A cornerback to replace Will Johnson
There is no replacing Will Johnson. He's one of the best players Michigan football has ever had at the cornerback position. He's definitely the best to do it since Charles Woodson.
Johnson wasn't just a shutdown corner either. He had a knack for making big plays such as his interception against Ohio State in 2023, or the interception in the national title game when Michigan needed some momentum.
This past season, Johnson had two interception returns for touchdowns before suffering an injury. Mason Graham will be tough to replace but Johnson will be equally hard. Arizona standout Emmanuel Karnley, who had 16 tackles and five pass breakups as a freshman last season, has Michigan football among his top teams.
Karnley is 6-foot-3, 184 pounds, and is ranked by 247 Sports as the No. 6 cornerback available in the transfer portal. He'd be easy to get in school as an underclassmen and has been receptive to the idea of filling the shoes of Johnson.
There is talk that a decision could come on Christmas Day, but whether it's Karnley or someone else, Michigan football needs an impact corner to replace Will Johnson in the lineup.