Michigan football cornerback Will Johnson mentioned as a Heisman contender

Michigan football legend Charles Woodson gets credit for being the first and only defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy Award. Yet, he wouldn't have won without his offense.

Woodson had some spectacular plays during his magical run to the Heisman Trophy but two of the most famous weren't even on defense.

Charles Woodson returned a punt for a touchdown against Ohio State in "The Game." He also had a long catch that set up another score, plus he had an interception that saved a touchdown as the Buckeyes were in the red zone.

Does Michigan football have another Heisman finalist?

It feels like a truly defensive player can't win the award. Quarterbacks and running backs tend to dominate but Wolverines cornerback Will Johnson is starting to turn some heads.

Johnson has two interception returns for touchdowns in four games and he's been electrifying. It feels like both of those were plays Woodson might have made. On3.com released its top 10 Heisman contenders this week and Johnson was among them. So was running back Kalel Mullings.

It's going to be really difficult for Johnson to even become a finalist for the 2025 Heisman without playing offense at all. Coaches joked about it this offseason and Johnson said he would do it, but I don't see that happening for the 6-foot-3 defender.

Yet, Johnson has already set the record for Michigan football interception returns for a touchdown and you get the feeling he isn't done. Kalel Mullings was mentioned among the top 10 by On3 and after his performance in the Big House on Saturday, it's hard to disagree.