Michigan Football: Ambry Thomas return ensures improved secondary

Thanks to the return of cornerback Ambry Thomas, Michigan football should be even better in the secondary in 2020.

For the most part, Michigan football has been done with NFL draft decisions, with one important exception: Ambry Thomas.

And while Thomas stopped short of officially announcing his return to the Michigan football, he posted a photo of him with Brad Hawkins on Instagram and the hashtag last ride, indicating he will indeed play another season for the Wolverines.

Just like with Nico Collins, this is tremendous news for U-M as an NFL caliber player decides to return. Thomas may not have been a high draft pick and that could be another reason why he chose to return, yet the 6-foot DB can cover and run, two valuable assets in the league.

In 12 games last season, despite missing a bunch of fall camp due to an illness, Thomas registered 38 tackles, three tackles for loss and three interceptions. He has four career picks as a Wolverine.

He’s also got the ability to be a return specialist, even though he gave up those duties in favor of Giles Jackson this past season.

Thomas became a full-time starter this past season at corner opposite of Lavert Hill, a senior that is graduating and is expected to be drafted. Hill was a solid corner but he doesn’t possess elite speed, which is why he isn’t going to be a first or second-round pick.

So with Thomas, who should be even better, along with an improving Vincent Gray, as well as others such as Jalen Perry and DJ Turner, should give Michigan football a solid corner group in 2020.

And with the additions of freshman Donovan Green-Warren and Andre Seldon, who could each compete for playing time early as upper-echelon four-star recruits, Michigan’s secondary should be better, even without Hill and Josh Metellus.

Part of that equation is having Daxton Hill play safety full time with Brad Hawkins. Hill, who has 4.3 speed, should be playing deep and roaming centerfield, trying to prevent big plays. Hawkins can play near the line of scrimmage as he did last season very effectively.

A guy like Seldon could come in and grab the nickel job just based on his attributes. He’s quick, physical and very good in man-to-man coverage. That could make him the ideal candidate to deal with quicker players in the slot.

Either way, with the return of Thomas, the secondary should be solid again in 2020 and if everything works out, it could be even better.