3 players who could wear the helmet communication device for Michigan defense ft. Will Johnson

Michigan and the rest of college football has entered a brave new world. The helmet communication device will allow direct field to sideline communication with the coach.

On offense, the QB will wear the device. But on defense, things are a bit more unsettled. So here are three players who coudl be chosen as worthy to wear the helmet communication device for Michigan in 2024.

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Three players who could wear the helmet communication device for Michigan defense

Michigan safety Makari Paige (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

#1 Will Johnson, CB

Johnson is an outstanding junior who might be the best cornerback in the nation.

Last year, he had 27 tackles. He defended eight passes, making four interceptions. The six-foot-two Johnson probably would have had better numbers, but offenses generally quit throwing the ball even in his direction.

The issue with Johnson wearing the helmet communication device is purely logistical. The cornerback lines up far from the middle of the field and is usually so far from the defensive line that it would be impossible to relay changes or calls along to the defensive line.

He's also usually the entire field away from the other corner, so there are some logistical issues here, or Johnson would be an easy pick.

#2 Jaishawn Barham, MLB

A junior middle linebacker with a couple years of experience in college football.

In some ways Barham seems ideal to wear the helmet communication devices. Barham had 37 tackles and three sacks in 2023, and he has already had 23 career starts.

However, those starts were all at Maryland. While he knows his position and his overall role in the defense, he hasn't played a game as a Michigan Wolverine.

It's difficult to imagine that his degree of comfort with coach Sherrone Moore or defensive coordinator Don Martindale is exceptionally high. As the new guy in town, Barham might not be the first choice to wear the device after all.

#3 Makari Paige, S

Paige has many of the same upsides and downsides as Johnson. He's experienced, as the senior has the second most tackles of any returning player. But Paige is also all the way back at safety.

For a safety to be able to relay shifts or changes in strategy to the defenive line is essentially impossible. That's the biggest single issue going against Paige.

He knows his coaches and his teammates, but his ability to share signals with teammates up at the line of scrimmage is a genuine concern.

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Which Michigan players would you have wear the helmet communication device on defense? Share your picks and thoughts below in the comment section: