Michigan’s Will Johnson Named A Top-3 Returning Cornerback in 2023

Pro Football Focus: Will Johnson Is A Top-3 Returning Cornerback

Heading into his true freshman season in 2022, Michigan’s Will Johnson was already being hyped as potentially one of the best to put on the Winged Helmet. In fairness, Johnson came to Ann Arbor as a five-star cornerback prospect — one of the best players in the 2022 recruiting cycle. Now, after performing up to expectations as a freshman a season ago, Michigan’s rising sophomore defensive star is generating even more hype.

According to Pro Football Focus, a respected and trusted football analytics outlet, Michigan’s will Johnson ranked No. 3 among returning corners in 2023.

Top 10 returning Cornerbacks for the 2023 season, via @Chad_Maxwick pic.twitter.com/V3EO3RVTO6

— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 17, 2023

Will Johnson In 2022

A season ago, some remained hesitant to endorse Michigan’s Johnson as the “next big thing.” In fairness, it’s hard to come to a major program like Michigan football and compete with the nation’s best as an 18-year-old true freshman; yet that did not stop Johnson from shinning throughout the season.

During Michigan’s incredible 13-1 Big Ten title-winning season, Johnson compiled 27 tackles (25 solo), three passes defended, and three interceptions. These numbers — along with his incredible coverage skills that discouraged opposing quarterbacks from throwing his way — earned Johnson Michigan’s Defensive Freshman of the Year honors, as well has hist first UM varsity letter.

When the lights were brightest in the Wolverines’ Big Ten Championship Game matchup with Purdue, Will Johnson stepped up in a massive way. Johnson recorded a career-high two interceptions against the Boilermakers during Michigan’s 21-point victory.

High Hopes for Johnson In 2023

As a sophomore, the expectations will only continue to soar for the Wolverines’ standout defensive back. Right now, Johnson is ranked as a top-3 returning cornerback by PFF — he sits behind Kool-Aid McKinstry (Alabama) and Kalen King (Penn State). Without a doubt, Johnson will be on nearly every preseason All-Big Ten and Preseason All-America list that is out there. He will likely be Michigan’s CB1 this season, and could be a key member of another elite Michigan Wolverine defensive unit.

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