INDIANAPOLIS — Earlier in the offseason, after Rod Moore went down with a substantial knee injury (tearing his ACL), the Michigan football safety room felt awfully diminished. At the time, sixth-year often-used reserve Quinten Johnson appeared to be NFL-bound, thus leaving only veteran Makari Paige as the only safety with experience.
Oh, how things change.
The Wolverines went hard in the spring transfer portal, bringing in former Michigan State and Tennessee starters Jaden Mangham and Wes Walker (respectively, by team). All of a sudden, there’s a ton of depth at a position group that had high-end talent, which was spread thin.
At Big Ten media days, Paige was enthusiastic about what the two transfer safeties bring to the table, noting he has a lot of familiarity with Mangham, not only because of his time at MSU, but also because he played at a local high school.
“They’re great additions, actually,” Paige said. “Good individuals as people and great players, as well, too. So grateful to have them with us.
“I knew Jaden in high school because I played them (Birmingham Groves) in high school a couple times. So I know his brother (Jaren) too, but having him on our team that was a great addition. Happy for them.”
Beyond them, there are the players who will be called upon who are just now getting their feet wet, not only at safety, but also at cornerback.
Zeke Berry might technically be a safety, but he’s expected to be the starting nickelback. Brandyn Hillman would have been the next man up if it weren’t for the transfer additions and Johnson returning to college. And cornerback Jyaire Hill is now expected to start opposite Will Johnson (despite the transfer additions of Aamir Hall and Ricky Johnson).
Paige touched on them when asked who could take a big step forward in 2024, saying that they won’t be the next Makari Paige (a stalwart veteran who has had solid play) as much as they’ll make names for themselves.
“I’ll start with Zeke Berry — he’s gonna be real good,” Paige said. “Brandyn Hillman, same thing with him. Brandyn Hillman’s gonna be really good. So those guys right there.
“(Cornerback) Jyaire Hill will be really good as well. A lot of young guys, young guys with a lot of talent.”
Fall camp is slated to start this week with eyes on the August 31 season opener when Michigan football hosts Fresno State.