Michigan football was hoping to land one of the top cornerbacks in the transfer portal this week, Emmanual Karley, a 6-foot-3 sophomore-to-be who would have been ideal to step into the starting job vacated by Will Johnson who has declared for the NFL draft. Yet, Karnley chose Miami.
The Wolverines still need to address the position though. Jyaire Hill had his moments last season and after moving to cornerback due to some injury issues, Zeke Berry played well on the outside. There's a chance he could stay there and if Rod Moore returns, he could be the nickel.
The addition of TJ Metcalf from Arkansas was important because he can be one of Michigan's safeties next season along with the likes of Brandyn Hillman, Jaden Mangham, and others.
Cornerback is still a concern though. Michigan football has some young players who could step up next season or even some freshman who could work their way into the mix. But you never want to rely on that, so adding a veteran with some size and man coverage skills would be ideal.
Another transfer portal cornerback wants to visit Michigan football
It just so happens that someone who fits that mold, Tony Grimes, who played three seasons at North Carolina, before starting for 12 games at UNLV in 2024, is interested in visiting Michigan.
The Wolverines recruited Grimes, a former five-star recruit, coming out of high school but the 6-foot-2, 190-pound cornerback chose North Carolina. Grimes played 37 games for the Tar Heels with 97 tackles, 19 pass breakups, one interception, and one forced fumble. Grimes also started 12 games for UNLV this season and had six pass breakups.
According to EJ Holland of The Wolverine, Grimes is interested in visiting Michigan football but also has visits scheduled with Purdue and Baylor. Louisville, North Carolina, Miami, and SMU are other teams that have expressed interest according to Holland's report.
Grimes is ranked No. 236 overall in the 247 Sports transfer portal rankings. He's also ranked 30th among cornerbacks.