BREAKING NEWS: Michigan safety key star transfer decision
Michigan football is soaring after acquiring three new defensive backs through the transfer portal this month, including former Michigan State safety Jaden Mangham.
Mangham, a 6-foot-2, 185-pound defender from Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is known for his versatility and length. Last season, he recorded 29 solo tackles, four interceptions, and three passes defensed for the Spartans.
On Monday, Mangham’s brother Jalen posted a provocative message on social media, sharing his thoughts on the situation and providing additional context for Jaden’s decision to join the Wolverines, the Spartans’ arch-rivals. Jaden Mangham is the third recent transfer to Michigan, joining Aamir Hall from Albany and Wesley Walker from Louisville.
Mangham, Hall, and Walker will significantly bolster the Wolverines’ defensive backfield depth for position coach LaMar Morgan, addressing the gap left by Rod Moore’s injury and Keon Sabb’s transfer to Alabama.
How it started How it’s going pic.twitter.com/8lMwPgb5jT
— Jalen Mangham (@jabeaux_) May 20, 2024
Mangham started as a true freshman safety for the Spartans before being sidelined by an injury while attempting to tackle Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson. He later excelled in his sophomore season in East Lansing.
How new DBs fit on Michigan’s defense
The Michigan defense is anticipated to be one of the nation’s best, with key contributions from returning defensive linemen Kenneth Grant, Derrick Moore, and Mason Graham.
The three new Wolverine transfers have strong chances of securing starting positions in the defensive backfield.
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Projected All-American junior Will Johnson will start at one cornerback spot, while sophomore Jyaire Hill is expected to start at the boundary cornerback position.
Last season, Hall recorded five passes defensed and 13 pass breakups. While he will likely back up Hill, his talent and experience could enable him to overtake the starting position.
Mangham is the frontrunner to start at free safety, though graduate student Walker and sophomore Zeke Berry are also strong candidates for the role.
Regardless of the final lineup, Michigan’s secondary is poised to be one of the best in the country again next season. This is a testament to the coaching staff, led by Sherrone Moore, who has consistently made the right moves since taking over in Ann Arbor.