BREAKING NEWS: Wolverines Star signs New deal, expected to return to Michigan for sixth year
A veteran defensive back appears to be sticking in Ann Arbor for another year.
Late Monday night, it was announced that safety Quinten Johnson had signed a NIL contract with Randy Wise Automotive to become “the official defensive back of the Wise Team.”
The fascinating aspect of this story is that Johnson declared in February that he was entering the 2024 NFL Draft. Now, he appears to be back with the Michigan Wolverines, adding crucial depth to a position of strength for Sherrone Moore’s first defense in Ann Arbor.
Johnson has been with the University of Michigan since 2019, although he only started seeing meaningful playing time in 2021. That season, he played special teams in all 14 games. In 2022, he finally saw action on defense, playing eight games at safety and recording 11 tackles and one tackle for loss.
Johnson had his greatest collegiate season this year, playing in all 15 special teams games and 14 on defense. He wasn’t a starter, but he produced significant plays late in the season. Everyone knows his pass breakup on Emeka Egbuka in the fourth quarter of The Game, but he was also responsible for forcing Jalen Milroe’s fumble in the Rose Bowl.
Overall, Johnson recorded 22 tackles, five pass breakups, one interception, and one forced fumble in 2023.
Back at it! ใฝ๏ธ ๐
Randy Wise Automotive Team is proud to welcome Quinten Johnson as the OFFICIAL defensive back of the Wise Team! ๐ We remain committed to helping these student athletes on and off the field. Go Blue! pic.twitter.com/bysopwRsmt
— Randy Wise Automotive Team (@RandyWiseAT) March 12, 2024
Johnson will most likely not start at safety this fall, since Rod Moore and Makari Paige are both returning, but he will add experience and depth to the position. He has appeared in 45 games for Michigan, more than any other reserve safety on the roster.
OH NO JALEN MILROE
FUMBLE AND MICHIGAN RECOVERS pic.twitter.com/wETqtL24kQ
— Barstool Gambling (@stoolgambling) January 2, 2024
If Johnson had not returned, the Wolverines would have relied on players like Brandyn Hillman or Zeke Berry to take a significant step forward in 2024. Hillman, who was a true freshman this season, has nine games of defensive experience, but Berry has only four. Without a doubt, Johnson’s return and all of his knowledge might be extremely beneficial coming autumn.