It’s been fun watching Michigan football add players over the past two days and the action continued on Saturday morning with the commitment of former UNLV cornerback Ricky Johnson.
Johnson was actually committed to Washington State. However, the Wolverines were essentially able to flip his commitment. He visited on Friday and the Michigan football sealed the deal with the 6-foot-1, 170-pounder corner
Johnson has appeared in 27 career games, playing in just three in 2022 and a few in 2020, leaving him with two years of eligibility remaining. He has recorded four interceptions and seven pass breakups in his career.
More importantly for Michigan football, Johnson enhances their depth. With multiple seasons as a starter at UNLV, he brings valuable experience, similar to Aamir Hall, the former FCS All-American cornerback from Albany, whom Michigan also added.
Johnson isn’t highly ranked, and none of the recent additions over the past four days will single-handedly elevate Michigan. Despite losing Rod Moore, Michigan didn’t necessarily need a new starter but rather quality depth, which they’ve now secured.
As for positions, I can see either Jaden Mangham or Wesley Walker starting at safety. Mangham seems particularly suited to fill Rod Moore’s role.
Michigan football’s secondary received another boost with the commitment of former UNLV cornerback Ricky Johnson. Despite his prior commitment to Washington State, the Wolverines successfully flipped his commitment after his visit on Friday.
Johnson brings experience, having played in 27 career games with four interceptions and seven pass breakups. His addition strengthens Michigan’s depth, similar to the acquisition of Aamir Hall from Albany.
While not highly ranked, Johnson’s presence addresses Michigan’s need for quality depth rather than a starting role. Jaden Mangham or Wesley Walker could potentially start at safety, with Mangham seen as capable of filling Rod Moore’s shoes.
Walker could excel at nickel due to his coverage skills, complementing Keon Sabb’s slot play in dime packages. Michigan’s emphasis on sub-package defense benefits from versatile defensive backs like Walker, who can cover and tackle effectively.
In the safety position, Makari Paige, Mangham, Walker, and Quentin Johnson bring over 2,000 combined snaps from last season, with two earning All-Big Ten honors. At cornerback, the roster boasts Will Johnson, Jyaire Hill, Aamir Hall, Ricky Johnson, Myles Pollard, Kody Jones, and nickel options Zeke Berry and Ja’Den McBurrows.
