Defensive backs took ‘a big step’ this spring for Michigan football

Michigan football had to replace some key pieces in the secondary, namely Mike Sainristil and also starting cornerback Josh Wallace.

But that’s not all. Keon Sabb left via the transfer portal and Rod Moore, who was projected to go as high as the second round in the 2025 NFL draft before his injury, is also going to miss most of the season.

So of the top six players in the secondary, just two are returning healthy: Will Johnson and Makari Paige. The transfer portal additions this spring were important. So was the return of Quentin Johnson. At one point, he was headed to the NFL draft too, but will return to Michigan football, adding quality depth at safety.

Yet, two of the most impactful players in the Michigan football secondary this season could be home-grown pieces — Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry.

Yes, you want transfers to make an impact, but the best way to get better is from within. Michigan has been elite at development and the development of Berry and Hill is vital to the Wolverines’ success in 2024.

Young DBs stepped up during the spring for Michigan football

Lamar Morgan, the secondary coach for the Wolverines, was on the “In The Trenches” podcast this week and discussed the growth of Berry and Hill.

“That’s a guy that took a big step this spring, and I’m excited this fall to see where he’s at,” Morgan said (via The Wolverine) about Hill. “I think he’s a unique player. He loves football. I think he’s growing up. He has a silly personality, but it’s a good thing. He can have fun in the hallway, clown, and stuff like that. His parents have done a great job with him. And then all the sudden when it’s football, he’s gonna hook it up; he’s not playing around.”

Hill is a former top-200 recruit. He saw some action as a freshman, but if he develops into a solid starter, it would be a boon for the Wolverines. Just like if Zeke Berry turns into a stud at Nickel, where Mikey used to play.

“At safety, I think Zeke Berry had a really good spring,” Morgan said. “He did a lot of nickel and high safety, and I think he’s a unique player. I feel confident to say, if you look at the stats, he played 40 snaps last year, but he had a really good spring, and I’m excited about him taking the next step. We’ll be better if he takes the next step.”

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