Just weeks after declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, Michigan defensive back Quinten Johnson has reversed course and will be returning to Ann Arbor for the upcoming season. Johnson penned a new NIL deal with local car dealership Randy Wise Automotive, and the partnership shared the news yesterday.
Earlier today, Johnson confirmed that development with a post on his Instagram.
“After heavy consideration of the current status of an injury suffered late in last year’s National Championship run, I have decided to forgo the NFL and return to the University of Michigan for one more year. With that being said it’s time to win another National Championship!”
Last year, Johnson played sparingly during Michigan’s National Championship run, but the 5-11, 200–pounder delivered in the crucial moments down he stretch. In all, Johnson recorded 28 tackles, five pass deflections, one interception and one pivotal forced fumble.
Johnson’s seminal moment last season arrived during the Rose Bowl against Alabama. With Michigan trailing 17-13 in the 4th quarter, the Crimson Tide had the football and were mounting another drive when Johnson rose to the occasion. Speedy Bama quarterback Jalen Milroe broke one tackle then cut towards the sidelines before Johnson poked the football out, forcing a fumble and recovering possession for the Wolverines. Ultimately, this would prove to be one of the game-saving moments as Michigan punched its ticket to the National Championship game.
the Rose Bowl, Johnson also recorded two tackles then played a largely special teams-driven role during the National Championship Game versus Washington.
Though Johnson’s return certainly bolsters Michigan’s secondary, the spot safety has yet to carve out a large role on the UM defense. But with Mike Sainristil and Josh Wallace heading to the NFL, Johnson will finally have that opportunity in 2024.
Johnson will be joined by cornerbacks Will Johnson, Ja’Den McBurrows, Jyaire Hill and safeties Rod Moore and Makari Paige in the secondary this fall. Both Will Johnson and Paige have shown a propensity to make key plays, but the pass-swatting duo will need another player like Quinten Johnson to step up and assert himself on the back end of the Wolverines’ defense in 2024.
