WATCH: Michigan CB Will Johnson, DT Kenneth Grant talk spring practice
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan Wolverines football junior cornerback Will Johnson and junior defensive tackle Kenneth Grant met with the media Wednesday afternoon as the Maize and Blue hold spring practices. Watch video of Johnson in the player at the top of the screen and Grant in the embed below.
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Johnson discussed Michigan junior quarterback Alex Orji and how he’s coming along as a passer.
“I’d like to think we’ve been getting after him every day at practice,” Johnson said with a smile. “But I think he’s been taking a step every day, getting more comfortable every day. It’s a little different than it was last year, offensive wise, so I think they’re just getting used to it back there. But he does look really talented, really good — and he’s going to be ready for the season.”
Johnson also discussed Michigan’s entire defensive staff leaving after last season.
“I was definitely heartbroken, because I went through a lot with those guys” he said. “But I’ve been happy with the guys that are here now. They’ve been doing a great job at getting on the same page with us and working with us to be a cohesive group and work together. I’m excited about it. They’re very open and they’re very genuine, so it’s been great to see the new guys that are here.”
Johnson shared his impressions of new Michigan defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan, who was the defensive coordinator at Louisiana before making the move to Ann Arbor.
“He’s definitely a really smart guy,” Johnson said. “You can tell he’s coached a lot of football. He’s very genuine, very open. He loves to work with us. He’s all about development. I think that’s been huge for the young guys, just them having a coach like him that’s very open and willing to work with them and pick their brains a lot. That’s helped guys like [sophomore cornerbacks] Jyaire [Hill] and DJ [Waller Jr.] excel and take that next step.
Michigan players have talked about continuing the culture that’s already been established. Johnson was asked how that can be maintained.
“I think just trying to be a better leader on this team this year, being more vocal, tightening down the things that have always been kind of a normal thing. Some of the younger guys that might not know that, just keeping the standard of what it’s been the last few years and just holding guys to the standard that we’ve had, keeping that same mentality every day.”
