Michigan Team 137 Preview: Cornerback

By Kevin Schroeder
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Updated: August 2, 2016

Back from last year (click makes big)

Projected starters: Jourdan Lewis, Channing Stribling or Jeremy Clark. If I had a vote, it would go to Clark. I don’t have a vote and the starter is likely to be Stribling. That’s fine.

Could make an impact: Whoever doesn’t start between Clark and Stribling, Brandon Watson, David Long, LaVert Hill, Freddy Canteen?

Watch out for next year: Long, Hill, Keith Washington

Senior Jourdan Lewis is one of the best corners in the country and this year should make his case for the title of “the best.” Lewis didn’t grade out negatively in a single game last year. He had a couple zeros (Both +2 -2 = 0) and a couple +1s (Both +3 -2 = +1). Those are not bad numbers given the nature of the position; read that as “he wasn’t called on much and was fine when he was.” Adding to the impressiveness of Lewis’s grades is the fact that he was tasked with defending the field and/or a top-flight receiver. (His performance going up against 2016 NFL draft pick Aaron Burbridge and Michigan State was outstanding.) There’s no shortage of good things to say about Jourdan Lewis. He would have been a day two draft pick had he left after last season, he could very well be a first-rounder in the 2017 draft.

Redshirt senior Jeremy Clark looked, to me, like Michigan’s second-best corner a year ago. He took a major step forward a year ago and developed into a steady CB. His height (6’4) is an extra asset.

Senior Channing Stribling also took a major step forward last year, but was more susceptible to biffs than was Clark. Stribling has some hype on him coming out of spring practice; word is that he’ll be the starter. In any case, I expect that to be mostly a nominal title, as Clark should get a good amount of snaps.

Redshirt sophomore Brandon Watson saw only a smattering of snaps last year, mostly as a nickel back. Considering Peppers is Michigan’s nickel back (in addition to about a half-dozen other things), don’t expect his workload to increase significantly unless a couple guys go down.

Freshmen David Long and LaVert Hill are a 4-star recruits from California and Michigan, respectively. Former Stanford and Penn State commits, respectively, they both figure to get some on-field collegiate experience this season before being asked to take on a much bigger role next year, when the Wolverines lose their top 3 corners. Between the two, Long is the more ready player and more certain to reach his potential, though both have really high ceilings.

Redshirt freshman Keith Washington has a ton of speed, but needs to add size and develop as a player yet. He could contribute next year, but I would be surprised if he ended up ahead of Long or Hill, and probably Watson, too, on next year’s depth chart.

Freddy Canteen’s status is up in the air after shoulder surgery. If he’s able to play, corner is a potential landing spot. I’m not holding my breath. You shouldn’t either.

Twitter: @KSchroeder_312

E-mail: schroeder.giig@gmail.com