The Michigan Wolverines are on a significant recruiting trail and don’t appear to slow down anytime soon. In their latest win, four-star Darius Johnson has officially announced his commitment to Kyle Whittingham’s program.

Previously, the Wolverines got four commitments in four days, and with Johnson, they secured their first cornerback for the 2027 class.

The Notre Dame Riverside defensive back took a trip to Ann Arbor on March 28. According to SB Nation, he met “with the staff at his school during the spring contact period.”

Johnson has been a major sought-after player labeled as the No. 35 cornerback in the 2027 class.

Michigan RoundTable described Johnson, at 6’1 and 155 lbs, as “a classic West Coast talent with an elite physical ceiling”, who is now moving to the East. Last season, he recorded 28 tackles, 10 pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, two sacks, and one interception.

Johnson’s official visit to Ann Arbor is scheduled between June 19 and 21 during Victor’s Weekend. As the program relishes this commitment, Whittingham and others have one person to thank for this.

Jernaro Gilford Left A Lasting Impression On Darius Johnson

Before he joined Kyle Whittingham’s staff in 2026, cornerback coach Jernaro spent ten seasons at BYU. Gilford had first approached Darius Johnson while he was still there. 

“Coach Gilford was actually the first coach to offer me when I was a freshman and he was at BYU,” Johnson told Rivals. “He’s a great coach and someone I’m really comfortable with.” 

Gilford, during his stint at BYU, became the first coach to extend Johnson an official scholarship. He built a foundation for the long run. Thanks to him, the Wolverines beat Cal, UCLA, Oregon, Oklahoma, Arizona State, and others, as Johnson is now moving to the East Coast.  

Gilford helped the Wolverines secure yet another four-star talent. He now joins the list that boasts names like running back Tyson Robinson, legacy recruit Charles Woodson Jr., and top 100 defensive tackle Xavier Muhammad. 

The Wolverines, now, have 12 commitments set to play in head coach Kyle Whittingham’s first season at Michigan. Are you excited for where they are headed? Tell us in the comments. 

Read more at the Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Akanksha Biradar