2021 Season Countdown: #14 Cornelius Johnson

2021 Season Countdown: #14 Cornelius Johnson


August 24, 2021
Cornelius Johnson (image via Rivals)

Name: Cornelius Johnson
Height:
6’3″
Weight:
211 lbs.
High school:
Greenwich (CT) Brunswick
Position:
Wide receiver
Class:
Junior
Jersey number:
#6
Last year:
I ranked Johnson #27 and said he would be a starting wide receiver (LINK). He started three games and made 16 catches for 254 yards and 3 touchdowns.
TTB Rating:
87

Johnson was in a unique situation at Michigan last year. A program somewhat known for pumping out NFL-prototype receivers suddenly found itself with a bunch of slotty receivers and one 6’3″ guy: Johnson. The 6’4″ Nico Collins opted out of the 2020 season, and that left Johnson to tower over the 6’0″ or shorter wide receiver room. Partly because of that, I expected Johnson to take over a starting role to give Michigan a bigger presence on the field.

Johnson didn’t do a ton the first couple weeks, exploded for 9 catches for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns against Indiana and Rutgers, and then didn’t do much again when the Wolverines didn’t have a healthy QB against Penn State. Apparently he’s only good against teams wearing red, which bodes well for the Ohio State game this season.

I think Johnson is headed for a breakout season in 2021. He has some confidence from 2020 and has now had an extra year to build his relationship with Cade McNamara. Johnson is a good route runner with solid speed and that NFL-prototype size. Michigan doesn’t produce superstar-level stats on offense, but Johnson should perform well enough for people around the league to recognize.

Prediction: Starting wide receiver; 35 catches, 540 yards, 5 touchdowns

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