William “Will” Johnson is one of the top cornerbacks coming out of Michigan this season. He is coming out with back-to-back All-American honours and a Defensive MVP win during Michigan’s 2023 national championship run.
To add, the college he chose is also a part of a legacy. But the legacy was slightly tainted after injuries cut his 2024 season short and sidelined him. But Will’s far from done. And one of the reasons for that is the two powerhouses backing him.
Meet the Parents Behind Michigan’s Star Corner, Will Johnson’s Rise
Behind Will Johnson’s rise is a dad who once was the guy at Michigan. Deon Johnson, a standout DB from the ‘90s, didn’t just hand down football genes; he also passed down the playbook of wisdom.
Dean was a three-time Big Ten champ and ’93 Rose Bowl winner. Evidently, Deon gave Will the very road his son now flies down in maize and blue. But it’s not all just about stats.
Deon Johnson, in a 2020 interview with Maize and Blue Review, said, “My experience at Michigan was positive. I was part of three Big Ten championship teams. I had a winning record in the big games against Michigan State and Ohio State. I developed some long-lasting lifetime relationships at Michigan. It was a great experience.”
And that positivity has radiated through every aspect of Will’s development.
May it be coaching at Detroit King or mentoring future stars through the Sound Mind Sound Body Academy, Deon has been an undeniable influence in Will Johnson’s life. But if Deon is the play-caller, then Kafi Kumasi is the grounding influence.
Will’s mom is Kafi Kumasi, who is a professor at Wayne State University. She is always there when it matters. Together, Deon and Kafi have built a powerhouse support system in Detroit, a place they still call home.
From Freshman All-American to Defensive MVP, Will Johnson’s journey has been theirs, too. And as Deon puts it, “It’s like I’m reliving some old days and memories.” And no doubt, Will’s legacy is a family affair too.
As the Michigan Journey Ends, What’s Next for Johnson?
The only question that now remains unanswered is, what is next for Michigan’s #2? Well, next, Will Johnson heads into NFL Draft season. Promising, of course, but there are a few red flags on his resume. After a monster sophomore year, injuries hit hard in his junior season.
Will was dealing with turf toe, shoulder issues, and a late hamstring tweak. This meant he played only five games and skipped the Combine and Michigan’s Pro Day. So yes, the NFL scouts are buzzing, but not all the way.
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While some see him as a top 10 recruit, others hesitate. They rank him closer to No. 28.
And it’s not just about whether he can ball, but about staying healthy. Will Johnson’s stats stand at two picks, 128 return yards, and lockdown coverage in just a handful of games. However, questions about durability are keeping teams cautious.
That said, Will is not out of plays yet. Show the scouts that he is healthy, and the doubts might just disappear. Will Johnson’s story is far from over. It’s just entering the prologue of its next chapter.
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