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Jim Harbaugh pleased with Michigan cornerback Amorion Walker, who's 'right on track'

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•06/01/23•

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Jim Harbaugh
(Photo by Zach Libby / TheWolverine.com)

Michigan Wolverines football head coach Jim Harbaugh said at the beginning of spring practices that he considered sophomore Amorion Walker, who transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback this offseason, a “starter.” He discussed his athleticism and unicorn-like upside.

Heading into summer, Harbaugh still feels that way about Walker. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter said earlier in the spring that it was a work in progress, but Harbaugh likes how he’s progressed.

“I thought he did really good, really well,” Harbaugh said at the Sound Mind Sound Body National College Showcase, hosted by Wayne State. “Every day was a learning experience for him and he really kind of epitomized [the notion of] better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today. 

“[Michigan co-defensive coordinator and secondary] Coach [Steve] Clink[scale] is doing a great job with him. So I feel really good about how he’s coming along.”

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Harbaugh answered, “yeah,” when asked if he still considers Walker a starter at cornerback opposite of sophomore Will Johnson.

“There’s a starting corner, starting corner, there’s a starting nickel,” the Michigan coach stated. “Those are all starters. I predict it — been right before, been wrong before. He’s right on track. I’m pleased with how he’s playing.”

Johnson was a freshman All-American in 2022. The 6-2, 194-pounder opened five games and totaled 27 tackles with 2 stops for loss, 3 interceptions and 6 pass breakups. His 2 interceptions in the second half of the Big Ten championship game were the highlight of his season.

But the Maize and Blue lost both DJ Turner (second round draft pick) and Gemon Green (undrafted free agent) to the NFL. Walker is one of a few in the mix to replace them, along with sophomore Myles Pollard and junior Ja’Den McBurrows. The Wolverines also are currently hosting former UMass starting cornerback Josh Wallace on a visit.

Harbaugh was asked to make a “bold statement” (his terminology on some other topics) to predict who will start opposite of Johnson.

“You plant seeds in the summer, see which ones develop,” Harbaugh said. “I think we’re gonna have quite a few guys with the license and ability to do that. That’s always a good thing. By your talent and your effort, you will be known. A lot can happen over the summer. There’s a lot that can happen from spring practice to the start of training camp.

“Where it left in spring ball, I was pretty darn pleased It could be some of the best corners we’ve had, two of the best corners we’ve ever had. We’ll see, we’ll see how it goes the rest of the summer and in training camp.”

Michigan begins fall camp August 1 and kicks off the season Sept. 2 against East Carolina.

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