3 takeaways from Jaden Mangham’s commitment to Michigan football

Michigan State fans were freaking out at the idea of Michigan football landing former Spartan Jaden Mangham. Now, the meltdown is about to hit full force as Mangham announced his commitment to the Wolverines following his visit on Friday.

For Michigan football, this is a massive commitment. The Wolverines landed Aamir Hall and Wesley Walker over the past two days. Those were critical commitments too, but Mangham, a 10-game starter and honorable mention All-Big Ten selection, who has two years remaining, feels even more important.

Plus, it’s always funny to laugh at Sparty. But here are three takeaways from this commitment for Michigan football.

A possible Rod Moore replacement

Michigan football lost Keon Sabb to the transfer portal this spring, plus Rod Moore to injury. The Wolverines responded by adding Wesley Walker from Tennessee and now Mangham. Both players logged over 600 snaps last season. Makari Paige played 479 and Quentin Johnson played 323. That’s nearly 2,000 snaps at the safety position.

Walker is tremendous in coverage and a great tackler. He could play some safety, as well as in the slot in nickel or dime packages. I love that addition, but Mangham, who was recruited by teams as a wide receiver, cornerback, and safety, is another I really like.

Mangham had four interceptions last season and 53 tackles. He’s 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. All three additions over the past two days are at least 6-foot-1 and all three had over 50 tackles.

That’s an essential part of being a defensive back. If you’re going to beat teams like Ohio State and Oregon, you need to be able to get their athletes to the ground. Tackling has been an essential part of Michigan’s defensive success the past three years and you could see it was a priority with each of these additions.

How will all the snaps play out?

It’s hard to predict how the depth chart will play out. Walker, Mangham, and Johnson can all compete for snaps alongside Paige. You have a similar situation at cornerback and nickel.

If the Wolverines want Zeke Berry and Ja’Den McBurrows to focus on nickel, they can do that. McBurrows can also play outside corner if needed and the depth in the secondary is much better off than it was Thursday morning.

Will Johnson and Makari Paige are probably the only sure-fire starters. Moore would have been if he didn’t get hurt, but that competition will be great. The cream will rise to the top and in a group loaded with talent and versatility, that’s exactly what you want.

Michigan football fans are just getting used to new secondary coach Lamar Morgan, but his work this week has been impressive and we’ll see what he can do with a depth chart that’s been overhauled in just two days.

Is Michigan done?

All signs point to no. Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider reported that UNLV cornerback Ricky Johnson is also visiting. He’s another experienced player and has five career interceptions.

There are rumblings on social media that another commitment is coming and Johnson would be another great fit. Then you’d have a defensive back room with four dedicated corners, four dedicated safeties, and two dedicated nickels Michigan football can feel good about.

Then, if you have some young players take a step forward too, you go from the secondary being kind of a question mark to absolutely loaded.