FOOTBALL

A possible spring ball position change for Michigan football

Would it make sense for Michigan to move anther standout athlete to defense?

Published

2 years ago

March 2, 2023

Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver A.J. Henning (3) reacts as he walks off the field in confetti after losing to the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

One of the biggest (and only) offseason needs for the Michigan Wolverines this season is at defensive back. Throughout spring ball, Michigan football has already coverted one wide receiver (Amorion Walker) to corner, and ahead of the season this fall, it could make sense to move another — at least from time to time.

Could Michigan football move AJ Henning?

Michigan’s AJ Henning has seen action on special teams and limited snaps on offense. Right now, Henning is listed as a wide receiver, though his primary role comes as a punt and kickoff returner. Still, Henning’s solid 5-10, 185-pound frame and elite speed make him an interesting prospect at defensive back. During spring ball, the Wolverines could use a bit more depth at cornerback, and with many of Michigan’s top athletes moving to the defensive side of the football, I could see AJ Henning getting some two-way snaps this fall. Here is what Wolverines Wire has to say about Henning’s potential at corner:

“An athlete in space who used to be utilized heavily on jet-sweep action, we didn’t see much of Henning on offense in 2022. But given how versatile he is, it would be curious to see him on the defensive side of the ball, making a similar-type of switch as what Mike Sainristil did a year ago. We’re not counting on it, but it would be interesting to see what the results would be.”

While I doubt Harbaugh will keep moving his wideouts to defense, I also think that Henning fits the cornerback mold quite well, and would not rule out the possiblility of Henning coming in as a relief player on defense from time to time in 2023.

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