"Every time I go up, it just reminds me why I made the right choice" — 4-star DL commit Bobby Kanka compliments Sherrone Moore's Michigan

Four-star defensive lineman Bobby Kanka has already committed to Michigan's 2025 class, choosing the Wolverines over Penn State, Michigan State, Tennessee, Syracuse, Kansas and Minnesota. He returned to the program for the annual BBQ at The Big House after his official visit during Victors Weekend.

Kanka shared his experience with The Wolverine, saying:

“It was a blast. A little different from years prior because I’m already committed. I know the facilities. So, really, I just spent the weekend hanging out with the commits. It was a good time. It was just great hanging around a bunch of the guys.”

Kanka's journey with Michigan began last August when he became the first pledge in the Wolverines' 2025 class. As the longest-serving commit in his class, he has consistently praised the program's rich history of developing top-tier defensive linemen and producing elite pass-rushers.

Following his latest visit, Kanka's enthusiasm for his decision remains unwavering.

"Every time I go up, it just reminds me why I made the right choice. Just can’t wait until I get up there.”

Football runs deep in Kanka's veins, as his father, Tom Kanka, was a standout defensive lineman for Hillsdale College in the 1980s and enjoyed a brief stint in the NFL. He coached Bobby up until middle school, and Bobby once recalled a crucial moment in fifth grade when he grasped the importance of his father's football legacy.

Bobby Kanka opens up about Michigan's new coaching staff

Bobby Kanka's commitment to Michigan came long before a big change swept through the coaching staff. Originally recruited by a team led by coach Jim Harbaugh and strength coach Ben Herbert, Kanka had built a strong relationship with former defensive line coach Mike Elston. The family had known Elston for several months before Kanka's pledge, but Elston, like Harbaugh, is no longer with the Wolverines.

Despite these changes, Kanka has found a positive connection with the new coaching staff.

"It's a good new vibe," Kanka told The Wolverine. "I think they’re doing a great job — the guys they brought in.

The prospect expressed strong support for new head coach Sherrone Moore, whom he had wanted to succeed Harbaugh following the latter's departure in the winter.

"My thoughts on Coach Moore have never changed or never wavered. So, that’s why when he got the job, I knew this place wasn’t going to change much just because of who he is and how he was brought up in the coaching system and everything like that. He’s a players’ coach. All the players want to play for him.”

Kanka also praised coach Justin Tress for his impressive work and spoke highly of the training he received from defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, defensive line coach Lou Esposito and graduate assistant LaTroy Lewis.

“They’re not going to shoot you wrong. They’re not going to be like, ‘Oh, yeah, that was just good enough.’ (Rather,) ‘It was a great rep, but if you do this, it’s going to be even better.’ So, I learned a lot just being there and being with them for the hour and a half I had. It was great. They all bring different perspectives," he said.

Despite struggling with injuries during junior season, Kanka recorded eight sacks, 38 total tackles and nine tackles for loss. He is listed as the No. 34 defensive lineman in the country and the No. 5 prospect in Miami, according to On3. 247 Sports also lists him as the No. 34 defensive lineman and the No. 5 prospect in Miami.