Michigan Football will be in epic battle for elite CB Will Johnson

Will Johnson is one of the best players in the 2022 recruiting class and Michigan football will be part of a tough battle to land him.

For whatever reason, recruiting cornerbacks has been a struggle for Michigan football in the 2021 class, but the Wolverines are already in the mix for some elite talents in 2022.

While there are reasons to feel good about Michigan’s chances with No. 2 corner in 2022, Domani Jackson out of Mater Dei, where Christian Dixon just committed from, the Wolverines should also have a good shot at the No. 4 overall corner in 2022 and 16th-player overall in Will Johnson.

Johnson is from Grosse Pointe, Michigan and is the top in-state player for 2022. His dad, Deon Johnson, also played for the Wolverines from 1991-94, so there is a connection there. However, Ohio State and other powers are already working their way into the mix.

Here’s what Johnson told Rivals recently about his recruitment:

"“Lately I have been having good connections with coach (Kerry) Coombs from Ohio State,” Johnson said. “It seems like every year they put out the first corner drafted. That just shows how they develop corners, and it means a lot in recruiting.”"

It’s hard to argue with what the Buckeyes have been able to do in the defensive backfield and really, on the entire defensive side of the field. So, it’s hard to blame Johnson for noticing that. However, Michigan football has done alright with defensive backs too and Mike Zordich, who coaches corners, has the respect of Johnson too. They also communicate a lot according to what he said to Rivals:

"“I talk to coach Zordich every week. I am just trying to keep building a relationship with them,” Johnson said. “When I was younger I used to always watch my dad play on old videos, so that was my inspiration to play football. Michigan, growing up, was always a dream school.”"

Florida State is another program that just offered and is looking to enter the fray, along with Penn State and also USC. Yet, in good news for the Wolverines, Johnson confirmed he wanted to visit Michigan during a game.

That’s a solid start but this is going to be a tough battle. The Buckeyes loom large here and it would be a killer to see another top in-state player go elsewhere.