Name: Gemon Green
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 181 lbs.
High school: DeSoto (TX) DeSoto
Position: Cornerback
Class: Redshirt junior
Jersey number: #22
Last year: I ranked Green #46 and said he would be a backup cornerback (LINK). He started six games and made 22 tackles with 9 pass breakups.
TTB Rating: 82
It was easy to watch Michigan's secondary in 2020 and reach the conclusion that every player did bad and is bad. I think every Michigan fan probably felt that way at one point or another a year ago. But I thought Green had his fair share of positive moments. After getting embarrassed in week two against Michigan State, Michigan's two starting cornerbacks went in divergent directions. Green seemed to take umbrage at getting picked on and improved. Opposite corner Vincent Gray seemed shell-shocked and the staff had to completely change how he played defense.
Going into the 2021 season, those career arcs seem destined to continue. Green was reportedly the first corner to lock up his starting job, while Gray's spot seems to have been usurped by D.J. Turner II. Michigan continues to prioritize tall, lanky, athletic corners who are similar in body type to Green, and I think the coaching staff likes what they have in him. Green doesn't have blazing speed, but he's physical and has some length to make up for some of that lack of burst. I think the new defensive philosophy will help Green continue to ascend, making Green a possibility for the lower end of all-conference status (third team or honorable mention).
Prediction: Starting cornerback; 32 tackles, 1 interception
Agree with the rank. Hope he plays up to it.
ReplyDeleteI do think Gray will rotate in with the other 2 CBs pretty regularly and see starter-level snaps.