Breaking: Michigan defensive back has reversed course…

The return of Quinten Johnson provides additional consistency to Michigan’s secondary.

Just weeks after declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft, Michigan defensive back Quinten Johnson has altered his decision and will return to Ann Arbor for the following season. Johnson signed a new non-exclusive agreement with local vehicle dealership Randy Wise Automotive, which the partnership announced Monday.

Johnson revealed the development earlier today in an Instagram post.

“After careful analysis of the present state of an injury sustained late in last year’s National Championship run, I have opted to forego the NFL and return to the University of Michigan for another year. With that said, it’s time to claim another National Championship!”

Johnson played sparingly during Michigan’s National Championship run last year, but the 5-11, 200-pounder came up big in crunch time. Johnson totaled 28 tackles, five pass deflections, one interception, and a crucial forced fumble.

Johnson’s watershed moment last season came in the Rose Bowl against Alabama. With Michigan losing 17-13 in the fourth quarter, the Crimson Tide possessed the ball and were attempting another drive when Johnson stepped up.

Speedy Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe broke one tackle and cut to the sidelines before Johnson poked the ball out, forcing a fumble and regaining control for the Wolverines. Finally, this would prove to be one of the game-changing moments as Michigan punched its ticket to the National Championship game.

Johnson also collected two tackles in the Rose Bowl before focusing primarily on special teams in the National Championship Game against Washington.

Though Johnson’s return improves Michigan’s secondary, the spot safety has yet to play a significant part on the UM defense. But, with Mike Sainristil and Josh Wallace joining the NFL, Johnson will finally have his shot in 2024.

Johnson will be joined in the secondary by cornerbacks Will Johnson, Ja’Den McBurrows, and Jyaire Hill, as well as safeties Rod Moore and Makari Paige.

Will Johnson and Paige have both demonstrated the ability to make critical plays, but the pass-swatting tandem will require another player, such as Quinten Johnson, to come up and assert himself on the back end of the Wolverines’ defense in 2024.