Michigan football secondary could get key reinforcement

There have been rumors swirling about a return for Michigan football safety Quinten Johnson, despite the fact that he declared for the 2024 NFL draft.

I’m not sure what the rules are or if Johnson would need some sort of waiver to play college football, but Chris Balas of The Wolverine reported on Thursday that signs are pointing to Johnson making a return to Michigan fooball for the 2024 season.

Quinten Johnson could return to Michigan football in 2024

Nothing is certain at this point and we know how quickly things can change. But this isn’t the first news of this rumor, so let’s hope that it comes true, because it would be a huge addition for the Wolverines.

Following the loss of Keon Sabb to the transfer portal, it left a void in the secondary. Zeke Berry and Brandyn Hillman were possible replacements. Berry could also be a candidate to play slot corner. However, after the departure of Sabb from the secondary, Johnson might be returning, in part due to NIL.

I don’t have any inside info. I’m just certain that he’ll be getting an NIL package to return, otherwise taking a shot on the NFL draft makes sense. However, a return to Michigan football does too.

What Quinten Johnson return would mean for secondary

Johnson, if he comes back, would likely be part of a three-man rotation at safety. There has been talk of Rod Moore moving to nickel too, so there is a real chance for Johnson to play more snaps, which could, in turn, boost his NFL draft stock.

While Johnson is best known for the huge hit in the fourth quarter of the Ohio State game, he posted 22 tackles, an interception, and four pass breakups last season. He’s also been a core special teams player.

The old saying is that you can never have enough good players and in the secondary, that’s especially true. Losing Sabb hurt but Johnson would ease the pain a little bit, as long as he’s able to return.