What Bobby Kanka’s, Jo’Ziah Edmond’s commitments mean for Michigan football

Michigan’s football program had a sluggish end to July on the recruiting trail, but it has kicked off August with a bang.
The Wolverines landed two commitments on Tuesday: Howell 2025 four-star defensive lineman Bobby Kanka and Nappanee (Ind.) Northwood 2024 three-star cornerback Jo’Ziah Edmond. Here’s what their verbal pledges mean for Michigan:
Kanka was the first to commit Tuesday, becoming the Wolverines’ third prospect in the 2025 class. With the No. 315 overall prospect nationally being a lifelong Michigan fan and playing high school just miles up the road, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before Kanka joined the class.
The Wolverines welcomed more than 20 prospects in the 2025 cycle on campus last weekend for their annual BBQ at the Big House, their largest recruiting event of the year. The visit helped seal the deal for Kanka, who is listed at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds but said he is now at 260.
Michigan has essentially wrapped up its defensive line recruiting in the 2024 class with eight commits (five edge rushers) and now has gotten an early start in 2025. Kanka might not be an elite prospect, but he’s one Michigan can build around. He bleeds maize and blue, is passionate about football and is a vocal leader, which was evident speaking with him (more on him coming on Wednesday) and is a high-academic prospect.
Landing an in-state recruit is always beneficial for Michigan too. He currently is ranked fourth in the state next cycle. While Kanka plays defensive end and tight end for Howell, he likely will slot in along the interior in college.
Meanwhile, Edmond is Michigan’s first cornerback commit in the 2024 class. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder had been committed to Purdue since June 10 but reopened his recruitment Tuesday morning. About 11 hours later, he verbally pledged to the Wolverines.
Among Michigan’s 27 commits this cycle, he is near the bottom of the rankings at No. 743 in the country but fills a pressing need. The Wolverines had struck out on several of their top targets at the position this summer, including two top-100 prospects from Ohio in Bryce West and Aaron Scott, who both committed to the Buckeyes.
When Scott announced his decision on Sunday, Michigan was forced to reevaluate its board and clearly made Edmond a priority. He might not have the ceiling of West or Scott, but he has good size and length and is versatile, playing multiple positions in the secondary for his high school.
Despite Michigan’s close proximity to Indiana, Edmond is just the second player from the state to commit to the Wolverines since 2018.
Even with Edmond in the class, Jim Harbaugh’s program still only has two defensive backs committed in 2024. Don’t expect the Wolverines to be done at the position. They also are trending to land Lexington (Kentucky) Fredrick Douglass three-star corner Jeremiah Lowe.