Michigan football has a entrance runner for its high vast receiver subsequent season.
On Sunday night, senior receiver Cornelius Johnson introduced through Twitter that he is returning to the Wolverines for the 2023 season.
“After contemplating nice alternatives, I’ve determined to stick with the University of Michigan football workforce for the 2023 season,” learn his Tweet. “I’m excited to get back on Main Street with the crew. Thank you!”
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Johnson was one of many Wolverines’ high choices in 2022, ending third on the workforce in receptions (32), second in receiving yards (499) and first in receiving touchdowns (six). The 6-foot-3, 205-pound goal performed nicely in nonconference competitors, catching seven passes for 117 yards and a TD in three video games mixed, however he slumped as soon as Big Ten play got here round.
The Connecticut native caught three passes or fewer in six of his first seven league video games, together with three video games wherein he was held below 12 receiving yards. It appeared his shining sport was going to be his 4 catches for 58 yards and two TDs towards Indiana on Oct. 15. But his day in Columbus, Ohio, on Nov. 26 shall be remembered endlessly.
Midway by way of the second quarter, Johnson caught a third-and-9 cross and took it 69 yards for a landing. On UM’s subsequent offensive snap, Johnson caught a 75-yard landing over the center on a thin publish that he took the space.
Coach Jim Harbaugh credited Johnson for turning the tide for the Wolverines as he completed with 4 catches for 160 yards in Michigan’s 45-23 win over Ohio State.
Johnson totaled simply three catches for 29 yards within the ensuing Big Ten championship sport and Fiesta Bowl.
Johnson, who has 30 begins in 45 profession video games, led Michigan in catches (39) and receiving yards (620) in 2021, which led to lofty expectations for 2022, however Ronnie Bell rapidly emerged as the highest vast receiver.
Bell declared for the NFL draft and Andrel Anthony transferred to Oklahoma, which leaves Johnson and Roman Wilson (who hasn’t introduced his 2023 plans) as the 2 main returning choices.
Senior linebacker returning for sixth season
Michael Barrett, the quarterback turned third-team All-Big Ten linebacker, is coming back to Ann Arbor for a sixth season.
The senior, who was voted the Wolverines’ Most Improved Player on Defense by his teammates, made the announcement on Twitter on Sunday afternoon.
“My time on the University of Michigan has given me issues that I’ll take with me wherever I’m going,” Barrett’s publish learn. “I’ve made pals and made connections that may final a lifetime.
“With that being stated, we’re solely simply getting began. I shall be returning to the University of Michigan for my final yr of eligibility to finish my grasp’s program and end what I began with my brothers.”
Barrett began all 14 video games for UM final season, and completed with 72 tackles, 5 for loss, 3½ sacks and two interceptions. Both picks got here on the street at Rutgers on consecutive drives; he returned the second decide for a landing.
Barrett was clearly undecided about 2023 when he spoke in December about his future choices.
“Factors would simply be to up my draft inventory, to place higher, extra movie on tape on the inside ‘backer,” Barrett stated. “I really feel like I haven’t got as a lot movie beginning inside. That’s one issue.
“And I simply do not wish to be too previous, if that is smart. I really feel like I’ve been right here too lengthy. I do not need all people me like an previous man round right here. Nah, I’m joking, however that is one factor that’s within the back of my thoughts.”
Michigan now seems to have an extra of linebacker expertise.
The Wolverines may also return starter Junior Colson, along with the fast-rising Jimmy Rolder and Nebraska switch Ernest Hausmann, the No. 1 rated participant within the switch portal based on 247 Sports. Nikhai Hill-Green, projected to be a starter in 2022 earlier than sustaining a season-ending damage over the summer season, should play as nicely.