Michigan safety returning to school after initially declaring for NFL draft

Safety Quinten Johnson said that in light of an injury he suffered late during Michigan's national championship season, he decided to return to Michigan after originally opting to prepare for the NFL Draft.

Johnson shared an "I'm Back" post Tuesday on his Instagram page and his explanation for returning for a sixth season. A Michigan football spokesman early Tuesday confirmed Johnson's return to the team.

"After heavy consideration of the current status of an injury suffered late in last years national championship run, I have decided to forgo the NFL and return to the University of Michigan for one more year," Johnson wrote. "With that being said it's time to win another National Championship!"

Johnson had declared for the NFL Draft on Feb. 2, but a social media post from Randy Wise Automotive late Monday indicated Johnson had signed an NIL deal with the company. “Back at it!” the post reads with a photo that includes Johnson in front of a Mercedes-Benz along with Chris Wise.

With Johnson's return, the Wolverines add depth at safety as he re-joins veterans Rod Moore and Makari Paige in the secondary. Keon Sabb, who was expected to be a major contributor again this fall, transferred to Alabama last month. Michigan begins spring practice Monday under first-year head coach Sherrone Moore.

Johnson played in every game of Michigan’s 15-0 national championship season in 2023 on special teams with appearances at defensive back in 14 games. He had 22 tackles, five pass breakups with one interception and a forced fumble, which came against Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the Rose Bowl national semifinal. Johnson was also noted for a big hit in the Ohio State game last season when he leveled Emeka Egbuka on a 2nd-and-9 pass breakup with less than two minutes left in the third quarter.

The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Johnson was part of Michigan’s 2019 freshman class.

angelique.chengelis@detroitnews.com

@chengelis