Michigan defensive back Will Johnson. Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Standout Michigan defender could also be threat on returns

By Nicholas Meyer | Last updated 4/12/24

Could a star Michigan cornerback add a new dimension for the defending national champions as a kick and punt returner?

Will Johnson — a popular pick for All-American honors heading into his junior season — is working as a return man in preparation for his team's title defense, which begins Aug. 31 against Fresno State.

Michigan wideout Semaj Morgan, via the Winged Helmet, said that in addition to himself and Johnson, sophomore defensive back Zeke Berry and sophomore wide receiver Frederick Moore are practicing returns for Michigan. The Wolverines' 2024 spring game is on April 20.

"Don't kick to us," Morgan warned.

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Johnson, perhaps the best defensive back in the Big Ten, is projected as a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Last season, he had 20 solo tackles, four passes defensed and four interceptions — totals that would likely have been much higher if teams hadn't been hesitant to throw to his side of the field.

"I think I'm the best corner in the class. I'm going to keep working to make sure I'm the best corner in this class next year," Johnson said in January, per FoxSports.com.

Johnson's elite skillset and NFL size (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) remind some of the 1997 Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson, who led the Wolverines to a national championship and 1998 Rose Bowl victory over Ryan Leaf and Washington State.

Woodson caught passes on offense and returned punts, including a 77-yard return for a touchdown against Ohio State.

According to Morgan, per On3.com, Johnson is the "ultimate teammate."

Now, he may become the team's ultimate weapon as a cornerback and a returner.

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