Michigan already had eight players coming to Ann Arbor via the transfer portal for the 2023 season. But Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines weren’t quite done adding to their already stout transfer class.
On Wednesday morning, former UMass captain and starting cornerback, Josh Wallace, announced he would be playing his final collegiate season in Ann Arbor with Michigan.
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By getting Wallace, Michigan tremendously improves its depth at the only position of need. The maize and blue do return starters Will Johnson and Mike Sainristil, but the Wolverines are rather raw at the corner spot. It appeared either converted wide receiver Amorion Walker or Ja’Den McBurrows would start opposite of Johnson. Although one of them still can, the addition of Wallace gives a safety net for the coaches.
During his four seasons at UMass, Wallace totaled 140 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 28 pass breakups. The veteran corner had a stellar 2022 football season. He had 41 tackles, two interceptions, and 28 pass breakups in his senior season with the Minutemen.
After the big addition to the secondary, Michigan Twitter went nuts. Here are the best reactions we could find after Wallace announced his decision.
Clayton Sayfie
🚨BREAKING: Michigan lands former UMass standout cornerback Josh Wallace out of the transfer portal🚨
Wallace logged 2,197 defensive snaps in 39 games over four seasons with the Minutemen, totaling 24 pass breakups and 3 interceptions.
Story: pic.twitter.com/yHIw9dSHKv
— Clayton Sayfie (@CSayf23) June 7, 2023
Anthony Broome
Some much needed depth added, at the very least.
Roster looking really good heading into the fall.
— Anthony Broome (@anthonytbroome) June 7, 2023
Pedro Gray Soares
One of UMass’ best players, Josh Wallace is headed to one of the nation’s best teams — and Don Brown’s former home.
Massive departure for the Minutemen but at least DB is the team’s deepest position group.
— Pedro Gray Soares (@P_GraySoares) June 7, 2023
Austin Meek
Jim Harbaugh said Amorion Walker was “right on track” coming out spring, but landing UMass transfer Josh Wallace gives Michigan a veteran to compete for the cornerback job opposite Will Johnson.
— Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) June 7, 2023
Michigan Football on UMGoBlue
Breaking!! Michigan just landed a commit from 4-year UMass starting cornerback Josh Wallace (@Joshwallace_12 ). The 6’1 190 pound grad transfer totaled 41 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions last season for the Minutemen. He will immediately help fill 1 of the only… pic.twitter.com/e2Q9iJWPXU
— Michigan Football on UMGoBlue (@UMGoBlog) June 7, 2023
Zach Shaw
UMass grad transfer CB Josh Wallace has committed to Michigan over offers from Penn State, Oklahoma, Iowa, Virginia Tech and others.
Now NINE transfers in Michigan’s 2023 class, all of whom are expected to be in the Wolverines’ depth chart:
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) June 7, 2023