Michigan’s Will Johnson ready to attack 2024

As Michigan’s Will Johnson prepares for his third — and almost certainly final — season in Ann Arbor, the nation’s No. 1 cornerback is expected to serve as the linchpin for what should be the nation’s best defense. The Wolverines have plenty of veteran talent on the defensive end, and Michigan’s coaching staff has done a phenomenal job of filling potential gaps through the transfer portal, particularly in the secondary.

When it comes to Johnson specifically, it’s not just his skills on the football field that make him an elite player. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes that really helps him take his game to the next level, something defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan highlighted during his recent appearance on the “In The Trenches” podcast with Jon Jansen.

“I don’t think people realize how much work he puts in to get there,” Morgan said. “All the film study, what he does with his body, the extra work he does — stretching, yoga, Pilates, all the pre-workout routines the kid has to go through. It’s incredible.”

“I go to a professional practice and I watch these veterans, that’s how they carry themselves here. The coaches before me, the strength and conditioning staff before me, they did a really good job there. But I also think these young guys, they learn a lot from the coaches, but they really learn from their peers. And that’s what makes Michigan unique, because the players, with our guidance, run the program.”

Given his level of preparation and his performance on Saturday, it’s no surprise that the young defensive backs — including the four new transfers — view Johnson as a player they want to learn from. But even though he’s considered an elite cornerback who will be selected in the first round of the NFL draft in less than a year, he knows the job in Ann Arbor isn’t done. In fact, Johnson made it clear he wasn’t happy with how he played last season.

“There’s always more to do,” Johnson said in the spring. “I always want more. Last year, I had a pretty good year, but I wasn’t where I wanted to be at all. I have a lot more to do this year, and I want to be the best version of myself that I want to be.”

“We’re using this time to get where we want to be, get back in shape, get mentally prepared, build that chemistry and keep that culture going. We have a lot of things to do to get ready for the season. But we know what’s coming and we’re ready to attack it.”