2024 Michigan Football Safeties Review

The Michigan safety room was a veteran-led group in 2024, even without star Rod Moore on the field. Quinten Johnson, Makari Paige and Wesley Walker all went out with a bang, and the room appears set up nicely for the future as well:

Out of all of the position groups the Michigan Wolverines were expecting to show off in 2024, the safeties were supposed to be it. Rod Moore, Quinten Johnson and Makari Paige all returned after winning the national championship to attempt to create a dynasty.

With all of the promise in the world, the safeties room was hit hard before the season even started with Moore’s torn ACL in the spring. Luckily for the Wolverines, Paige and Johnson were more than capable of filling in.

Here is our 2024 review of Michigan’s safeties.

Makari Paige

The West Bloomfield native was pivotal during the Wolverines’ championship run in 2023, and he was primed to man the strong safety position once again in 2024. He began the year at strong safety and led the team in tackles against Fresno State and Texas, and even recorded an interception against Arkansas State.

Two months into the year, however, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale moved him to nickel due to Zeke Berry’s struggles . Nickel was a challenge for Paige, but he made one of the biggest plays of the season at nickel when he intercepted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard out of the slot. He also broke up a pass and he delivered three tackles in the win.

With no more eligibility, Paige will head to the pros.

Quinten Johnson

Johnson initially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, but eventually announced he would be returning to Ann Arbor for another season. He was originally going to act as a third safety behind Moore and Paige, but given Moore’s injury, Johnson became the starting free safety.

Playing the second-highest snaps (669) on the defense, Johnson started every game for Michigan and made 43 tackles, one tackle for loss and five pass breakups. Unfortunately for Michigan, Johnson is also out of eligibility.

Wesley Walker

The Wolverines may not have known they needed safety depth, but they sure were glad to have it. While Michigan was not overly aggressive in the transfer portal, it did grab two safeties. One of them was Wesley Walker from Tennessee.

Walker played in nine games for the Wolverines in the secondary, sharing time with Johnson at free safety. He even started at strong safety when Paige moved to nickel. He was a steady presence in the secondary, delivering 32 tackles, one tackle for loss and an interception in the bowl game against Alabama.

Much like the other safeties from this past season, Walker is out of eligibility.

Future Outlook

There is going to be a lot of change in the safety room going forward without Paige, Johnson and Walker. Thankfully, Moore is back, and Michigan brought in Arkansas transfer TJ Metcalf , who racked up 71 tackles, 10 pass breakups, three interceptions, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 2024.

Behind them, Jaden Mangham will return for his senior season after an injury-plagued first season in Ann Arbor. Brandyn Hillman will also look to take another leap after he made 21 tackles, one sack and two pass deflections in 2024. Finally, the Wolverines also brought in a few safeties in the high school ranks to compete, including four-stars Elijah Dotson, Kainoa Winston and Jordan Young.