What we learned about Michigan Football secondary this spring

In our final look at positions this spring, we analyze what we learned about the Michigan football secondary during spring ball.

One position group that Michigan football fans were focused on this spring was the secondary and more specifically, the cornerback position.

The Wolverines lost two starters from a season ago in DJ Turner and Gemon Green. However, when you look at some of the positional rankings being put by On3.com, you’ll find Michigan football’s cornerbacks and safeties each rank in the top 5.

You might wonder how that could be. At cornerback, there are two simple explanations — Will Johnson and Mike Sainristil — two of the best in college football at what they do.

Michigan football secondary has elite potential

Sainristil was the nickelback for Michigan football last season and will play that role again in 2023. He will likely see more time covering on the outside too, seeing how well he played last season in his switch from offense to defense.

Johnson had three interceptions last season as a freshman, including two in the Big Ten championship game. Sainristil was all over the place, finishing as the fourth-leading tackler (65 total, 6.5 TFL) as well as seven passes defended and an interception.

Amorion Walker is a cornerback that Michigan football fans and coaches are excited about, as well as rising sophomore Myles Pollard. Ja’Den McBurrows is another name in the mix, as well as 2023 signees Jyaire Hill and Cameron Calhoun, who each stood out this spring.

In terms of the safety position, there was so much depth that former starter, R.J. Moten, decided to enter the transfer portal and was picked up by Florida.

At Michigan, he would have struggled to crack the two-deep with Rod Moore and Makari Paige holding down the top spots on the depth chart, followed closely by promising sophomores-to-be Zeke Berry and Keon Sabb.

Those guys are going to get on the field this season and they are each future starters. Moore has been an incredible find as a former three-star recruit from Ohio.

As it stands, I see three Michigan football players from the secondary getting drafted in 2024 and that’s only because Will Johnson, who might be the best corner in college football next season, won’t be draft eligible until the 2025 NFL draft.

As far as what learned about the secondary this spring, we learned it could be as good as it was last season. Another cornerback being added is possible and you can never have enough depth, but in terms of top-end talent, Michigan football compares with just about anyone.