Five-star in-state prospect Will Johnson names final five schools

The Michigan Wolverines have a big-time need at the cornerback position moving forward and while help might not immediately be on the way, the recruitment of five-star 2022 cornerback Will Johnson is still looking positive for the program.

Johnson named the final five schools in the mix for his services on Monday with Michigan, Ohio State, USC, Arizona State and Oklahoma.

Crystal Ball selections on 247Sports came in in last week for the in-state cornerback out of Grosse Pointe South HS. He is the son of former Michigan defensive back Deon Johnson.

Here’s what 247’s Allien 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.