Will Johnson and Semaj Morgan give back, host toy donation drive in Detroit

Michigan is in the middle of preparations for the Rose Bowl. Still, there’s time for cornerback Will Johnson and wide receiver Semaj Morgan to give back to the city that they had roots in before enrolling in Ann Arbor.

On Saturday, two days before Christmas Day, the two and dozens of community members in Detroit’s east side came together at the Heilmann Community Center and passed out over presents to 1,000 local families.

“It was great, man,” Morgan told The Wolverine. “Great turnout. A lot of kids came and a lot of parents came. I’m glad we got to make a lot of people’s day. It means a lot because I was raised that way (to give back). A lot of coaches have instilled that in me. It’s been in my heart and I thank God for putting in a position to give back.

“I just want to be a role model. A lot of kids look up to me, so I don’t want them to see me doing the wrong things. There might be a lot of great influences or role models, but I’m trying to be that for the kids. I know God has blessed me to do that. Do what I’m supposed to do and lead by example.”

Toys were handed down from the two Michigan starters, along with members of the Semaj Morgan Foundation, formed to create prosperity and philanthropy throughout Southeast Michigan; SoundMind SoundBody, a year-round training and exposure academy that works with area prospects, volunteers, and even underclassmen recruits, like 2025 West Bloomfield (Mich.) High wide receiver Elisha Durham.

Michigan early enrollee linebacker Jeremiah Beasley, who joined the team for Rose Bowl practice on December 16, also attended to help pass out toys. The Belleville (Mich.) High standout was a part of SMSB as well.

“Me and Will played for SoundMind SoundBody with Curtis Blackwell,” Morgan said. “Being under Blackwell, he taught us that football isn’t the only thing. Do well in school, look a man in his eye when you talk to them and shake their hand, give back was another important part, too. I feel like Coach Blackwell was a great inspiration.”

Cards that featured signed autographs from both Johnson and Morgan were also passed out to the kids, along with pictures and meet-and-greets.

“It’s always good giving back to the community,” Johnson told The Wolverine. “Give back to the people who supported us growing up. It’s all great and it means a lot. It gives us a reason. (It’s the reason) why there’s NIL. The things we get through football and our platform, giving back to the community are all part of that. That’s our goal.

“It’s about making people happy. Make this time of year happy for them. Make sure they enjoy their time and make sure no one is left out. That’s what it’s all about.”

A percentage of the total number of toys issued to the families was bought by Johnson and Morgan themselves from money made from NIL opportunities. Saturday wasn’t the only event hosted by the players. On December 17, they were at The Blue Leprechaun in Ann Arbor for another toy drive.

“It means a lot (to do this with Semaj),” Johnson said. “We grew together and got brought up through the same program (SMSB). So, putting it together is definitely enjoyable.”

At the end of the event, all of the toys and hundreds of autographs were handed out. There also wasn’t a point in which a child didn’t come up to Morgan or Johnson to say hello. Notoriety has become familiar for each, but they’re going about it humbly, whether during charity events or on the football field at The Big House.

Specifically with Morgan, he’s set to compete in his first College Football Playoff on January 1 when No. 1 Michigan heads to Pasadena, California, to play No. 4 Alabama in the Rose Bowl. Winning All-Big Ten honorable mention honors and U-M’s Newcomer of the Year, it’s been a ride as a true freshman, but it’s not over yet.

“My favorite part of the season has been when we have Friday practices,” Morgan said. “It may be a walk-through, but at Michigan, there isn’t such thing as a walk-through. Also, my favorite thing is when JJ (McCarthy) comes in the huddle, he says, ‘Alright guys, another day in the office.’ He’ll then say the play and we go out there to execute. Being able to be with my teammates and be ourselves. We do a lot of serious stuff. But being at Michigan, we get to be ourselves and do what we are supposed to do.

“I feel like it’s cool (to be in the playoff) and all, but it’s football, it’s what I do. Get ready or go home, you know? I’ll be ready.”

New Year’s Day will be Johnson’s second rodeo in the College Football Playoffs, so he’s locked in while taking time off the field to serve his community.

“It’s definitely good because we’ve put a lot of time in these past two weeks,” Johnson said. “Game planning, practicing and everything. So, having those two days off before we got to Cali has been good to get the mind right. (Preparations) have been good. We’ve been flying around, have a great game plan and are healthy. It’s good.”

Johnson said he’s ready physically for the playoff after suffering a lower-leg injury last month leading up to the Ohio State game, which kept him out of the Big Ten Championship.

“I feel great,” Johnson said. “Probably the best I’ve felt all year. So, it’s been good.”