Michigan gained the upper hand in its most important 2022 cycle recruitment battle when Grosse Pointe (Mich.) South cornerback Will Johnson announced his commitment moments ago. Some may find the announcement premature with almost a year left before the class is completed, but in Johnson’s case, the call is timely. Addressing the Wolverines’ greatest need position, he is the son of two Michigan graduates and he is the best player in the state. As for the criteria for setting a priority goal, Johnson literally ticks every block. The question was whether Michigan checked all the blocks for him?
Many observers doubt Michigan’s ability to land Johnson after his campaign battle last season and the coaching uncertainty that followed. Ultimately, the chance to participate in the recovery of Michigan to the glory of the past was the most important factor.
“Michigan has very good pieces,” Johnson previously told The Michigan Insider. ‘I know on the corner they’re struggling. You can take them (two) ways … (take them) as they are not developed, or you can take them as they need some angles. ‘
‘I would say I’m looking at (because they need some angles). It’s an opportunity to play in early and get on the field. ”
The sentiment was a welcome surprise from Johnson’s father, the former Michigan defender. Deon Johnson.
“It was something they came up with during that weekend (visit to the death of November),” Deon told The Michigan Insider. “We have not talked about it at all. He said: “we can be part of the group that changed the story.” I looked over my shoulder like, “wow, he just said that.” ‘
“From a child’s point of view, you see what’s going on. You’re like, ‘If I go to Michigan, I can probably play now. And what do children want to do once they are in university? They want to play. So this is a wonderful university, as you and I know. Education, athletics … the brand is everything. And it’s a big draw. This is Michigan! ”
Nevertheless, the traits alone were not enough to guarantee that Will followed in his parents’ footsteps. In fact, when he hit the new year, he was about to commit to the Wolverines’ arch-enemies in Columbus. Michigan would not celebrate the talented youngster’s dedication today Jim Harbaugh did not catch the wind of the Ohio State tendencies and delivered an intervention.
“I spoke to (Harbaugh) today,” Will told The Michigan Insider on January 6. ‘I think they know I’m getting closer to a decision, so they wanted to let me know I’m their first priority. I’m pretty sure Harbaugh is not going anywhere. ”
“He’s not going anywhere,” the older Johnson adds confidently.
Two days later, Harbaugh signed and announced his extension. This caused an interruption in Johnson’s process, but to earn a commitment, Harbaugh would have to impress with a meaningful staffing move.
Step one was to retain in-state recruiter Sherrone Moore, thus maintaining an important and familiar voice and face on staff.
Step two was the appointment of defensive back coach and co-coordinator Maurice Linguist. Shortly after joining the staff, Linguist made sure Johnson was the first prospect he committed to. The rapid bond that the two formed over the past month was the catalyst to swing the momentum back in Michigan’s direction.
“I think the biggest thing is just his mentality, coaching, experience and knowledge he has,” Will said of Linguist. ‘Looks like a very nice guy. He let me know that I’m the top priority and that he needs guys like me to help bring Michigan back to a national power station. ‘
“I just think he has a passion for what he does,” Deon later added. “You hear it in his voice. He does not call it coaching, he calls it his ministry. He said he calls coaching his ministry. And I like some of the things he talked about … like helping these guys become men and how his relationships go beyond college. He told me how he had just finished writing a reference letter for one of his former players. He will do anything to help his players get to the next level or whatever they are trying to do. It was big for me. ”
So was the approval of the former American from Michigan Jourdan Lewis. He appeared in the Sound Mind Sound Body program that Elder Johnson co-founded with the founder in 2004. So they have a relationship that goes back to when Lewis was a child. That Lewis voted for the ability of linguists as a coach and developer was crucial to re-establishing Michigan’s appeal.
If there was then a rival to conclude Johnson’s promise, it was Harbaugh’s third and final step in appealing to Johnson; rent Ron Bellamy. It was a move that Elder Johnson described as a game changer. Will sign its meaning later.
“I think coach Bellamy is a great guy,” Will told TMI. “He’s coming from a state championship and I know he’s ready to hit Michigan hard.”
“Renting for me (Bellamy) just builds a different relationship,” he added. “Another man from where I come from, and (someone who knows my situation very well.”
His situation is now the frontman of Michigan class and a player the staff hopes to help attract others. This is a role that Johnson fully embraces, especially now that his recruitment process and the headaches it has become are now over.
As for Dad, it’s a time of abundant pride and excitement. He never drove his son to this result, but he never hid how much he hoped for it.
‘I’m studying at Michigan. His mother is a graduate of Michigan. I played ball there, “Deon declared before the bet. ‘I will definitely give my alma mater a little boost every now and then. During our conversations in the car, I can raise something. Or break out some old photos, and just look through some old photos. When my friends call what I played with, I make sure they get a chance to say what he likes. Sometimes they have some encouraging words that they also want to share about the university. He gets it from all corners of me. ‘
‘I have friends who are already making plans. They call him ‘Little Bill’. They talk about ‘if Little Bill goes there, I’ll have to get up to Ann Arbor more.’
Tickets in the Little Bill ticket section will officially go on sale in the fall of 2022.
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