Wolverine Digest

Will Johnson opens up about his Michigan legacy, what he wants to be remembered for

Chris Breiler

Sep 14, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves wide receiver Courtney Jackson (9) is defended by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Arkansas State Red Wolves wide receiver Courtney Jackson (9) is defended by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
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Michigan cornerback Will Johnson is widely recognized as the top corner in all of college football. His combination of size, speed, and athleticism is one of the top reasons why he'll likely be an early first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. But along with the measurables, it's the intangibles that really separate Johnson from the rest of the pack. His mentality and dedication to his craft is second to none, but he's also an incredible teammate.

“His parents do a great job. His sister that works with us now, they’re just first-class people,” defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan said heading into the season. “The dude just cares about his teammates. He’s very genuine, he always wants to learn, he always wants to coach. I learn a lot from him. You’ve got a new coach coming here and asking you to change some techniques, he’s open. He’s just a very unique player, man. That’s what I think people don’t realize, the dude truly, truly cares about his teammates and he works like he’s just trying to earn a spot on the bus every single day.”

Johnson recently shared a video where he explains why playing at the University of Michigan is so important to him, along with the legacy he hopes to leave behind in Ann Arbor.

"I want my legacy to be someone who was a hard worker, he was there for his teammates, didn't have to question what kind of guy he was when you stepped in here everyday. And he kept God first, which is most important."

Although Johnson is only in his junior season, there's very little doubt that this year will represent his last in the winged helmet. But based on the way his coaches and teammates talk about him, I'd say he's well on his way to establishing that legacy he says he wants to leave behind.

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Chris Breiler
CHRIS BREILER

Christopher Breiler launched Winged Helmet Media and began covering the Michigan Football program in an unofficial capacity in 2017. He then joined Wolverine Digest as part of the FanNation network in 2021 as a contributing writer, where he served as both a writer and a photographer on game days. In 2024, he took over as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI. His love for Michigan Football brought him into the industry, and his passion for being a content creator has led to some amazing experiences along the way.

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