Updating Michigan Football position battle at cornerback

Michigan football defensive coordinator Jesse Minter met with the media this week and offered some updates on the cornerback competition.

One of the players that stood out this spring for Michigan football is Amorion Walker, the freakish defensive back/wide receiver who signed as part of the 2022 class.

Walker didn’t play a ton in 2022. He saw snaps on both sides of the ball and there’s a chance that happens again this season. However, it seems clear that his main position moving forward is going to be cornerback.

There is an opening in the secondary opposite of Will Johnson. Mike Sainristil is also going to play a lot and has the nickel job locked down, but here is what DC Jesse Minter said about Walker and how he fits into things for Michigan football earlier this week:

"“His skillset is tremendous. You’re talking about a guy who is 6-3. Most times even in the NFL you see a 6-3 corner and you’re like, ‘okay — what trait is lacking?’ He might be not as quick as the smaller guys, might be not as speedy, but he is really, really fast. He has really good feet. He’s a little unique in that sense. Not to put a crazy, crazy expectation on him, but he has the skillset to play the position. He has the traits to play the position.”"

Walker is one player I’ll have my eye on this Saturday. The potential is crazy and if you think about the trio of Johnson, Sainristil, and Walker, it’s downright scary, or at least could be for opponents.

Yet, Minter also made it clear that Sainristil is a guy that can do more than play slot corner. He was spectacular last season after essentially taking over for Daxton Hill.

I want to see Mikey in that role more, but there are others that can do it, plus he’s one of Michigan’s best corners. It makes sense to have him move around if needed. Minter also said he was excited about Ja’Den McBurrows — a name that shouldn’t be forgotten.

At any rate, it’s been one of the position battles to watch this spring and we’ll have a better idea of where things stand during the Michigan football spring game on Saturday.