ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan football will have something of a changing of the guard in the secondary this year, with Brad Hawkins, Daxton Hill, and Vincent Gray all departing for the NFL. But it won’t be without talent.
At corner, Gemon Green and DJ Turner return, which bodes well for the cornerbacks, but safety will essentially see two new faces. Presumably, RJ Moten and (currently injured) Rod Moore will be the likely starters, but who else could be instant impact players, either at safety or out on the edge?
After his pro day, departing safety Brad Hawkins shared who he thinks could make an impact sooner than later, speaking not of some of the stalwarts who have been in the secondary as much as two first-year players who are coming on strong this spring.
“I’d say Keon Sabb, freshman — Will Johnson,” Hawkins said. “I haven’t had the opportunity to really see, but from what I know and what I see around, I think for sure (those guys).”
Related
Michigan football receives 2023 three-star DE commit
Michigan football hires first-ever Power Five female assistant
Michigan WR Cornelius Johnson has an interesting approach to spring ball
When the duo signed on early signing day, head coach Jim Harbaugh shared his thoughts on what they bring to the table, starting with Will Johnson.
“Will Johnson, son of Deon Johnson who played here at the University of Michigan and was a heckuva good football player,” Harbaugh said. “Been recruiting Will since it seems he was a freshman in high school. I think we probably offered him as a freshman, at least as a sophomore, but right down the road. He’s been fantastic, been one of our best recruiters. Michigan legacy. Everything you want in a corner in terms of length and movement skills, traits. Fantastic. And I’ll also say that Will’s a signature guy in the class….
..
