Michigan football lands another major piece for secondary

Originally posted on Blue By Ninety | By Chris Peterson | Last updated 5/17/24

You could feel the positive momentum emanating from Michigan football coaches on social media on Thursday night and Friday morning, we started to see why.

Following the commitment of Aamir Hall, a former FCS All-American from Albany on Thursday, Michigan football landed another key piece in the secondary as former Tennessee safety Wesley Walker announced his commitment to the Wolverines.

#GoBlue with another nice DB addition via the portal with former Vol Wesley Walker in: https://t.co/iPa1x8N2if pic.twitter.com/HNtK2cAAP0

— Steve Lorenz (@TremendousUM) May 17, 2024

At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, Walker is the definition of an experienced safety with over 2,000 snaps played for Tennessee and Georgia Tech. He was going to transfer to Louisville but backed off that commitment. He also visited LSU before committing to Michigan football.

What Wesley Walker’s commitment means for Michigan football secondary

For starters, it’s nice to beat out an SEC team for a transfer portal commitment. LSU snagged away Jay’viar Suggs at the last second and tried to do the same with Walker.

However, the Wolverines were able to seal the deal and this is an important commitment. Like the addition of Aamir Hall, it gives Michigan football key depth. It also allows Zeke Berry to focus on the nickel position, which feels like his best spot going forward.

This will be his 4th program but I'm a fan of what Wesley Walker brings to the table

Experienced safety w/ over 2,000 career snaps . Was the highest graded returning safety in the SEC in 2023 at 77.5 per PFF.

Quickness in coverage, explosive trigger on the ball pic.twitter.com/kPJzez5BpJ

— Clint Brewster (@clintbrew247) April 24, 2024

Even though he’s a safety, according to Clint Brewster of 247 Sports, Walker has got quickness in coverage and was the highest-graded returning safety in the SEC. He’s also a solid tackler and has had at least 30 solo tackles in four straight seasons in addition to 12 pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and one interception.

Secondary depth is much improved

Walker strikes me as a dude who could play some nickel or if Michigan wants to use a big nickel or a big dime package. In other words, I don’t see him as just a safety. With Jaden Mangham still out there, and signs pointing to a commitment for Michigan football there too, you have to feel like the coaching staff sold these guys on different roles.

Not everyone can start. But Michigan spends most of its time in sub-packages anyway and I don’t see that changing under Wink Martindale. So even if the Wolverines add Mangham too, there will be plenty of snaps to go around and suddenly, secondary depth doesn’t feel like an issue.

This article first appeared on Blue By Ninety and was syndicated with permission.

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