Will Johnson- Best UM CB since Woodson?

Submitted by Bo Harbaugh on December 4th, 2022 at 5:28 PM

Woodson was obviously beyond generational, only defensive player to win a Heisman.  But we've had some talented corners and secondary playesr come through UM since all with the weight of being compared to the GOAT.  Lewis, Peppers (converted to safety), Marlin Jackson, D. Warren come to mind - but we obviously haven't been d-back U like LSU.  Lewis and Jackson were probably the closest to "lockdown" imo, but not quite really LOCKDOWN.

Watching Johnson during his freshman year, it's hard not to see the progress made during the year and feel that as a freshman, he is trending to be the best, most impactful cover corner we've had since Chuck. He has all the physical tools and seems to enjoy the bright lights.  Watching him go up against Marvin Harrison Jr. (a future top 3 NFL WR imo) was great stuff and showed how much faith the staff has in the young man.

Thoughts?

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1VaBlue1

December 4th, 2022 at 5:30 PM ^

I think everything you said was pretty accurate.  But can we just let kid mature as a player for a minute before weighing him down with such expectations?

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1WhoStayed

December 4th, 2022 at 5:33 PM ^

He has played great. But he is going to cost us at some point with his cockiness. Saw it earlier in the year when a teammate pulled him aside when he started taunting Thorne(?) after a hit at the sideline.  And last night he shoved two fingers in Purdue receivers face after his 2nd int. Hopefully he’ll mature because a 15 yard penalty at the wrong time can cost you a game.

Again, he has played great and that int where he jumped the route was something I have been waiting for from a M DB for a while.

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1WhoStayed

December 4th, 2022 at 7:56 PM ^

Thanks for the link. Not sure WHAT I saw that looked like it was in a Purdue players face! Someone mentioned further down the camera angle made it look that way. But I can't imagine - even at a different angle - looking like it was taunting. <shoulder shrug>

Did I mention I used to referee Big Ten football games?!?

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MH20

December 4th, 2022 at 6:19 PM ^

I didn't think the two fingers thing was directed at the Purdue receiver. Just seemed like a general celebration to me.

I've watched the game three times now (live + Football In 60 + FS2 re-broadcast) and I don't recall him ever engaging the WR.

But you do you trashing him. 

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DelhiWolverine

December 4th, 2022 at 8:39 PM ^

The two fingers was thrown out there to denote his second interception of the game. 
 

And if anyone rewatched the game, you would have seen Will jumping those routes several other times and just missing the interception. He was darn close to at least 2 additional INTs. 

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