Michigan football: 1 offensive and 1 defensive player poised to break out in 2021
By John Buhler
The Michigan football program is expecting to bounce back after a disaster of a 2020 season.
With last season’s debacle firmly in the rearview mirror, the Michigan football team looks to make some noise in what should be a very interesting Big Ten East division this year.
Michigan is coming off a season in which it did not win a single game at home. Yes, it was during a COVID year, but you cannot feel good about how last season went at all. Fortunately for Michigan, the Wolverines made big upgrades to the coaching staff and have recruited well under head coach Jim Harbaugh. He does however need a few players to have breakout seasons for him in 2021.
If Michigan is going to have two players break out this season, let’s keep an eye on this pair.
Michigan football: 2 potential breakout stars for the 2021 Wolverines
Cornelius Johnson can provide the spark Michigan needs in the receiving game
Wide receiver Cornelius Johnson is entering his third season with the Michigan program. The Greenwich, Connecticut native was a four-star recruit coming out of high school in 2019. The 247Sports Composite had him as the No. 1 player from Connecticut, as well the No. 26 wide receiver in his class and the No. 175 overall player nationally. Look for him to “pop” as a junior.
Even in a shortened season, Johnson improved on the field in his sophomore year. He is coming off a 16-catch campaign with 254 receiving yards and three touchdown grabs. Keep in mind he accomplished this in only four games for the 2020 Wolverines. Johnson has 20 career catches for 315 yards and four touchdowns in two years in Ann Arbor. Look for him to easily double that now.
The biggest reason to believe in Johnson’s breakout season besides natural progression is he will be having a normal offseason, as well as some consistency at the quarterback position. Cade McNamara projects as the Week 1 starter for Michigan. After having caught passes from McNamara, Joe Milton and Shea Patterson over the last three years, continuity will serve Johnson.
Even if Johnson blossoms in his third year at Michigan, the Wolverines will need a defensive star.