana is now up to 204 pounds and still possesses game breaking speed. Unfortunately, he never got to show that speed off while at Michigan as he only carried the ball two times during his two-year stint in Ann Arbor. Now, he’s off to Western Michigan after actually being committed to Minnesota for two weeks. As a member of the Western Michigan roster, in the Mid-American Conference, Cabana’s upside should be exciting for Bronco fans. Coming out of high school, hopes were high for him, even at Michigan in the Big Ten, according to 247 Sports midwest recruiting analyst Allen Trieu.

“Began his career looking more like a scatback, but has grown more into his frame and can be a true college tailback,” Trieu said. “Showed that as a senior by running in between the tackles, some of that coming during playoff games in inclement weather. 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.”

Those touches didn’t necessarily come early in his Michigan career, but they could and should at WMU. As a member of the Bronco football team, with sub-11, 100-meter dash speed and 25 additional pounds of muscle and strength, Cabana could end up being a big time player for WMU in 2025. If he develops, he could end up being a solid earner via Roy as well. With an exclusive deal in place between WMU athletics and Roy, the sky is the limit for a potential star like Cabana.