Michigan leads for top transfer portal target Josh Wallace ahead of decision
Michigan Wolverines football is going hard after former UMass standout cornerback Josh Wallace, who entered the NCAA transfer portal May 26. The Wolverines are one of several to offer Wallace, and as we first reported last week, they’re in the top three along with Oklahoma and Virginia Tech.
Wallace, a graduate transfer with one year of eligibility remaining, visited all three schools over the past week, with his trip to Michigan having come June 1-2.
The Hokies — which recently hired his former Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic head coach Elijah Brooks to coach running backs — are the biggest threat, with plenty of playing time to sell.
However, Michigan has opportunity to offer, too, including competing for a championship. The Maize and Blue are defending back-to-back Big Ten champions and have made the College Football Playoff each of the last two seasons. With most key pieces returning, U-M is one of the top favorites to win the national championship Jan. 8, 2024 at NRG Stadium in Houston.
One of Michigan’s biggest positions of need is cornerback, where sophomore Will Johnson, a 2022 freshman All-American per On3, returns. Graduate Mike Sainristil is also back, but he’s slated to play nickel back. The other Wolverines vying for the starting outside cornerback spot opposite Johnson have played a combined 44 defensive snaps in college.
The Wolverines are the leader for Wallace, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM), with the Hokies currently in second place. Wallace is set to make a public decision Wednesday (June 7).
Among uncommitted transfer prospects, Wallace is the 12th-best player and No. 1 cornerback, per On3’s rankings.
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TheWolverine.com had more on Wallace on our Monday live show.
Wallace played 2,197 defensive snaps in 39 games over four seasons with UMass. He totaled 140 tackles, 7 stops for loss, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 28 pass breakups, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 forced fumble.
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Last season, Wallace played for former Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown, now UMass’ head coach. On his staff are former U-M analyst Steve Casula (offensive coordinator) and former Wolverine linebacker and captain Mike McCray.
Wallace also played high school football and basketball at Hyattsville (Md.) DeMatha Catholic alongside former Michigan offensive lineman Olusegun Oluwatimi and former Michigan hoops center Hunter Dickinson, respectively.
Wallace is coming off an impressive 2022 season for UMass, which disappointed as a team with a 1-11 record. He ranked sixth on the squad with 41 tackles, adding 3 for loss, 2 interceptions and 8 pass breakups.
Per PFF, he allowed 22 receptions for 381 yards and 2 touchdowns on 40 targets. His 71.2 PFF coverage grade ranked 117th among all cornerbacks nationally.
The Michigan target was named second-team All-Independent by Pro Football Network in both 2022 and 2020.
