Josh Wallace on Michigan experience meeting his expectations, DJ Waller Jr., Amorion Walker, more
Michigan Wolverines football graduate cornerback Josh Wallace was a big transfer portal pickup in the summer, with the fifth-year senior coming in from Massachusetts. Wallace had only played in a handful of games against Power Five opponents during his four seasons in Amherst but has acquitted himself well in Ann Arbor, starting opposite sophomore Will Johnson.
Wallace has graded out well on Pro Football Focus (PFF), with a 76.4 mark in coverage. That slots fifth on the team overall and is tied 47th among Power Five cornerbacks. Johnson, meanwhile, has a 74.4 rating in that category.
Wallace has been beaten a couple times on double moves, but he was aided by a Bowling Green receiver dropping the ball and one of his Michigan teammates getting to the Indiana quarterback before he could throw it. Otherwise, he’s been solid for the Maize and Blue at a position that doesn’t have a lot of experience or depth.
“This is what I expected coming to Michigan, to take care of our business and keep moving forward as the season goes on, keep continuing to get better and [have] a one-track mindset,” Wallace said of how his expectations have met the experience so far.
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Wallace said where he’s made the most progress is his ability to play inside at nickel as well as outside cornerback.
The 6-0, 190-pounder has been strong against the run and outside passes, using his physicality to shed blocks and make tackles.
“I take a lot of pride in that, because our guys up front are fighting all game long,” the Michigan defensive back said. “When the ball is coming out on the perimeter, I go out and make the tackle, make life easier for them.”
Johnson missed time with injury early this season, allowing Wallace and others to play more. That experience has benefitted the group, which has more depth now that everyone is back healthy.
“I think it helped out a lot,” Wallace said. “A lot more people can play different positions. The guys continue to get better. A lot of us are playing more on film, so that’s the great part about that.”
Two who have stood out in recent weeks are freshman DJ Waller Jr. and junior Amorion Walker, a converted wide receiver who missed most of fall camp and the early portion of the season with a lower-body injury. Both nearly had interceptions, which wound up being pass breakups, in the 49-0 win over Michigan State.
Walker has played in four games, notching 3 tackles including a half-stop for loss. Waller, meanwhile, has played in all eight and has been one of the Wolverines’ most-used freshmen this season. He’s made 11 tackles.
“They’re improving in practice,” Wallace said of his Michigan teammates. “They’re just showing what they do in practice every day, so I’m not surprised at the plays that they’re making — and they will continue to make plays. I’m proud of both of them.”
Wallace didn’t seem too concerned about the upcoming College Football Playoffs, the first rendition of which will be released Tuesday night. But he’s confident in this undefeated, 8-0 Michigan team as it marches down the stretch of this season.
“I would say we’re a great team,” Wallace said of the team’s national title chances. “We’re going to continue to put out great film. And just let the reporters do their job, and let us do our job on the field.”
