Michigan football: On Amorion Walker and an ‘insurance policy’ at the other corner

Michigan secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator Steve Clinkscale has been a huge part of U-M’s back-to-back Big Ten titles, a great fit from the day he arrived from Kentucky. “Clink” has had his players churning at a high level, and this year should be no different. 

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The Wolverines have plenty of experienced bodies, some star power at both corner and safety, and seem primed to take another step at defensive back. 
“In the system we run now, it’s definitely the most experience we’ve had,” Clinkscale said on the recent “In the Trenches” podcast with Jon Jansen. “Most of the guys have two years, two and a half years of working in this defensive scheme, terminology … everything we’re trying to stress and improve upon they have heard for several years now. That’s a big bonus for us. That’s huge so we can continue to elevate our game.”

The biggest question, of course … who is going to be the “other corner” opposite Michigan second-year Will Johnson? Sophomore Amorion Walker has gotten first crack, but he still has work to do. He’ll have all summer to continue to work before he gets back this fall. 

“I feel he’s right where needs to be,” Clinkscale continued. “He had a pretty solid beginning of spring, had a little bit of a roller coaster up and down … now he’s fighting his way back up. That’s what you need to do. As a corner, it shouldn’t be all rosy … they know. There are times you’ve lost a game for the team. I’ve been beat in a situation and I never forget about it. I’m 45, still remember times I got beat back in the ‘90s. It’s never going to go away. 

“But he’s doing a lot better job building off it, not letting it stop him or stunt his growth. I’ve been very proud of him this summer and his ability to focus in.”
UMass transfer Josh Wallace has added much-needed depth to the room and looks the part of someone who can help, Clinkscale continued. 
“Josh Wallace is going to do a really good job for us,” he said. “He’s been able to adapt right away. He’s very willing to learn what’s going on. I’m excited about him.”
Keshaun Harris, Ja’Den McBurrows, Myles Pollard, and the freshmen are going to get their opportunities, too, to show what they can do, the Michigan assistant added, noting it’s “wide open.” 
“We really want to be able to solidify that spot opposite Will of course,” Clinkscale said. “But if we have any doubt, Mikey … he can do it all.”
“Mikey” of course is Michigan graduate student Mike Sainristil, who has been outstanding since moving over. He played nickel at a high level a year ago and can play corner if he needs to, though he told us in June he was primarily playing nickel. 

“The game has slowed down for him, which was already not too fast,” Clinkscale said. “I’ve seen him grow more as a leader, not just holding people accountable, because by his nature and work ethic he’s always going to hold you accountable. But a little bit more by example. He’s a lot more focused when you see him out there … you don’t see him smiling and joking anymore all the time. He’s about his business. This is his last go ‘round and he knows he can’t do this by himself. 

“Great leaders know that. He’s not forcing people … he’s bringing people under the umbrella. Just the way he’s able to connect with players, recruits, parents, just speaks volumes of who he is and what he’s able to do. That’s what I’ve seen the most.”

As for Johnson, the potentially elite of the bunch … the Michigan sophomore knows he can improve in every phase. 
“He never forgets anytime he’s been beat whether it’s practice, walkthrough, game,” Clinkscale said. “He never feels he’s even close to accomplishing what wants to. He wants to be a dominant player every snap. 

“I think we can build on his ability to affect the quarterback more as a blitzer because he really could be a good blitzer. His man game, we can leave him on his own a little bit, but he’s a great zone coverage guy … good eyes, very good instincts. The biggest thing is coaching the emotional and mental side. But with all these expectations everyone has and how good you are, he doesn’t want to hear it. He’s not trying to be complacent.”

And he hasn’t. 
“How hard he works lately has proven to me proves to me he’s not listening to all the media and hype,” Clinkscale said. “He’s got a lot to prove, and we want to win it all.”
His group’s improvement and performance will play a big role if they do.