Quinten Johnson signs NIL deal, planning to return to Michigan
Michigan Wolverines football graduate defensive back Quinten Johnson has signed an NIL deal with Randy Wise Automotive, the company announced Monday. Johnson is represented by Valiant Management Group, co-founded by former Michigan player Jared Wangler.
Johnson, who’s entering his sixth season of college football, originally declared for the 2024 NFL Draft Feb. 2. However, TheWolverine.com’s Chris Balas reported March 7 that Johnson was exploring his options and that there was a chance he could return for the 2024 campaign.
Now, a source close to the situation has indicated that he is indeed planning to come back to play another season in a winged helmet. The Wolverines begin spring practices March 18.
Johnson is one of several U-M football players to have signed deals with Randy Wise Automotive, which has played a key role in the Wolverines’ NIL efforts. Current Wolverine football players who have signed with Randy Wise include junior defensive tackle Mason Graham, junior EDGE Derrick Moore, junior tight end Colston Loveland, junior linebacker Jimmy Rolder, senior running back Tavierre Dunlap and junior kicker/punter Tommy Doman.
“The Randy Wise Team is excited to continually work with Valiant and grow the NIL program at the University,” Chris Wise, Vice President of the Randy Wise Automotive Team, said in a statement last year. “We have now helped a number of student athletes with their automotive needs and expand their own brand and marketing capabilities. It’s been a lot of fun working together, and we are committed to being one of the leaders and best in this space.”
Johnson, a 5-foot-11, 200-pounder, has a more clear path to significant playing time at safety now than he did when he declared for the draft in early February, with junior Keon Sabb transferring to Alabama. He’s slated to be in the mix for a starting role along with senior Rod Moore and graduate Makari Paige.
The Silver Spring, Md., native was in Michigan’s safety rotation last season, posting 22 tackles, 1 interception, 5 pass breakups and a forced fumble while helping the Wolverines finish 15-0 and win the program’s 12th national championship. He stepped up with big plays in some of the most crucial games, including with a big hit on Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in a 30-24 win and a forced fumble on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in a 27-20 overtime victory in the Rose Bowl.
Randy Wise Automotive is part of a dealer group with 8 locations and 13 brands founded in 1989. The Automotive Team is the largest automotive group donor to a United Way in the state of Michigan.
