How Michigan football can cover for the loss of Rod Moore
When Keon Sabb transferred to Alabama during the spring, this news surprised many people. Various writers had questions about who would play safety for Michigan football.
Where on this roster can Michigan find help with two experienced players leaving before the calendar turns forward into April? We all know Will Johnson is a dominant force at the cornerback position. Johnson can lock down one side of the field with ease.
Yet, two safeties need to emerge and play well to fill a void of players who won't suit up for Michigan football this season. Let's spotlight six-year safety Quinten Johnson.
Johnson brings valuable experience on the field and in the locker room. Studying film over six years gives him better opportunities to identify the opposition's offensive tendencies. The senior knows where to be in zone assignments.
Johnson has the intelligence on when to play press-man or back off to give a five-yard cushion. Seniors rarely bite on play-action passes. Johnson can shift corners into their correct assignment on the field. His abilities and game experience allow him to cover and disrupt the line of scrimmage. Across the landscape of college football, you don't see a lot of six-year players. Having a man with that extent of knowledge on your sideline tilts the balance of favor towards the Maize and Blue.
Makari Page should be on the opposite side of Johnson. He started 13 games at safety in 2023. The senior tallied 41 tackles and two pass breakups last season.
The Michigan football veteran made impact plays on the biggest stage of the college football playoff. Recording six tackles versus Alabama helped secure the overtime victory during the playoff semifinals.
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Against Washington in the National Championship game, he worked all over the field playing nickel back and safety. Quentin Johnson knows how to play the game, Makari Page has starter's experience and this duo should help the Michigan Football team thrive at the safety position in 2024.