Breaking News: Justin Turner To Transfer from Michigan Wolverines

Why can't we have just one week with good news?  Is that really too much to ask?

One of Michigan's highest ranked-players in the 2009 class who redshirted last year has decided to transfer from the University of Michigan.  

"[Turner] asked for, and was granted, his release yesterday. We wish him well in his future endeavors," Michigan Director of Media Relations Dave Abluaf announced Wednesday. 

Justin came to Michigan as the best player in Ohio in 2009 and was an Army All-American.  He had trouble with academics and wasn't cleared to practice with the Wolverines until two weeks into fall camp last year.  This late arrival pretty much guaranteed that Justin would redshirt in 2009 even though the team had a serious lack of depth on the roster at both cornerback and safety positions.

Justin struggled in the spring at cornerback, as JT Floyd took over the spot vacated when Donovan Warren left early for the NFL.  Still, Michigan fans hoped he would show his near 5-star prospect status this year and get playing time in zone or nickel formations.

One of the signs that No. 2 didn't have his heart into it was when he showed up to fall camp 11 pounds bigger than he did last fall.  A guy playing cornerback doesn't usually need to put on that type of weight.

Impact:  Large.  Michigan can't afford any attrition in the defensive backfield. Sure Turner might not have been a starter, but with potential injuries and a number of young kids playing who have little to no experience, this is a difficult blow to take.  Welcome Cullen Christian and Courtney Avery to a lot more playing time. 

Michigan DB's loses in the last year:

• Demar Dorsey—Never enrolled because of admission issues
• Justin Turner—Transfered because of inability to break into the starting lineup
• Boubacar Cissoko—Transferred to a different type of Big House
• Donovan Warren—NFL

That list is a "no fly zone" that never took off.

This also should have an impact on 2011 cornerback recruiting.  I expect Michigan to take one more cornerback now in the 2011 class.