Michigan Football: Positive signs with Will Johnson despite visit to USC

Holding the commitment of five-star cornerback Will Johnson is essential for Michigan football in 2022 and here’s the latest after his USC visit. 

There are a number of questions looming over Michigan football‘s 2022 recruiting class, but the biggest is whether or not the Wolverines can hold onto the commitment of Will Johnson?

Johnson is the top-ranked player in the state of Michigan in the 2022 recruiting class and the 12th-ranked player overall according to the 247 sports composite rankings.

The importance of Johnson’s pledge to the Wolverines really can’t be understated. He’s ranked fourth among cornerbacks in 2022 because he’s 6-foot-3 and he’s elite. He’s basically viewed as the Donovan Edwards or J.J. McCarthy of the 2022 class.

And he recently took a visit to USC, which is something Michigan fans should pay attention to, especially with Donte Williams doing the recruiting. Williams was recently at a camp in Michigan to spend time with Johnson, so the Trojans aren’t going anywhere.

However, there are some very positive signs for Michigan football in this recruitment. For one, following his visit to Los Angeles and the Trojans, Johnson returned to Ann Arbor in order to be on campus for the visit of Myles Pollard, a three-star cornerback in 2022 and a top target of U-M.

Pollard is a four-star according to Rivals and the 6-foot-2 defender told EJ Holland of Rivals that he and Johnson “Would be the best duo in the country.”

They both looked cool as hell rocking the Blue pants which has Michigan fans buzzing about new potential uniforms for next season.

Landing Pollard would help a lot, especially with USC still hanging around. The fact that Domani Jackson, Johnson’s close friend and five-star corner is committed to the Trojans, also helps their chances.

But can USC actually flip Johnson? And did the visit make a difference?

How worried should Michigan be about Johnson?

While Johnson’s visit to USC wasn’t great news for Michigan, recruiting experts aren’t expressing much hope for the Trojans’ chances and Adam Gorney of Rivals sums it up pretty well:

"“I fully expect five-star cornerback Will Johnson to stick with this Michigan class. He’s recruiting for the Wolverines, the hiring of Steve Clinskale should only help solidify Johnson’s decision. If the Michigan season goes poorly, could the in-state prospect be seeing some schools as insurance in case he needs a Plan B? It’s certainly something interesting to follow.”"

Like any five-star recruit, Johnson wants to play with other top players and at a place where he has a chance to win. Michigan football has the talent to win next season and as long as the Wolverines can do that and build a solid recruiting class, Johnson should be solid.

Johnson also posted on Instagram: “Those who stay will be champions.” Take that as you might, but that’s another good sign for Michigan.