'Living the dream': Will Johnson 'finally' puts on Michigan's 'Turnover Buffs,' after speaking interception into existence
Late in the week before every game, the Michigan Wolverines football defense comes together to set goals for that weekend. They go one by one, and each player declares their goals for the week. The team calls it, “speaking it into existence.”
Michigan freshman cornerback Will Johnson has been trying to speak an interception into existence for weeks now. He also aims to be “aggressive” and “physical.” Those two traits are attributes head coach Jim Harbaugh often points to when speaking about the former five-star recruit.
“I feel like that’s one of the best parts of my game, so why not every week be able to show that on the field,” Johnson said.
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Johnson made his first career start against Rutgers, playing in replacement of graduate Gemon Green, who made the trip and was available to see time but didn’t get any snaps. Green was attacked by MSU players after the Oct. 29 game and reportedly in concussion protocol early last week.
The Michigan freshman played a strong game overall. He was targeted in coverage six times and allowed just 1 reception. The second-quarter pass went for 48 yards after Johnson missed a tackle, but it was his one blemish in the 52-17 victory.
“I think I did pretty good, besides that missed tackle,” Johnson said. “I know I can get better at that. But I felt confident.
“It’s just a blessing to be able to start, to be able to step up. Besides that, I felt pretty comfortable. I think I had a pretty good game.”
He made a play to make up for it late in the third quarter, notching an interception on a ball floated up by Rutgers quarterback Gavin Wimsatt after dropping in zone coverage. Johnson had a nifty 29-yard return to the Rutgers 31-yard line. The Michigan offense punched in a touchdown on the next drive to go up, 42-17.
“Every week, I want to get an interception,” Johnson explained. “I try to speak that into existence and manifest it. Every week, that’s one of my goals.”
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After every forced turnover, Michigan’s defense comes together on the sideline to take a picture. This season, Johnson added a flair to the tradition, bringing in ‘Turnover Buffs,’ Cartier sunglasses with frames made of buffalo horns that were popularized in nearby Detroit.
He couldn’t have been happier to put the Buffs on himself.
“Before the game I was talking about it like, I gotta get my first pick today,” Johnson said. “And it felt great. It was the best feeling I had all season, so it was great to put them on. All my teammates were supporting me, so it felt good.
“I was the one to bring them to the team, so finally being the one to put them on felt amazing, for sure.”
Johnson committed to Michigan in the winter of 2021, when the Wolverines were coming off an abysmal 2020 season. By the time he signed his letter of intent, Michigan was headed to the College Football Playoff after winning the Big Ten for the first time since 2004.
Whether it was he and his class leading the turnaround or entering a program that was already humming, this is what Johnson has envisioned for a long time — making an impact in winning efforts in the winged helmet.
“It’s a blessing,” Johnson said. “I just thank God for these opportunities because I’m living the dream. I grew up wanting to play here, play on the highest level, and starting as a freshman. That’s a blessing, for sure.”
