Michigan’s Will Johnson receives high praise from Pro Football Focus

Throughout 2022, Michigan’s true freshman defensive back Will Johnson was one of the country’s best cornerbacks. After the season, Pro Football Focus (PFF) — a trusted and credible sports analytics outlet — graded Johnson as one of the best cornerbacks in the country.

PFF gave Johnson an 84.5 grade in press coverage, the second highest among power five defensive backs in 2022.

Johnson’s time at Michigan

Throughout Johnson’s short time at Michigan, he has already impressed fans and coaches on a regional and national scale. In 2022 — his true freshman season — Johnson recorded 25 solo tackles, three interceptions, and three passes defended.

Despite being fresh out of high school, Johnson solidified himself as one of the best defensive backs in the Big Ten, perhaps even the entire nation.

Out of high school, Johnson was a five-star recruit, ranked No. 15 nationally, No. 3 cornerback, and No. 1 player in Michigan. After just one season, it’s clear that Johnson was deserving of the high praise from 247 Sports from the start.

Johnson’s performance in 2022 earned him his first varsity letter at Michigan and the team’s defensive freshman of the year honors. Additionally, Johnson was named an freshman All-American by 247 Sports, Pro Football Focus, and The Athletic.

Johnson could be CB1 heading into 2023

This fall, as a rising sophomore, Johnson will likely be the Wolverines’ top cornerback. Michigan football has few holes on its roster this year; however, if there was one we had to point to, it would be at defensive back. That said, the Wolverines are in good hands, with Johnson leading the CB room as Michigan pursues a third-straight Big Ten title.

Michigan football is slated to face some dangerous quarterbacks this fall — namely Drew Allar (Penn State). If the Wolverines expect to stay in the National title conversation, Johnson will need to continue to improve and develop into an NFL-caliber defensive back.

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