More than a dozen Michigan players declared for the 2024 NFL draft within two weeks of the Wolverines’ national championship on Jan. 8.
Another joined the list Friday night. Safety Quinten Johnson, a rotational player in Michigan’s secondary the past two seasons, announced his decision on social media to enter the draft instead of returning to Ann Arbor for a sixth season.
“As I take this next step in my journey as a national champion, I carry with me the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the love and support of my incredible community,” he wrote.
“With that being said, I am announcing my decision to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.”
Johnson, a three-star prospect in the 2019 season, did not play his freshman season and primarily played on special teams in 2020 and 2021.
The Maryland native saw his role increase the past two seasons, recording 33 tackles, one interception and five pass breakups in 29 games.
He will best be remembered for his hit against Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka to force an incompletion in the Wolverines’ 2023 regular-season finale and stripping Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe for a turnover in an overtime Rose Bowl victory to reach the national championship.
Johnson is listed at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds. The deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft was Jan. 15, but Johnson does not fall in that category.
“I am so grateful for the University of Michigan faculty and staff for the unforgettable years that have shaped me in ways I could never have imagined,” he wrote.
I was blessed to experience the unparalleled joy of playing in front of the best fan base in the nation while obtaining a degree at ‘the best university in the world.’ It has been my greatest honor to wear the winged helmet, the Michigan jersey and to play for a community that bleeds maize and blue.
