The Los Angeles Chargers drafted two Michigan Wolverines and signed another as an undrafted free agent this offseason, reuniting them with head coach Jim Harbaugh and other members of the coaching staff. Junior Colson (LB, third round), Cornelius Johnson (WR, seventh round), and Karsen Barnhart (IOL, UDFA) started what could be a multi-year run of former Michigan players joining the Chargers' roster.
The Athletic's Bruce Feldman released his Freaks List ahead of the 2024 college season, unveiling a Top 101 of the most athletically, well, freakish players in college football. Four Michigan players made the list last year. This year, four made the list again, including one repeat:
- Kenneth Grant, IDL (No. 3)
- Alex Orji, QB (No. 13)
- Will Johnson, CB (No. 28)
- Marlin Klein, TE (No. 90)
Johnson, in particular, has been a frequent mock draft target among Chargers fans. Here is an excerpt from Feldman's article:
Johnson had the fastest time this offseason on the team on Michigan’s reactive plyo stairs test at 2.27 seconds. He did the 3-cone drill in 6.57 seconds, displaying his ability to change directions and bend. Johnson’s 20-yard shuttle time was 4.05 seconds, which would’ve been third during the past two years in Indianapolis.
With current starters Kristian Fulton and Asante Samuel Jr. both set to be free agents next year, the Chargers could very well be looking at a corner like Johnson in the first round of next year's draft (if he declares).