Following the commitment of former Tennessee safety Wesley Walker, you wondered if Michigan football still had room for Jaden Mangham, formerly of Michigan State.
As it turns out, we didn't have to wait long for the answer. Mangham committed to Michigan football on Friday night, becoming the third addition to the Wolverines via the transfer portal in the past two days.
Go Blue🔵🟡 pic.twitter.com/exfHdRaGSb
— S1ENDERMAN (@JadenMangham) May 17, 2024
Mangham is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. He had 53 tackles and four interceptions last season, in addition to an interception in 2022. The former Spartan has two years of eligibility and here are three thoughts on his commitment to Michigan football.
The ideal addition
This is the perfect addition for Michigan football for a couple of reasons. For one, it's been hilarious to watch Michigan State fans freak out about Mangham possibly joining the Wolverines. Now it has actually happened and I'm sure the reaction will be very tempered.
Beyond that, Mangham should fit perfectly with the Wolverines. He's a stellar athlete and was recruited by some programs as a wide receiver and a defensive back.
Mangham feels like the replacement for Rod Moore. You also have Walker who can play in the nickel, or in the dime package and feels a lot like Keon Sabb. At least I think his role will be similar, just more prominent.
Mangham feels like he could start next to Makari Paige. He's proven to be a ballhawk and his five interceptions aren't that far off from Rod Moore who has six.
Mangham isn't Rod Moore. Don't get it twisted but he's probably the next-best thing to Keon Sabb staying and taking over that spot. And even if he doesn't start, he's going to add vital depth and playmaking ability on the back end of the defense.
Secondary suddenly isn't a problem
The secondary was a concern just a week ago. It wasn't just cornerback either. Quentin Johnson hasn't been a full-time starter before and Zeke Berry's best position might be nickel. You need a playmaker at that spot to help cover what you lost in Mike Sainristil, so depth was needed at cornerback and safety.
Walker, to me, is just a defensive back. He could play safety or slot corner. He's an excellent tackler and good in coverage. Aamir Hall was stellar for Albany in coverage last season and the 6-foot-1, 205-pound FCS All-American also had over 50 tackles. All three incoming transfers did.
Tackling is one of the things that has made Michigan football so great on defense. The defensive line is outstanding and so is the coverage, but the Wolverines limit a lot of explosive plays by getting dudes on the ground. Just look back at the national championship game.
Coverage is important and all three of these guys can cover, but their tackling is just as important and that's something else Michigan football fans can feel good about.
Lamar Morgan is making an impression
The new Michigan football secondary coach, Lamar Morgan, has a lot to prove. However, he's done a great job on the recruiting trail over the past few days.
Position coaches play a major role in the recruiting process with transfers and high school prospects. Guys like Walker and Hall could be playing their last seasons in a college uniform, so they have to trust that the coaching staff and the position coach will be able to develop them and put them in a position to succeed.
Morgan convinced all three players that he would be able to do that. To me, that's a great sign moving forward. Morgan still has to get these players to play well together this season and with at least three new bodies, that could be a challenge.
But Michigan football fans have to like what they have seen so far. Morgan is proving to be a weapon on the recruiting trail and if he can mold the secondary into a successful unit, it will bode well for the future.