Michigan Football: 5 bold predictions for Wolverines in 2021

Gemon Green will lead the Big Ten in passes defended

It may be a bit surprising to see a bold prediction for a Michigan corner after last season, but college players do gradually improve. Michigan’s secondary was picked on last year, including Green, but he did improve as the season went on. He also likely won’t be asked to play on an island as much in Mike MacDonald’s scheme. I have Green as Michigan’s No.1 corner entering 2021.

Last season, Green finished in a four-way tie for third in the Big Ten in passes defended with six. Among the players that recorded at least six passes defended last season, Green tied for playing in the second-fewest games with Northwestern’s Greg Newsome who is now off to the NFL.

If Green maintains his average this season, he will have at least 13 passes defended assuming he plays every game. That will put him in contention. Indiana corner Tiawan Mullen led the Big Ten with 13 passes defended in 2019. However to be safe, Green will likely need at least 16-17 passes defended to give himself a shot at leading the conference.

I think opponents will test Michigan’s corners, particularly vertically, to see how much they have improved. That will give Green the opportunities necessary to make plays. If he takes advantage of his one-on-one opportunities and makes the proper reads when in zone coverage, Green could find himself as the Big Ten’s leader in passes defender at season’s end.