Michigan Gets Boost From Quinten Johnson's Return

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, former Michigan running back and current Michigan running back coach for the last 3 years, Mike Hart, announced he will not be returning for the upcoming season. Moore is finally receiving some good news with Quinten Johnson returning for his sixth season.

Michigan's new head coach, Sherrone Moore, has seen one of the most up and down off-seasons of any new coach, especially one taking over a team that just won the national championship. From coaches announcing their staying to leaving less than 48 hours later, to replace an entire defensive coaching staff after former head coach Jim Harbaugh took most with him.

Quinten Johnson, a Michigan safety announced via Instagram that he will be returning to Michigan. The news came as no shock for many fans as a tweet Monday from the Randy Wise Automotive team earlier this week announced an NIL deal with Johnson. Johnson entered the draft back in February but after sustaining an injury in the national championship game he decided it's best to return to Ann Arbor for one more year. 

Johnson's return helps to cushion the blow the defense received last month after Keon Sabb elected to enter the portal and commit to Alabama.  Sabb's loss at the time was a huge blow to the safeties position group regarding depth but with Johnson's announcement Michigan looks to have only sustained a minor blow now. Johnson adds much-needed depth to that group, Rod Moore and Makari Paige are believed to be the starters at the safety position heading into 2024 but Johnson should see plenty of playing time.

Quinten’s return to Michigan gives Michigan defensive coaches a player who last year saw over 300 snaps and played in all 15 games.  Johnson had 22 total tackles 19 coming solo, he also had 1 interception, along with 1 forced fumble.  Johnson's biggest play came in the Rose Bowl when he forced Jalen Milroe to fumble giving the ball back to Michigan.  His most memorable play however came Thanksgiving weekend in “The Game” when he hit Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka forcing him to drop a pass. 

Michigan will be heading into the 2024 season with many questions to answer on the offensive side of the ball after losing most of their productivity to the NFL draft.  If Michigan hopes to accomplish the goals for the upcoming season they will need to rely heavily on the defensive.  Quinten gives new DC Wink Martindale another experienced weapon to use in the secondary.