Five-star 2022 cornerback Will Johnson names finalists, announces commitment date

The Michigan Wolverines have some new life on the recruiting trail with the coaching staff changes made under Jim Harbaugh this offseason. Now, they might soon know their fate with one of the biggest fish on the board in the 2022 cycle.

Five-star cornerback Will Johnson, an in-state prospect out of Grosse Pointe South HS, is bringing his recruitment to a close. He will choose between Michigan, Ohio State and USC on Feb. 23.

There are six 247Sports Crystal Ball predictions for Johnson to stay close to home and pick Michigan, though the confidence scores vary. Allen Trieu of 247 compares him to Stephon Gilmore of the New England Patriots:

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.

According to his player profile, cornerbacks coach/co-defensive coordinator Maurice Linguist and offensive line coach/co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore have been running the point on his recruitment recently. We will wait and see if it is enough to keep him home, but there is plenty of optimism there.