Michigan football corners, nickels standing out to elder Wolverines WR
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — We already know who one starting cornerback will be, that’s not in question with Will Johnson returning as perhaps the best at his position in the country. But with Josh Wallace, who transferred in from UMass last year, departing for the NFL, the Wolverines have a need opposite Johnson in 2024.
And who would know better about the position than someone who has to go up against those competing for that role?
Wide receiver Tyler Morris added fuel to the fire that sophomore cornerback DJ Waller has been a pain in pass catchers’ backsides in spring ball and that he’s really making an imprint during the offseason practices.
“Personally, right now I’d say standing out to me is DJ Waller,” Morris said. “He’s a big, physical, long corner. He’s looked real good this spring and definitely challenged us.”
While replacing Wallace is one thing, replacing nickel back Mike Sainristil is another entirely.
The team captain always seemed to make the timely play from the inside. He was named by Washington star receiver Jalen McMillan as the most difficult defensive back he had to face in his college career. But now he’s gone, and the Wolverines need not only his play ability, but his leadership.
As for the former, Michigan appears to be rotating several players, but Morris thinks he sees a lot of potential from those who are working to replace No. 0.
“I feel like Ja’Den McBurrows has been doing good,” Morris said. “Jyaire Hill, I’ve seen him at nickel a few times. Honestly, sometimes it’s hard because I feel like they’re moving a lot of guys around. It’s been a lot of guys moving positions and trying stuff I feel like they may not have as much last year. Zeke Berry, sometimes. But I feel like they’ve all stepped up and are doing good.”
The defense appears to be in good position to still be among the nation’s elite, but unless it shores up the other starting cornerback and nickel positions, then it has a weak spot on that side of the ball. But, it’s looking more and more like there are some solid options for both.
