The new Michigan football coaching staff has been off to a pretty nice start on the recruiting trail in its first month on the job. That run continued with the big time commitment from the top player in the state and name on the board as 2022 Gross Pointe (MI) CB Will Johnson has committed to Michigan.
Commitment
Scouting Report
Prototypical length and build for an outside lockdown corner. Shows off his basketball athleticism, natural talent, and advanced technique. Willing tackler and can match up with all-sized receivers. Though he may not be the fastest or quickest corner, his size, athleticism, and smarts allow him to match up man-to-man or drop into zone coverage without any issues.
Could be a guy who starts at corner but grows into a hybrid DB that can match up with bigger receivers on the outside and slide inside to lockup pass-catching tight ends or even play in centerfield. Wherever he’s listed at in the defensive backfield, he should be a multi-year starter for the Wolverines before heading to the NFL Draft.
Recruitment
As the son of former Michigan safety, Deon Johnson, Will was a name to know on the recruiting trail since he first got into high school. He’s consistently been ranked among the best players in the class and has been a priority for the Wolverines coaching staff, both the Don Brown and Mike Macdonald defensive staffs.
Though Michigan had the best connections, Ohio State and USC both had the five-star’s attention. The Buckeyes were rumored favorites at one point but the fit in Ann Arbor was better for Johnson than the one in Columbus. And the Domani Jackson connection had the Trojans in the door (which is something to watch in Michigan’s favor as this cycle goes on). But the longtime connections to the University and former players, proximity to home, and fit within the program won out for the Wolverines.
- Height: 6’3”
- Weight: 190lbs
- Hometown (School): Gross Pointe, MI (Gross Point South)
- Notable Offers: Ohio State, USC, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma
- Rankings: Rivals (5*, #13 overall) – 247Sports (4*, 33 overall) – ESPN (4*, #29 overall)
- Composite Ranking: Five-star, #11 Overall, #5 CB, #1 in Michigan
Highlights
As for the Rest of the Class
Johnson is the 6th overall commitment, the 2nd cornerback commit, and the 2nd in-state get. His commitment looks to be just the start of a nice in-state haul over the next week or so as WR Tay’Shawn Trent is set to announce on March 3rd and ATH Dillon Tatum looks to be nearing a decision as well.
As for the cornerback position, Michigan’s board is taking shape with CB Myles Pollard, CB Jaeden Gould, CB Benjamin Morrison, and CB Terrance Brooks rising to the top.
Photo Credit: 247sports.com
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