Projected top-5 NFL draft pick Will Johnson 'ok' after vicious hit sent him to locker room

Just a short while after making a game-changing play for the Michigan Wolverines, Will Johnson was sent to the X-ray room. The projected top-five NFL draft pick took a brutal hit to the upper body.

Sep 14, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) pursues a play on defense against the Arkansas State Red Wolves at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Projected top-five NFL draft pick Will Johnson sustained an apparent injury to his upper body on Saturday. Shortly thereafter, he was seen jogging to the locker room and did not return to the game.

Johnson had previously made the biggest play of the game for the Wolverines. He picked off USC quarterback Miller Moss and took the interception 42 yards for a touchdown.

Not long afterward, USC running back Quinten Joyner trucked Johnson with a vicious blow to the upper body. It appeared that the cornerback sustained a heavy blow to the collarbone region. Shortly afterward, the CBS broadcast announced that Johnson was headed to the locker room to get X-rays.

The good news is that Johnson is okay. Head coach Sherrone Moore told reporters after the game he could have played if needed. That's fantastic because Johnson is clearly one of the nation's top playmaking cornerbacks and appears equipped to excel at the next level.

Johnson is not only one of the best players in the nation, he's one of the leaders on defense and his presence was clearly missed late in Saturday's game.