Will Johnson status: Michigan assistant updates Week 9 outlook for star DB

Will Johnson is an anchor for Michigan’s defense and is one of the best cover corners in the country. Unfortunately, he has been in and out of action this season while battling an injury.

While Johnson avoided being listed on Michigan’s pre-game availability report ahead of the Illinois game, he would be in and out throughout the game. As a result, he was unable to make an impact in the game and did not record a tackle or pass breakup.

Already, head coach Sherrone Moore has labeled Johnson as “questionable” for Saturday’s rivalry game vs. Michigan State, and defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan addressed Johnson’s week on Wednesday. According to Morgan, Johnson “did some things” on Monday and is “working through” some things to be his best.

The good news Morgan pointed to is the fact the game is not played today, so Johnson still has a chance to get up to speed.

“Right now, the game is not played today. There are a lot of guys who maybe didn’t go full speed all the way until Wednesday and Thursday and had heck of a game on Saturday,” described Morgan. “That’s kind of what Will is doing right now, just trying to get his mind right. He’s always in the game planning, always in the front row challenging guys every day… We’re excited about Will, I know when he gets on the field he will go 100%.”

Johnson a pair of pick-6s so far this season but has otherwise been limited to 14 tackles and 3 pass breakups. As it relates to this weekend, the defense would love to get Johnson back as the Wolverines face young quarterback Aidan Chiles.

Michigan State’s starter is coming off possibly his best game of the season against Iowa but has been prone to turnovers. With Johnson, the Wolverines would be better able to line up against the Spartan receivers and potentially force Chiles into a bad decision.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.