Jim Harbaugh details progress made by Amorion Walker during spring

Michigan has one of the most complete football teams in the country headed into the 2023 season. While most squads have major questions about a quarterback or key defender, Jim Harbaugh’s squad will be carrying over a number of starters from the 2022 team.

And the spots without a starter have been filled by a rising underclassmen for transfer, save for about one: No. 2 cornerback. The Wolverines realistically could have a starter pencilled in for every position but there after spring. And even still, sophomore Amorion Walker, a converted wide receiver, is getting high praise from coaches as he pushes for the spot.

“I thought he did really good, really well. Every day was a learning experience for him and really kind of epitomized better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today. And coach [Steve Clinkscale]’s doing a great job with him. So really feel good. Really feel good about how he’s coming along,” Harbaugh said after spring ball ended.

Walker lined up at outside corner in the spring game for Michigan, his first real live (or equivalent) action at the position. He had his ups and downs on the day, looking raw at times but showing off the immense athleticism the coaches are trying to tap into.

Michigan co-defensive coordinator Jesse Minter was heartened by Walker’s spring game performance.

“What I say is he has the traits, the skills to be able to play the position. He hasn’t played the position enough to be really, really comfortable yet. I think, you know, he might not like me saying this but I think one of the best things that happened to him was the spring game and going through a little bit of adversity, having guys make plays,” Minter said.

Walker originally signed with Michigan in the 2022 class as a three-star wideout from Ponchatoula, Louisiana. He committed to and signed with Michigan after originally committing to Notre Dame.

But the Wolverines haven’t needed Walker at receiver and clearly think they can get high-level play from him at cornerback. Sophomore Will Johnson has more or less got the No. 1 cornerback spot locked down for Michigan, so it’s a matter of filling out the starting corner opposite him and the starting nickel, Harbaugh said.

Walker could be a contender for both, according to the Michigan head coach. However, it’s more likely that Walker gets slotted on the outside for two reasons: His length and speed fit that position slightly better and Mike Sainristil, another converted wideout, was stellar as a nickel for the Wolverines last season and is back for 2023.

Either way, Harbaugh sees Walker starting at some point for Michigan.

“Been right before, been wrong before. But we’ll see,” Harbaugh said. “But I think he’s right on track. I’m pleased with how he’s playing.”