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Charles Woodson Is Mentoring This Michigan Football Sophomore

Charles Woodson has taken this rising star Michigan football sophomore under his wing!

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Michigan football, Will Johnson, transfer portal, Alabama
Oct 7, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

During his playing days in Ann Arbor, Wolverine legend and former national champion/Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson — perhaps the greatest college player of all time — wore the number two. Now, that legendary number is donned by Michigan football sophomore cornerback Will Johnson, a former five-star, who has been nothing short of impressive during his time in the Maize and Blue thus far. After beating Ohio State last weekend, recording a crucial interception along the way, Johnson said on Tuesday that Woodson is mentoring him and gave him some tips on covering elite wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.

Charles Woodson has taken Michigan football sophomore Will Johnson under his wing

Wondering why Will Johnson has been so impactful for the Michigan football defense? Well, a lot of it is raw talent and great development from Jim Harbaugh’s coaching staff; however, some of his success may be attributed to the fact that Charles Woodson has been mentoring him.

“I’m just so grateful to have him (Charles Woodson) as a mentor,” Will Johnson said Tuesday. “He’s kind of passing that torch to me, a little bit, so I just want to keep that going and keep that relationship how it is. It’s been great so far.

“Yeah, he gave me some advice with the matchup I had (against Marvin Harrison Jr. and Ohio State) right before game time,” Johnson added. “To just calm me down and to let me know (to) take the fade away, have good feet. Just little tips and tricks to make sure that I was locked in.”

Of course, Will Johnson and Michigan football were quite locked in against the Buckeyes. After recording a crucial early interception against Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord, Johnson and the Wolverines picked up their third straight win over Ryan Day and his squad.

With the win, Michigan football is now 12-0 (9-0 Big Ten) on the year, heading into its third straight Big Ten title game this weekend. Additionally, for the second time since 2021, the No. 2 Wolverines will face the No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes with a College Football Playoff berth and more at stake.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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