Tag: Jyaire Hill

PFF: Michigan football is in good shape with its cornerback duo

No other cornerback duo have better grades than Will Johnson and Jyaire Hill do, according to PFF.

Michigan football started the season with one superstar at cornerback and an unknown on the other side of the field from him. Then that unknown started looking like a liability as the weeks went on.

But, starting in Week 4, Jyaire Hill found his groove and started to look like a superstar in his own right.

Now with Will Johnson on one side and Hill on the other, the Wolverines have a veritable dynamic duo in the defensive backfield. And it’s so potent, their ability and game play thus far, that they’re the only two in all of PFF through five weeks that have graded above an 80 in coverage for the season.

Hill struggled, yes, but Johnson had a rocky start against Fresno State — until he didn’t. With two pick-sixes this year, along with his run-back last year against Minnesota, he’s broken the all-time U-M record for interceptions returned for touchdowns. Hill managed to get his first career interception just one week ago, also against the Gophers, when he showed excellent ball-tracking skills and out-leapt the Minnesota receiver while also displaying superior awareness, managing to tap a toe down to land in-bounds.

Sherrone Moore thinks he has a starter at CB2, breaks down safety depth

Good to see some of these young guys stepping up! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — There are a few spots on the Michigan football roster that are question marks and while quarterback and wide receiver get the most attention, on defense, there’s really only one position that’s potentially concerning entering 2024.

The cornerback spot open opposite Will Johnson.

The thought in spring was that DJ Waller would fill that role but he unexpectedly transferred to Kentucky following the spring game. Michigan brought in two transfers over the summer in Aamir Hall from Albany and Ricky Johnson from UNLV — both starters at their former schools. But as it turns out, the likely starter is the one who is homegrown in sophomore Jyaire Hill.

“Yeah, right now it would be Jyaire,” Moore said. “Jyaire’s really taken hold of that position and doing a really good job. ‘Sug,’ he’s been phenomenal, tough, just a gritty dude. One of Kankakee’s finest. And he’s been great. So I think it would be him on Saturday that would line up across from Will Johnson.”

Safety has the opposite problem. There are so many players but just two positions on the field.

Moore broke down the depth and noted two players that have taken massive steps in fall camp who could end up being in rotation. And they’re not the two transfers, per see (Wes Walker and Jaden Mangham). Though both will likely be seen in rotation, two more homegrown talents have asserted themselves this fall, and Moore is excited to see their development.

“Right now, obviously, Makari’s been phenomenal. Quinten Johnson’s been great. But you’ve got Zeke Berry in there. You’ve got Wes Walker in there. You’ve got Jaden Mangham,” Moore said. “You’ve got Brandyn Hillman, who’s really, really taken his level of play to the next level because he’s got some elite traits and ability that people haven’t seen yet, and we’re super excited. It’s finally getting there for him. But him and a guy like Zeke Berry, who’s really all he needed was the confidence.

“And it would be funny because I’m talking to Rod, I’m talking to Will, I was like, ‘Who’s the guy in the background?’ And this was in the spring, like, Who are you guys most excited about?’ They said, ‘Zeke, Zeke.’ And to watch his evolution as a player, he’s made some plays in camp, just wild plays. And they’re like, yeah, that’s routine of his skill set. So he’s really stepped up. So that room’s super deep and ready for it.”

Berry shared with the media on Monday that he’s equally cross-training between nickel and safety. Does that mean we’ll see him move around or stick at one position? We’ll find out more on Saturday when Michigan hosts Fresno State for the season opener.

Jyaire Hill leading for Michigan football starting CB position two weeks before season opener

He’s going to be a beast for #Michigan this year. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Two weeks can feel like an eternity, especially when you’re a football fan waiting for the season to start. But when you’re a player working to earn a starting position, you have to hold off your competition every single day in practice and in the meeting rooms.

One of the big questions for Michigan football this offseason has been who will start at cornerback opposite Will Johnson. The preseason leader in spring ball was DJ Waller, who was groomed for the position, but he unexpectedly transferred to Kentucky after the spring game. Michigan brought in two transfers in Aamir Hall from Albany and Ricky Johnson from UNLV, but the leader in the clubhouse to earn that starting role happens to be homegrown talent (in terms of the program).

Surging this offseason has been sophomore Jyaire Hill, the Illinois native who committed to the program on early signing day back in Dec. 2022. He saw some early playing time a year ago but has had some maturing to do in order to become a regular player. And according to his position coach, LaMar Morgan, it appears that Hill is currently in the pole position.

“I think right now you would say the early favorite would be Jyaire,” Morgan said. “I think he’s done a great job. He probably has a little bit advantage over some of the guys that’s in the program, just by getting all the reps he got this spring football and now fall camp. But I think there’s a constant battle.

“We got two weeks for guys to continue to make moves — really excited about the group. We’re gonna have to develop some guys that maybe y’all don’t know about yet. And I think that’s a challenge, and encouragement as a coach. It’s going to be a young group. I know everybody knows about Will, but all the guys behind them, there will be a lot of guys just kind of play hard for this university and do a great job.”

For Hall and Johnson, both played for teams who are at a lower level than the Wolverines. Albany is an FCS team and while UNLV is in the FBS, it is squarely in the Group of Five.

Morgan sees both players working hard to be able to see the field, but he notes that there is something of a learning curve when it comes to playing for the maize and blue compared to where each was beforehand.

“I think this is a different platform when you get here at Michigan. The way we practice, our process here — this is blue-collar tough,” Morgan said. “A lot of reps, two spot practices. I think for a kid who is coming in here that’s not used to that, even though you’re an older player, sometimes that ends up being an adjustment. But I think those guys, for the most part, are understanding what we want, what we need, and where we’re trying to go as a defense, and especially in the cornerback room.”

Fans will get an opportunity to see who starts in just 13 days when the maize and blue host Fresno State for the season opener at The Big House.

What Jyaire Hill has seen from transfers and a freshman Michigan cornerback

Besides Will Johnson, the cornerback room is going to look a bit different in 2024. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It might not have been huge news across the college football landscape, but Michigan football managed to fill out its cornerback room nicely via the transfer portal after spring ball.

Albany transfer Aamir Hall played over 1,000 snaps in 2023 and was an absolute ball hawk a year ago, managing five interceptions and a forced fumble. It’s thought that Hall is battling with Wolverines sophomore corner Jyaire Hill for the starting role opposite Will Johnson, and Hill admits that his competition with Hall in fall camp is a battle.

“He’s an aggressive cornerback, smooth,” Hill said. “We call him ‘silent reaper.’ We’ve been battling, everybody needs a role on the team. We’ve been going back and forth — everybody’s trying to find something.”

Hall gets all of the headlines but former UNLV cornerback Ricky Johnson was a starter last year for the Rebels. Michigan didn’t see him in person as he missed the Week 2 game at The Big House with an injury. But Hill says that Johnson brings a lot of physicality to the role and that he has a lot of positive attributes the defensive backfield is looking for.

“Ricky — he’s real physical,” Hill said. “He tackles good, comes in strong. We call him ‘Crash Out Ricky.’ He’s smooth. Eyes (are good). He real, he know a lot about the game.”

There’s a decent chance we’ll see Hill, Hall, and Johnson all take the field for meaningful minutes in rotation this upcoming season. But it’s not clear if any of the freshmen will get those same opportunities with the depth ahead of them.

Of the two first-year cornerbacks who Michigan brought in this year, Jo’Ziah Edmond is the one fans are excited to see. At the time of his commitment, he was a three-star who flipped from Purdue. But by the time he signed in December, he was a four-star and one of Michigan’s highest-rated pledges in the entire class.

Hill says that he’s taking on a mentorship role with Edmond, which is made all the easier because Edmond has a zeal for learning the system and getting better.

“Jo’Ziah — I like Jo’Ziah,” “I’m trying to help him get into his playbook early, it’s a bit behind him. He’s real smooth. He real, really wants to practice — real excited. Feet good, physical, too. He just wants to get out there and play, run around.”

Fans will likely get an opportunity to see all three early in the season, starting with the first game against Fresno State. The Bulldogs come to Ann Arbor on Aug. 31 for a season-opening night game at The Big House.

Who is standing out at CB for Michigan football opposite Will Johnson?

The fall camp battle at corner is going to be intense. #GoBlue

With Josh Wallace — who came in late last offseason via the transfer portal — having moved on, one of the big question marks facing Michigan football this offseason is the cornerback who will be playing opposite Will Johnson.

The Wolverines have some younger options, but none are proven as Wallace was during his time at UMass. But there’s one second-year player who appears to be in the running before fall camp to take that big leap forward.

New defensive backs coach LaMar Morgan appeared on the In the Trenches podcast with Jon Jansen and he sung the praises of sophomore Jyaire Hill — who didn’t play much last year, but should have a big opportunity to see the field early and often this season.

“I think if you just focus on the guys that were here this spring that competed really well, it’s Jyaire,” Morgan said. “I think he’s a unique player. He loves football. I think he’s growing up. He has a silly personality, but it’s a good thing. He can have fun in the hallway, clown and stuff like that. His parents done a great job with them. And then all of a sudden, when it’s football, he’s gonna hook it up. He’s not playing around. So I think that’s a guy that’s took a big step this spring. And I’m excited this fall to see where he’s at.”

Now, there are two transfers coming in who could also compete for the starting role opposite Johnson in former Albany CB Aamir Hall, and UNLV CB Ricky Johnson. Morgan told Jansen he hopes to evaluate them more in fall before commenting on them, since neither has seen any live bullets flying in Ann Arbor as of yet.

But there are some other players who are already on the roster who may have played more inside that Michigan is cross-training to play outside, as well.

“We had a lot of young guys playing with Keshaun (Harris) played a lot last year. J. Mac (Ja’Den McBurrows) did play some outside last year, along with nickel,” Morgan said. “I think those guys did a really good job this spring, but we try to get guys playing left and right not just field and boundary. And then if you play this only nickel, like (McBurrows), we try to get him to play reps outside as well. A guy like Jacob Oden that came in this spring, he played all over.

“So I think we just got to hone in a little bit at corner to see what can these guys do to help us win games, and I think it’s gonna be a combination of a lot of different players. And I think that’ll be good for us.”

Two defensive backs standing out to Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore

These guys are gonna be stars — this year! #GoBlue

Despite losing so much personnel from last year’s national championship team, the Michigan football defense still figures to be loaded.

Kris Jenkins, Cam Goode, Braiden McGregor and Jaylen Harrell are gone, but with Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart, there’s still a lot to like up front. At linebacker, Ernest Hausmann and Maryland transfer Jaishawn Barham figure to be solid replacements for Junior Colson and Mike Barrett. And in the defensive backfield, Will Johnson may just be the best cornerback in the country.

But the defensive backfield isn’t without some drama. Star safety Rod Moore, who opted to come back for his senior year, tore his ACL at the start of spring practice. Makari Paige, back for a fifth-year, and sixth-year safety Quinten Johnson hold down the fort, but with Keon Sabb transferring to Alabama this offseason, the depth at the position is thinning.

One player who stood out this spring is junior Zeke Berry, who has particularly thrived in the Mike Sainristil role at nickel. Berry started in Week 1 last year but was injured on the opening kickoff in Week 2. While Berry has been working in that nickel back role, head coach Sherrone Moore noted (on the “In the Trenches” podcast) that no one will replicate what Sainristil did the past two years, but Berry has done more than a solid impression.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that left but we’ve got a lot of really good talent here,” Moore said. “And not gonna be anybody that’s gonna be like Mike because Mike. Mike’s different. But Zeke Berry, man, he’s had a heck of a spring. And he showed that potential last year and you can see flashes. And he started to put it together from a mental standpoint now and super excited for him. But he’s really done a heck of a job this spring.”

The other position under scrutiny is the cornerback opposite Will Johnson. With Josh Wallace gone to the NFL, the Wolverines appear to be honing in on sophomore DJ Waller, who brings size and athleticism to the role. But the other player to watch is fellow second-year corner Jyaire Hill.

Hill was impressive in the spring game, with the notable pass breakup on a perfectly placed ball thrown to Peyton O’Leary. Beyond that, he seemed instinctive and with a nose for the football.

Moore broke down why Hill could be a factor this year, noting that he’s gotten positive feedback on the sophomore from his entrenched star corner.

“That kid’s got immense talent to be as good as anybody,” Moore said. “I know I’ve talked to Will a couple times. ‘Sug,’ they call him ‘Sug,’ he calls himself ‘Sug’ — ‘Sug’ is gonna be good. This kid, he’s got length, he’s got speed, he’s got athleticism. He’s fearless. He’ll tackle, he will go make a play on the ball. He’s everything you want in a corner. So he’s just had a heck of a spring.”

LOOK: Michigan football freshman honored by city for winning national championship

This is so cool! #Goblue

Jyaire Hill wasn’t likely expecting to be a major factor on the gridiron with a veteran Michigan football team in his first year, but the former four-star didn’t just get experience, he got a ring. And now he’s receiving perhaps an even greater honor.

Hill committed to the maize and blue on early signing day in December 2022 and quickly enrolled and started practicing with the team during Vrbo Fiesta Bowl prep. Though it was Will Johnson and Josh Wallace who got the bulk of the playing time in 2023, Hill played in four games and thus redshirted. But his contribution did not go unnoticed and his hometown, Kankakee, Illinois, recognized him for being part of a national championship team.

The first-year Wolverine posted to X (formerly Twitter) that his hometown honored him with a sign — presumably when visitors enter the city — showing that it’s home to a national championship winner.

That’s an incredible honor that will certainly live on through the test of time. Now the next step of Hill is to earn more playing time, something he very well could do in his sophomore campaign with Josh Wallace moving on to the NFL.

What Will Johnson has seen from early-playing freshmen cornerbacks

They’re already getting a ton of playing time! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Despite being a late addition to the 2023 recruiting class, and rated just a three-star recruit, there have been rave reviews coming out of Schembechler Hall for freshman cornerback DJ Waller.

Waller has already played 54 snaps through four games, almost certainly poised to burn his redshirt with Michigan football. But what’s allowed him to break through and earn accolades so early?

Just last year, Will Johnson was in Waller’s position, albeit as a five-star blue-chip cornerback, himself. So Johnson has a little insight on what it takes to break in early.

He says that Waller’s size at 6-foot-3, 205-pounds, is one component, but he’s also put in the work and has taken to the coaching.

“He’s a huge, huge corner out there — very long, very instinctual,” Johnson said. “So having those two features about him is some of the biggest you need at corner. Now you just got to, like everybody, keep getting better every week, keep working those — like Coach Clink likes to say, find out (where they can improve and what they need to work on). And like you said, by the end of the year, he’ll be ready to go.”

Waller isn’t the only first-year cornerback who’s seen the field early and often.

Jyaire Hill has come in during key stretches early in games, and has 49 snaps according to PFF. Johnson says that his athleticism is what’s allowed Hill to find time on the gridiron perhaps earlier than expected.

“He’s always around the ball,” Johnson said. “He’s very athletic, kind of same as a DJ — both freak athletes. Soon enough, he’ll be out there and making plays.”

Will one or both freshman corners travel in Week 5? Michigan will head to Lincoln to face Nebraska at 3:30 p.m. EDT on Saturday.

Fountain of Youth: How Michigan football’s underclassmen performed

The young bucks really shined! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan’s 31-6 win over Bowling Green served as the final installment in the Wolverines’ 2023 out-of-conference schedule. Though the game looked rocky in the first half, Michigan eventually got the score under control and cruised to a victory.

The key to Michigan’s success the past two seasons has been player development. Players like Rod Moore, Kris Jenkins, and Michael Barrett entered the program as relatively unheralded recruits, but now stand as crucial figures to the success of a national championship-hopeful team. Utilizing games against lesser opponents, like Bowling Green, to play young players is critical to their development.

Michigan’s young secondary pieces looked strong. Redshirt sophomore Keon Sabb made his third straight start in absence of Rod Moore, and once again impressed. He was been solid in coverage, willing to make a tackle, and today recorded a sack on the first possession of the game.

Also standing out was Jyaire Hill. The 18-year-old cornerback saw reps in the first half and performed admirably. The most notable thing about Hill’s game was his willingness to get involved in the run game. It’s not often you see a first-year player throw themselves into a pulling guard, but Hill showed no fear.

Not only should both Sabb and Hill have meaningful roles this season, but they are very likely going to be starters heading into next year. Their progress is essential to the success of the team moving forward.

Offensively, Semaj Morgan and Cole Cabana were the only true freshman to get touches.

Cabana, who made his debut after spending the first two games out with injury, got a pair of carries which he took for six yards. The speedster out of Dexter, Michigan is built from a similar mold as current Wolverine Donovan Edwards. Both are running backs by name, but have the skillset to split out wide as a receiver. If the punt return battle continues into the season, I would not be surprised to see Cabana get a fair shake.

Though a wide receiver, Semaj Morgan’s contribution to the game came on a jet sweep that went for four yards. Morgan is a twitchy slot receiver who should challenge opponents on short routes in the future, but for now may need some time to grow into a college body. I mentioned punt return duties for Cabana earlier, but I think Morgan could be a name we see here as well. While not the home run threat that Cabana is, Morgan’s explosiveness makes him a great tool working in tight spaces.

As per usual, the fountain of youth seems to be kind to Michigan. Though the current state of recruiting might be a little bland, Harbaugh and his staff always seem to find their guys.

Which Michigan football freshman made 247Sports instant impact list?

Can’t wait to see what he does in year one! #GoBlue

Regardless of class, you can always count on a first-year player coming in and being a big part of whatever Michigan football is doing.

In the Jim Harbaugh era we can look back at Grant Perry (2015), Chris Evans (2016), Donovan Peoples-Jones (2017), Aidan Hutchinson (2018), Daxton Hill (2019), Blake Corum (2020), Rod Moore (2021) and Will Johnson (2022). All played key roles in their first years.

So who will be that player in 2023?

247Sports’ Chris Hummer put together a list of the 100 instant impact freshmen in college football and his inclusion for the Wolverines is a late addition to the class, a cornerback who has garnered comparisons to Will Johnson by the coaching staff.

Jyaire Hill, CB, Michigan

Top247 Rank: No. 220 overall, No. 23 CB

Michigan entered the spring with only two proven options at cornerback (Will Johnson, Mike Sainristil), which provides an opportunity for a young player like Hill to contribute. The 6-foot-2, 171-pound Hill had a strong spring practice run for the Wolverines. And while he’s unlikely to repeat Johnson’s production last season, he’s someone who’s drawn a ton of praise.

“I think Jyaire Hill is going to be a guy,” Michigan DC Jesse Minter said. “I don’t know if I’d put him on Will’s track, but I think he’s going to be capable of helping us this year.”

Certainly cornerback is a position of need for the maize and blue, albeit less so after UMass transfer Josh Wallace committed last week. Still, the position opposite Johnson will be a competition among Wallace, Hill, Ja’Den McBurrows, Myles Pollard and presumptive starter Amorion Walker.

Other candidates in our view include running back Benjamin Hall and defensive tackle Trey Pierce.

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