Michigan football depth chart projection following spring and transfer portal

Cornerback

Starters: Will Johnson and Jyaire Hill

Top backups: Aamir Hall, Ricky Johnson, Ja'Den McBurrows, Myles Pollard, and Kody Jones

Will Johnson might be the best cornerback in college football. He's a no-doubt starter but the spot opposite him will be one of the most interesting battles in fall camp. Jyaire Hill is my best guess. He's 6-foot-2 and a former top-200 recruit.

Hill just needed a little seasoning and maturing. Aamir Hall will push him. Ricky Johnson will too and the good news is that if Hill isn't ready, the Wolverines have veteran insurance. Depending on who wins the nickel job, Ja'Den McBurrows could be a factor for the No. 2 cornerback job too.

Nickel

Starter: Zeke Berry or Ja'Den McBurrows

The four transfer portal additions -- two at cornerback and two at safety -- give Michigan football the depth to allow Zeke Berry and McBurrows to battle it out for the nickel job.

McBurrows wasn't completely healthy this spring. So Berry might have the edge now, but he'll need to hold that in fall camp. Nickel feels like his best position though. He shined in the spring game and if he can hold down that spot, McBurrows could add even more depth at cornerback.

You could also see both guys get snaps at nickel depending on the opponent. Maybe some weeks, Michigan will prefer Berry, and some weeks, McBurrows. It could even change from game to game.