Sherrone Moore praised young Michigan players who could step up if Will Johnson is out for Michigan State game
Michigan might be having a disappointing season this year, but that doesn't change how much beating Michigan State means to players and fans. The Wolverines face off against the Spartans this Saturday in the battle for the "state championship" as Sherrone Moore put it this week when meeting with media on multiple occasions. However, there […]
Michigan might be having a disappointing season this year, but that doesn't change how much beating Michigan State means to players and fans. The Wolverines face off against the Spartans this Saturday in the battle for the "state championship" as Sherrone Moore put it this week when meeting with media on multiple occasions. However, there is one problem. Michigan might be without their best player.
Star cornerback and future first round NFL Draft pick Will Johnson is considered questionable according to head coach Sherrone Moore after suffering an apparent left foot (or toe) injury Saturday against Illinois. Johnson had already missed the Minnesota game due to a shoulder injury. Now his feet are failing him. That's not great news for Michigan, but Moore didn't seem too bothered by it this week.
Why? There seem to be some young defensive playmakers who look ready to step up if Will Johnson does miss this week's rivalry game.
During media availability this week Sherrone Moore was asked about two young players in particular who made their debut this past week against Illinois: Mason Curtis and Jo'Ziah Edmond. Moore was asked whether their new involvement on defense was due to their high level of play or lackluster play ahead of them and he had this to say:
"Yeah, more of those guys just getting better. They've got bright, bright futures, we think. Jo'Ziah Edmonds can be as good as anybody. He's got a great skill set, great ability, great speed. And then Mason Curtis. You're talking about a 6'3" safety that can run, and he'll hit you. So, felt like those guys–we have these opportunities in practice. We have another one [this week]. It's gives a chance for younger guys to really evolve and get better, and those are chances for those guys to make a move."
Curtis played nearly 30 snaps against Illinois this past week at safety, lining up in the box, deep down field, and even in the slot at times. Edmond only logged about a half dozen plays but tallied a big tackle and performed well.
Michigan's defensive backs coach Lamar Morgan has been talking up the versatile true freshman Mason Curtis for months now, repeatedly saying, "I love him, I love Mason Curtis," in multiple interviews this year.
Both players, Curtis and Edmonds, were praised again this week, not only by Sherrone Moore, but by Coach Morgan too, saying that their high level of play has continued to lead to more and more opportunities. And it makes sense that they should be given more shots considering the level of execution displayed by the players "ahead" of them on the depth chart.
Cornerback Aamir Hall has struggled at times in coverage this season as the team's third outside corner and he's missing nearly 30% of his tackles according to multiple charting services. Safety Makari Paige has struggled in coverage too, giving up over 19 yards per completion in coverage (the worst mark among all players on the team).
If Will Johnson is indeed out, Jo'Ziah Edmond might be asked to step into his most significant role of the year at outside cornerback, working into rotation with Jyaire Hill and Aamir Hall.
Michigan State relies on a couple bigger receiving options in WR Nick Marsh and TE Jack Velling. It would totally make sense for the 6'3", 200+ pound Mason Curtis to step into a greater role as a more physical "big nickel" defender as opposed to the smaller Zeke Berry as well. Berry has been the team's worst defender in coverage, allowing a 70% completion rate and four touchdowns this season already.
It might not sound ideal for Michigan to lean on two true freshman in critical roles heading into a Big Ten rivalry game, but it seems as though their mix of talent and a lack of better options this season (partially due to injuries) might force the Wolverines' hand on defense. Hopefully Mason Curtis and Jo'Ziah Edmond can step up big time if called upon more significantly this week.
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