Crystal Ball predictions come in on five-star cornerback prospect

The Michigan Wolverines are struggling in pass coverage right now with a cornerback room that could use some more reinforcements down the road. While nothing is guaranteed about the future, especially as the team struggles on the field under Jim Harbaugh, they do appear to be positively positioned for one of the best corners in the country near their own backyard.

Crystal Ball selections on 247Sports began to come in on Tuesday for 2022 five-star in-state cornerback Will Johnson out of Grosse Pointe South HS from the trio of Sam Webb, Allen Trieu and Steve Wiltfong. He is the son of former Michigan defensive back Deon Johnson.

Here’s what Trieu says in his scouting report of the local product:

Great size and still growing. Has length, but is also filled in and looks like a prototypical outside cornerback prospect. Good athlete who excels on the basketball court and has shown top notch ball skills on the football field. Has the size and ball tracking ability to defend bigger outside receivers. Has good technique. Smooth in his backpedal and transition. Smart as far as zone coverage. Has yet to time at an event or in track, so verified speed is one question mark right now. It is possible he will outgrow cornerback if he keeps getting taller and bigger, but at present, projects as a blue-chip boundary cornerback who will be an impact college player and have a good chance to be a higher draft choice.

There has been a clear need at cornerback over the last few years on the recruiting board and the Michigan staff has notably put a lot of effort into it in the 2022 cycle. There has been buzz that Johnson and fellow five-star Domani Jackson could even be a package deal at corner with four-star safety Isaac Thompson being a priority, as well. We are still a ways away from decisions being made, but what’s happening on the field now appears it is having a minimal impact.

Johnson, Jackson and Thompson were part of a group of players that were in Ann Arbor over the weekend in what has otherwise been a positive few days on the recruiting trail. We will have to wait and see what it all means eventually, but credit the Michigan staff for keeping these guys engaged and excited.