Will Johnson is one of several players expected to lead the way into a new era of Michigan football, so he is focusing on becoming a better vocal leader ahead of the 2024 season.
With fall camp underway and the regular season opener less than a month away, Michigan Wolverines star cornerback Will Johnson is focused on becoming a better leader.
The team lost a ton of veterans from last season, but Johnson and several others are seemingly ready to step into that role as the program prepares for a pivotal upcoming campaign under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore.
“I think just being a better leader, being someone that is accountable for my teammates and always being around for the guys that need me (are areas of improvement),” Johnson told the local media Sunday. “There are a lot of new guys and new people in this building, so (I’m) just trying to keep the standard where it was before, and make sure everyone knows what it’s like to be a Michigan man and what it takes to get to where we were last year.”
The Wolverines are hoping to keep the program’s momentum going by competing for a fourth straight Big Ten title and second straight national championship. Despite several major changes to the coaching staff and roster this offseason, Johnson said the standards remain lofty.
“I think we still have that chip on our shoulder,” Johnson said. “We have high expectations for ourselves so we just want to come out here everyday, be process-driven and prepare the best way we can.”
Johnson took home All-American honors in 2023 as a sophomore, and is widely regarded as the best cornerback in the country. The fact he is set to lead the secondary again, all while trying to become a better vocal leader, is encouraging to say the least.
In addition to Johnson stepping up in the leadership department, running back Donovan Edwards and tight end Colston Loveland should also be viewed as leaders on this team as well. Edwards is fully healthy and hoping to have a dominant senior year, while Loveland is expected to be among the best tight ends in the nation. Both will look to set the tone for a revamped offense that has some uncertainty as of today.
“We’re going to have success because of the coaching staff. We have full trust in those guys and they put us in the best position to succeed,” Loveland said. “Just trust the process of the offense, the coaches and the game plan they have for us. That’s going to be a big thing that ultimately leads us to success.”
As the program ushers in a new era, it will be essential for returning players to make a positive contribution on the field and in the locker room. It sure seems like Johnson and Loveland — along with Edwards — are ready to do just that.
The Wolverines will continue fall training camp in the coming days as the team gears up for the regular season opener against the Fresno State Bulldogs on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Michigan Stadium.