2022 five-star CB Will Johnson commits to Michigan

The Michigan Wolverines just landed arguably the most important player on the board in the 2022 class, as in-state five-star cornerback Will Johnson just announced his commitment to the Maize and Blue.

The 6-foot-3, 190-pounder from Grosse Pointe picked Michigan over his two other finalists — USC and Ohio State. Both schools appealed to him for several reasons, but he held strong relationships within both programs. Fellow five-star cornerback Domani Jackson, a close acquaintance of his throughout this recruiting class, is committed to USC and did his best to get Johnson to commit to the Trojans. Meanwhile, Johnson also was very close with Ohio State cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs, a relationship that nearly made him commit before the end of 2020.

But at the end of the day, his relationship with all the Michigan coaches, including head coach Jim Harbaugh, his proximity to the program, and the fact his father, Deon Johnson, is a former player, all lent a helping hand in the Wolverines acquiring his commitment.

247Sports’ Allen Trieu compares Johnson to one of the best cornerbacks in all of the NFL — New England Patriot Stephon Gilmore.

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.

Johnson joins four-star athlete Kody Jones, four-star safety Taylor Groves, three-star tight end Marlin Klein, three-star defensive lineman Davonte Miles and three-star offensive lineman Connor Jones in Michigan’s 2022 class, which moved up seven spots and is now ranked No. 10 overall.

Johnson is the No. 1 player in the state of Michigan, No. 5 cornerback and No. 11 overall player in the 2022 class on 247Sports’ composite. You can check out some of his junior year highlights below.