Michigan is suddenly VERY deep at defensive back. How will some of the Wolverines’ newest and current players blend together in 2024?
The Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for the 2024 football season with significant changes and fierce competition in the defensive backfield. Head coach Sherrone Moore recently bolstered the secondary by adding four defensive backs via the transfer portal: safeties Jaden Mangham and Wesley Walker and cornerbacks Aamir Hall and Ricky Johnson.
These new additions will intensify the positional battles at both the cornerback and safety positions, which are crucial for maintaining Michigan’s defensive prowess.
Cornerback: Aamir Hall vs. Jyaire Hill vs. Ricky Johnson
One of the most anticipated positional battles will undoubtedly be the fight for the second cornerback spot opposite star corner Will Johnson. This competition will likely feature UNLV transfer Ricky Johnson III, Albany transfer Aamir Hall, and returning sophomore Jyaire Hill.
Johnson, the versatile 6-foot-1 transfer from UNLV, has demonstrated why he’s considered the frontrunner. In his final 25 games with the Rebels, Johnson racked up 71 tackles, 14 pass breakups, and four interceptions, showcasing his ability to make plays both in coverage and run support. His experience and playmaking skills should translate well into Michigan’s defensive schemes during spring practices, making him a reliable option for the coaching staff.
Hall arrives at Michigan with a strong track record from his time at Albany. His ability to read quarterbacks and make plays on the ball resulted in multiple interceptions and pass breakups, showcasing his knack for creating turnovers. Hall’s experience and playmaking ability make him a formidable contender for the starting role.
Hill, a highly-touted recruit from the class of 2023, showed significant promise during his freshman year and is likely the Wolverines’ cornerback of the future. His speed, athleticism and versatility were on display in limited action last season, hinting at a high ceiling for his development.
Prediction: Hall is immediately a favorite in my mind, strictly because of his overwhelming on-field experience and All-American status at the FCS level. His proven track record is likely to land him the nod early, though Johnson and Hill will be formidable contenders and any of the three will serve as valuable rotational pieces at the very least. There’s still plenty to like about Johnson as a dark horse candidate here and I think that his collective performance before and after his 2022 injury could translate well — I’ll just have to see it on display against Power Four competition first before I’m fully bought in.
There’s also a world that exists where Jyaire Hill beats out the both of them but after playing only 56 snaps in 2023, I’ll elect to say either Johnson or Hall earn a lion’s share of the snaps while Hill gets one more year to rotate and develop. No matter how it all shakes out, the added depth and competition at the position is exactly what the Wolverines needed. The additions of Hall and Johnson will undoubtedly strengthen the secondary as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Safety: Quentin Johnson vs. Wesley Walker vs. Jaden Mangham
With star safety Rod Moore expected to be sidelined for the season, the Wolverines are turning to Makari Paige to be an anchor in the secondary. However, the competition for a spot alongside Paige is set to be one of the most exciting position battles of the offseason. Quinten Johnson, Jaden Mangham, and Wesley Walker will all vie for the coveted role, bringing diverse skills and experiences to the table.
Johnson, a senior who has been a part of Michigan’s program since 2020, brings familiarity and consistency. Over the past few seasons, Johnson has seen his role gradually increase, showcasing his versatility and hard-hitting ability. His experience within the program and understanding of the defensive schemes provide him with a solid foundation to compete for starting reps.
Mangham, transferring from Michigan State, comes with an impressive resume. Mangham was an All-Big Ten Honorable Mention in 2023, recording 53 tackles, a team-high four interceptions, one tackle for loss, and one fumble recovery. His knack for making big plays and taking the ball away makes him a strong contender. Mangham’s ability to read the quarterback and his physical presence on the field could provide the Wolverines with a dynamic playmaker in the secondary.
Walker, a new transfer from Louisville, where he only spent a matter of months after transferring from Tennessee, adds another layer of competition. Walker’s 2023 performance was noteworthy, as he allowed zero touchdowns during his 349 coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Prior to that, PFF also ranked Walker as the highest-graded returning safety in the SEC during the 2023 offseason, with an overall grade of 77.5 following the conclusion of the 2022 season. Walker’s ability to shut down receivers and his strong coverage skills make him a formidable candidate for the starting role.
Prediction: This one may not be as cut-and-dry. The ability to adapt to new defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s schemes, demonstrate consistency, and make impactful plays will be key factors in determining which of Michigan’s safeties see the field more. Martindale is primarily known for lining his defensive backs up in the all-too-familiar nickel (five DBs) but may even use up to six at a time more often than others around the Big Ten.
If this is any indication, Wink will likely utilize multiple packages of two or three Michigan safeties, with different combinations of Makari Paige, Wesley Walker, Quinten Johnson, or Jaden Mangham that make sense situationally.