Could Michigan’s cornerback unit be in for some growing pains in 2025? We dive into the PFF data to get a closer look at what we can expect from the position:
The 2025 season will be crucial for Michigan’s cornerback position, as the departures of key players like Will Johnson and Aamir Hall could lead to some growing pains. However, a mix of returning players and transfer portal additions brings hope for improvement.
Let’s take a closer look at each player and what fans can expect in the upcoming season with the help of Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and insights.
Jyaire Hill
As the most experienced returning cornerback, Hill’s 2024 season left off on somewhat of a mixed note. He earned solid PFF grades, including a 77.7 overall and a 77.3 in coverage while recording 26 tackles, eight pass breakups and one interception across 598 snaps. However, as Aamir Hall emerged late in the season, Hill’s role shifted to a rotational capacity, limiting his playing time but exposing him to different offensive looks.
Now poised to take on a leadership role in 2025, Hill’s experience and proven ability will be crucial to anchoring Michigan’s cornerback room.
Jo’Ziah Edmond
Despite limited playing time as a true freshman in 2024, Jo’Ziah Edmond showed flashes of his potential. He appeared in eight games, seeing defensive action in four, and earned a 65.2 overall defensive grade with a 63.9 coverage grade across 38 snaps. His most impressive performance came against Northwestern, where he posted an 80.3 overall — one of the highest on Michigan’s defense that week.
Edmond’s ability to step up in key moments suggests he could play a much larger role in 2025 as he gains more opportunities.
Zeke Berry
Despite logging a team-high 629 defensive snaps, Berry struggled with consistency, earning a 57.4 overall grade and a 57.9 in coverage. His early-season difficulties exposed areas for improvement, particularly in coverage, but the extensive playing time provided valuable experience. Notably, once Makari Paige moved to the nickel role and Berry was moved to the outside, his numbers were much better overall late in the season, especially against Indiana when he racked up an 81.8 overall grade and an 86.4 coverage grade.
With another offseason to refine his skills, Berry has the opportunity to make significant strides heading into 2025.
Ja’Den McBurrows
Injuries derailed McBurrows’ 2024 season, limiting him to just four games before being sidelined. He has flashed potential in the past, particularly during Michigan’s 2023 National Championship run where he earned a 73.1 overall grade across 182 snaps. However, recurring injuries have prevented him from establishing consistency on the field. If he can stay healthy, McBurrows has the experience and skill to provide valuable depth to the cornerback room.
Tevis Metcalf
As a freshman at Arkansas last season, Metcalf primarily contributed on special teams and had just 15 defensive snaps. In those limited reps, he allowed two receptions for 38 yards on two targets, resulting in a 41.7 overall grade. With three years of eligibility remaining, Metcalf has the potential to become a solid player in the future — his development will be key to strengthening Michigan’s secondary in the years ahead.
Caleb Anderson
Anderson brings a wealth of experience from his time at Louisiana, where he had been a steady contributor the last three years. His most productive season was in 2023 when he recorded 23 tackles, one interception and 10 pass breakups.
His familiarity with Michigan defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan — who previously coached Anderson at Louisiana — could ease his transition into the Wolverines’ system. His veteran presence and tactical understanding will be valuable as Michigan works to rebuild its secondary.
Final Thoughts
Michigan’s cornerback unit will look quite different in 2025. While young players like Hill and Edmond are expected to take a step forward, it’s fair to question how big a step they will take. However, the additions of Anderson and Metcalf boosts the potential of the group — as does the return of guys like Berry and McBurrows — but it remains to be seen how dominant this group will be without a true CB1 as of now.