Michigan football cornerback Will Johnson: ‘I gotta get to 99’

The rise of Michigan football cornerback Will Johnson has been impressive to watch. Many give J.J. McCarthy credit for committing to the Wolverines during a down year and being part of the turnaround.

However, Will Johnson did something similar. He committed to Michigan football well before the 2021 season — a few months after the 2020 season ended.

That was a momentous day for Michigan football. Johnson has been the best defensive back for the Wolverines since Charles Woodson roamed the secondary and won the Heisman Trophy.

Winning the Heisman will be difficult for Johnson. There have been rumors about him playing offense, which would help, but overall, that feels like a long shot.

Can Michigan football get to a 99

Yet, it’s not a longshot that Johnson could be the No. 1 overall pick when he goes to the NFL draft. Johnson was recently projected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft. He’s also the top-rated player in EA Sports College Football 25. He’s a 96, but Michigan football defender is hoping for more.

“But I gotta get to a 99” 🗣️ @UMichFootball CB Will Johnson reacts to being the highest-rated player in EA Sports CFB 25 🎮 @Willj1228 pic.twitter.com/dcV6jCCT1H

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) July 16, 2024

In a video released by CBS Sports, Johnson talks about his rating and says, “I gotta get that 99.” Johnson was asked if there was “pressure” on him to try and achieve that. Johnson said that it’s “just another achievement” but it’s cool to get that insight into what it’s like to be the No. 1 rated player.

But like Michigan football as a whole, what happened last season doesn’t matter. It’s great being the defending national champions and three-time Big Ten champions. Yet, going back-to-back or winning another Big Ten title would feel even better, and with Will Johnson on the squad, that’s much more likely.

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