Who on Michigan football is poised for breakout season in 2021?
When it comes to lists of who might break out in the upcoming season for Michigan football, the names tend to focus on former five-star safety Daxton Hill, fellow former five-star defensive lineman Christopher Hinton or quarterback Cade McNamara. However, one offensive talent that hasnt been talked about much this offseason is getting attention from a high-profile analyst. The Athletics Bruce Feldman talked to a bunch of people in the know about who might be college footballs biggest breakout players in 2021 and he put together a list. From his conversations, one Wolverine stood out: junior wide receiver Cornelius Johnson. 20. Cornelius Johnson, Michigan, WR: The Wolverines have a couple of big-play guys who seemed poised for much bigger impacts this year. RB Blake Corum, who has learned to add some patience to his game, is one big playmaker to remember, and Johnson, a 6-3, 205-pound receiver who looked unstoppable this season, is the other. Johnson has a similar range and athleticism to Nico Collins but is seen as a more complete receiver. Coming out of high school, Johnson was known as a route-running tactician, and in 2020 he overshadowed some of his 2019 class counterparts who had earned more acclaim when they arrived in Ann Arbor. Johnson earned an increased role last year with Collins opting out, and as Feldman notes, he certainly showcased some of his top-flight ability, particularly when it came to making tough, contested catches. If Michigan has a quarterback who can get him the ball, Johnson is a sure threat on the outside, while Ronnie Bell and Roman Wilson should take off some pressure as fellow playmakers. A.J. Henning is also waiting in the wings. 2021 could be a breakout year for a number of Wolverines, but if Johnson is to answer the call, it would be a good sign for a Michigan offense that has been trying to find its way for some time.