The Michigan Wolverines football team has bolstered its roster by acquiring former Utah cornerback Smith Snowden through the transfer portal. According to Rivals’ Hayes Fawcett, Snowden will join the Wolverines with one season of eligibility remaining.
Standing at 5-10 and weighing 185 pounds, Snowden was a standout player for Utah, starting 13 games on defense and making two starts on offense during the past season. He earned a spot on the All-Big 12 Second Team with impressive statistics that included 37 total tackles, two interceptions, and nine passes defended. In addition to his defensive contributions, Snowden racked up eight carries for 40 yards and a touchdown as well as 13 receptions for 57 yards.
In terms of defensive versatility, Snowden logged 299 snaps at slot cornerback and 275 snaps at boundary cornerback, alongside time spent in various positions, including the box and at free safety. His performance has not gone unnoticed; as of Monday, On3 ranks him as the No. 55 player in the current transfer portal cycle and the eighth-best cornerback.
In the previous season, he recorded 48 total tackles, including tackles for loss, ten passes defended, and two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. His strong play led to his inclusion on the Paul Hornung Watch List ahead of the current season. Furthermore, Snowden brings kick return experience, having returned ten kickoffs for 207 yards over the last two years.
This season, Michigan’s cornerbacks will be mentored by Jernaro Gilford, a former assistant coach at BYU, who joins the Wolverines along with defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Snowden’s arrival complements an already solid defensive backfield that includes returning starters Jyaire Hill and Zeke Berry, the latter of whom recently decided to return to Michigan after exploring the transfer portal.
With Snowden’s skill set and experience, the Wolverines are optimistic about enhancing their defensive capabilities as they head into the upcoming season.