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New hype emerges for Michigan football freshman cornerback

Today, Michigan football freshman DJ Waller earned some new hype from fellow defensive back Will Johnson.

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Michigan football, DJ Waller, cornerback, Will Johnson
Sep 9, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back DJ Waller Jr. (13) catches the ball in warm ups before the game against the UNLV Rebels at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Yesterday, Jim Harbaugh had the fan base talking about Michigan football freshman cornerback DJ Waller, who has emerged as a standout rookie for the Wolverines through four games of the 2023 season. Waller, a former four-star prospect in Harbaugh’s 2023 signing class, got evening more hype this evening from none other than elite defensive back Will Johnson.

Michigan football freshman cornerback earns new hype from veteran DB

DJ Waller is a name that is starting to emerge on the radar of many Michigan football fans. So far, though four games, Waller has twice been named the team’s Defensive Freshman of the Week, prompting some heads to turn and mumbling about the future to start.

This evening, Will Johnson kept fans buzzing, adding even more hype for Waller heading into Week 5.

“Yeah, I mean, he’s a huge, huge corner out there,” Johnson said of DJ Waller. “Very long, very extensive. So having those two features about him, some of the biggest you need at corner. Now you just got to, like everybody, keep getting better every week. … I think, like you said, by the end of the year, he’ll be ready to go.”

Will Johnson notes that the cornerback room as a lot of large bodies

Will Johnson also noted that, on top of himself and DJ Waller, the Michigan football defense has a number of long defensive backs that are stepping up this year.

“We’ve got a lot of big long DB’s out there that can make plays on the ball like you’ve seen in the games so far,” Johnson said. “We’re just building off last year too, so a lot of guys that came back with experience and we’re just trying to be better in all phases — communication, running to the ball, making plays — so as a whole, we’re just trying to get better every day at everything we can do.”

Michigan football ready to face Nebraska this weekend

DJ Waller and Will Johnson are both players to watch this weekend as the Wolverines look to begin the year 5-0. On Saturday, Michigan football begins its 2023 road slate at Nebraska, which should be a good test (environment wise) for the Maize and Blue, who have looked solid thus far, yet still need to click in a few key areas.



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CJ has covered college athletics in paid roles for around five years, including numerous sports and beats. His most recent work revolves largely around Penn State and Michigan football and basketball as a member of the credentialed media at both schools. Right now, CJ writes for Blue by Ninety, where he also serves as the site's credentialed football reporter. He also does some credentialed basketball coverage. Previously, CJ has made stops with sites like GBMWolverine, Saturday Blitz, Steeler Nation, and more.

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