CB Will Johnson Aims To Be Vocal Leader In 2024

Michigan cornerback Will Johnson sees new faces among the U-M secondary.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates with / Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

During a short break from spring ball yesterday, cornerback Will Johnson joined a couple other Wolverines for a quick chat with the media, and the first-team All-American is prepared to grow into a more important role on the defense this fall. 

“I think just trying to be a better leader on this team this year, being more vocal, tightening down things that have always been kind of a normal thing.,” Johnson said. “And some of the younger guys that might not know that, just keeping that standard of what has been the last few years and just holding guys to the standard that we've had, keeping that same mentality every day.”

Johnson returns a more experienced defensive back, and his football acumen will be essential for a Michigan secondary that is likely losing safety Rod Moore for the season. Last week, Moore suffered a significant knee injury, reportedly to his ACL, and his future as it pertains to the 2024 season is in serious jeopardy. So, Johnson will be asked to help solidify the back end on a defense that was already replacing several key pieces from its National Championship-winning squad a year ago.

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That is not to say the cupboards are bare in Ann Arbor, however. The opposite is true according to Johnson as he’s noticed quality practice effort from players like DJ Waller, Jyaire Hill, Ja’Den McBurrows, Zeke Berry and Kody Jones in particular. 

“All those guys have stepped up a lot,” Johnson said. “So, they're taking that next step for this next year coming up. So, just keep stacking days throughout the spring ball and keep getting better every day. We'll be ready to go for the season.”

With Mike Sainristil entering the NFL Draft, Moore’s knee injury and safety Keon Sabb transferring to Alabama, the U-M secondary should present plenty of opportunity for the likes of Waller, Hill, McBurrows, Berry and Jones. 

“We went through a lot with those guys, but I'm happy with the guys that are here now,” Johnson said. “They've been doing a great job at getting on the same page with us and working with us to be a cohesive group together. So, I'm excited about it. They're very open and they're very genuine so it's been great to see the guys that are here.”

With new faces surrounding Johnson in the secondary, the 6-2, 202-pound corner will also need to adjust to the coaching style of U-M defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. And based on early reports, Johnson seems excited to learn from Martindale, who boasts a two-decades-long NFL coaching pedigree. 

“He's very genuine, very open, loves to work with us all about development,” Johnson said of Martindale’s influence. “I think that's really huge for the young guys is them having a coach like him that is very open and willing to work with them and really pick their brains a lot.”

One of the major obstacles Michigan will have to overcome this season will come as a result of attrition, players leaving for the pros, other Wolverines transferring, such as Sabb to Alabama, but Johnson sounds prepared and motivated to be a key playmaker for the maize and blue this fall. 

How do you see the Michigan secondary shaping up? Let us know and follow @EricJRutter on Twitter for more Wolverine Digest updates.