GEMON GREEN

ANN ARBOR – If DJ Turner’s mission was to turn heads at the NFL Scouting Combine earlier this month, he accomplished it. The former Michigan cornerback ran the fastest 40-yard dash at the event, clocking in at 4.26 seconds. “My phone was on fire,” Turner said Friday after participating at Michigan’s pro day in Ann Arbor. “That boy fast,” said Green, who wasn’t invited to the combine but worked out at Michigan’s pro day. ESPN NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. agrees, naming him one of his top 10 risers from the combine.

The Wolverines’ coaches might be apt to do more shuffling in the secondary this year, especially during spring practices. Last season, Sainristil played 689 defensive snaps – the fourth-most on the team – and he was lined up at slot corner for 582 of them, according to Pro Football Focus. “Corner, you’re kind of more dependent on whether you’re to the field or the boundary. After playing his first three seasons at receiver, Sainristil moved to defense last season and was a starter from the outset. “Just being able to really focus on little techniques, small details,” Sainristil said of this year’s spring session.

Michigan defensive back Gemon Green, who played five seasons in the maize and blue and earned all-Big Ten honorable mention this year, has chosen to go pro. The deadline to declare for the draft is Monday, Jan. 16, forcing the 6-foot-2, 186-pound Green to make a decision quickly. “The years here have been filled with memories I will remember for the rest of my life,” Green wrote. Green’s announcement follows that of three other Michigan defensive players: Edge rusher Mike Morris, defensive tackle Mazi Smith and defensive back D.J. Another under-the-radar recruit, Green was a three-star prospect out of high school who developed into a Big Ten-quality defensive back at Michigan.

A Michigan State football player has pleaded guilty to misdemeanors for a skirmish inside the Michigan Stadium tunnel after a game in October.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The incident dominated the headlines for weeks, yet Gemon Green did his best to insulate himself from it all. It drew widespread condemnation and prompted MSU to suspend eight players, seven of whom face various misdemeanor assault charges. The biggest aggressor in the incident, MSU linebacker Khary Crump, originally charged with felonious assault, has agreed to plead guilty in exchange for the charge being lowered to a misdemeanor. Video captured during the incident shows Crump swinging a helmet and hitting Green, who suffered a concussion in the attack. But when he and McBurrows turned to walk up the tunnel with MSU exiting, things quickly went south.

3 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal in Arizona on Dec. 31, here is the redshirt status of every freshman. Will redshirtQuarterback Alex OrjiThe former three-star recruit played late in a reserve role in three games this year. Quarterback Jayden DenegalDenegal, a former three-star prospect, played three snaps against UConn. He was rated as a three-star prospect. Offensive lineman Alessandro LorenzettiLorenzetti, a former three-star recruit has played in one game.

Charges have been filed against seven Michigan State football players stemming from a melee in Michigan Stadium's tunnel last month.

Seven Michigan State football players are facing criminal charges for their roles in violent postgame incidents following a loss at Michigan on Oct. 29. Those seven were indefinitely suspended by Michigan State following the incidents. A Michigan State football team spokesman did not immediately return a message seeking comment about the charges issued Wednesday. The University of Michigan Police Department led the investigation with help from the Michigan State University Police and Michigan State Police, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office said in a press release. Following the incidents, Michigan State coach Mel Tucker and then-president Samuel Stanley apologized for what transpired in the Michigan Stadium tunnel.

Warren’s son, Powers Warren, is a walk-on tight end for Michigan State but didn’t make the travel roster for the game at Michigan. Although it’s still unclear how the incidents started, video evidence showed Michigan State defensive back Khary Crump swinging his helmet at Green. In a separate incident, McBurrows was surrounded and pushed and struck by Michigan State defensive end Zion Young, linebacker Itayvion “Tank” Brown and defensive back Angelo Grose. No Michigan players have been publicly disciplined and Diamond doesn’t believe the incidents should result in criminal charges. Michigan beat Nebraska last week in the first game at Michigan Stadium since the incidents against Michigan State.

Although it’s still unclear how the incidents started, video evidence showed Michigan State defensive back Khary Crump swinging his helmet at Green. Michigan State linebacker/defensive end Jacoby Windmon put his helmet back on and engaged with Green at that time. In a separate incident, McBurrows was surrounded and pushed and struck by Michigan State defensive end Zion Young, linebacker Itayvion “Tank” Brown and defensive back Angelo Grose. Following the game, Michigan State coach Mel Tucker said he didn’t have an update on the investigation. Michigan beat Nebraska 34-3 on Saturday night in the first game at Michigan Stadium since the incidents against Michigan State.

The police investigation into the melee in Michigan Stadium’s tunnel has been turned over to the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — An update is expected this week on the police investigation into the tunnel melee at Michigan Stadium, Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Monday. Twelve days have gone by since Michigan defensive backs Gemon Green and Ja’Den McBurrows were allegedly injured during an attack involving Michigan State players following the game on Oct. 29. While the suspension remain in place, there has been no public update from University of Michigan police, the department charge with leading the investigation. More: U-M police still investigating postgame tunnel incident“(I) was told that we’d probably hear something this week,” Harbaugh said. Green traveled with Michigan to its game at Rutgers on Saturday, but did not play, while McBurrows did not.

Here are Michigan observations and takeaways from Saturday’s game:*OK, we’ll start with the second half. The Wolverines only allowed 180 total yards, but it blanked the Scarlet Knights in the second half and held them to 57 yards while forcing three turnovers. On a third-and-5 from the Rutgers 33, Michigan ran it with Corum for just 1 yard. But Johnson also made the most of his opportunity, recording his first career interception and returning it deep into Rutgers territory. The unit was much better in the second half, but it was a rocky start against Rutgers’ front.

Six days after violent postgame incidents following Michigan’s win against Michigan State in Ann Arbor, it’s still unclear if criminal charges will be filed. Eight Michigan State players have been suspended indefinitely for their roles in the incidents that occurred in the Michigan Stadium tunnel after the Wolverines won 29-7 against the Spartans last Saturday night. Following last Saturday’s game, the teams were separated and Michigan State players headed up the tunnel while many Michigan players celebrated with the Paul Bunyan Trophy on the field. It’s still unclear what started the altercations but video evidence shows Michigan State defensive back Khary Crump swinging his helmet and hitting Green. In a separate incident, McBurrows was surrounded and pushed and struck by Michigan State defensive end Zion Young, linebacker Itayvion “Tank” Brown and defensive back Angelo Grose.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Jim Harbaugh lied awake at 4 a.m. Tuesday, replaying the violent weekend in his head and how to address his team. Sure, Michigan scored a much-needed victory over in-state rival Michigan State, but the post-game tunnel attack was all everyone wanted to discuss. For two straight days, the Michigan coach and his players fielded questions from reporters about the aftermath and status of teammates Gemon Green and Ja’Den McBurrows, who were reportedly injured in the incident. More: Michigan players regroup, shift focus to Rutgers following MSU incidentAnd with that comes added pressure, with Michigan owning an unblemished 8-0 record and No. Rutgers is expected to start a redshirt freshman, Gavin Wimsatt, at quarterback, a tall task against a consensus top-10 Michigan defense.

Four more Michigan State football players have been suspended for their roles in the melee in the Michigan Stadium tunnel.

One of the Big Ten's top defensive players and three other Michigan State football players were suspended Tuesday for their roles in the melee in the Michigan Stadium tunnel. Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller and coach Mel Tucker announced the latest suspensions in a statement, bringing the total number of suspended players to eight. The players suspended Tuesday were defensive end-linebacker Jacoby Windmon, cornerbacks Malcolm Jones and Justin White and defensive end Brandon Wright.

The number of Michigan State players suspended in the fallout of postgame incidents after a loss at Michigan last week has doubled. That brings the total of players suspended to eight. Tucker on Sunday announced linebacker Itayvion “Tank” Brown, defensive backs Khary Crump and Angelo Grose and defensive end Zion Young were suspended. Although it’s unclear how the incidents started following Michigan State’s 29-7 loss at Michigan, video evidence from the tunnel released Monday afternoon by ABC showed Crump swinging his helmet and hitting Michigan defensive back Gemon Green. Brown, Grose, Young, Wright and White were among a group of Spartans involved in an incident in which Michigan defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows was struck and pushed around.

Michigan State coach Mel Tucker suspends four players after incident, but Michigan's Jim Harbaugh thinks investigation could lead to charges.

New video released by ABC on Monday afternoon shed addition light on the postgame incident involving Michigan State players after a loss at Michigan on Saturday. In the video from the Michigan Stadium tunnel, Michigan State defensive back Khary Crump can be seen swinging his helmet and hitting Michigan defensive back Gemon Green. Young, Grose and Brown were among multiple Michigan State players involved in a separate incident in which they were striking Michigan defensive back Ja’Den McBurrows. Michigan State’s Mel Tucker ‘deeply sorry’ for postgame incident at MichiganIn the video released Monday afternoon, it’s unclear how the incident involving Crump and Green started as Michigan State players headed to the locker room. Related Michigan State football stories:Takeaways, observations from Michigan State’s loss at MichiganMichigan State’s Mel Tucker: ‘No excuse’ for postgame behavior in tunnelAfter taking early lead, Michigan State offense shut out in second half of loss at MichiganOverheard outside Michigan State’s locker room: Butt whooped and hat’s offLosing rivalry game to Michigan is ‘sickening’ for Michigan State

The fallout from the scuffle could be costly as the family of cornerback Gemon Green told ESPN that they plan on taking legal action against all parties involved.

ANN ARBOR -- There was commotion in the Michigan locker room, with players getting riled up over reports from what had just happened inside the Michigan Stadium tunnel. Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh wasn’t buying any excuses for what transpired, placing all blame on the Michigan State players involved. Forget the Michigan Stadium tunnel, the intense rivalry, or brewing disrespect between the programs in recent years, Harbaugh said. “They were walking up the tunnel, exactly how they have each of the last games,” Harbaugh said of Green and McBurrows. Corum has lost twice to Michigan State in his career.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The family of Michigan defensive back Gemon Green plans to seek criminal charges in the wake of the tunnel attack Saturday night, and they’ve hired an attorney to help. An investigation has been opened by the University of Michigan police department, and Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh says Green and Ja’Den McBurrows, the other player involved in the altercation, both have injuries. “As they say, watch the tape.”Video of the incident, captured in real time and published over the weekend on social media, shows a group of unidentified MSU players kicking and punching McBurrows. A second, separate video shows a group of MSU players punching Green, who is without help or protection, with a helmet. McBurrows is a redshirt freshman from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who did not play in Saturday’s game.

"Gemon was punched, and then Ja’Den was trying to help." -- Jim Harbaugh expects there will be criminal charges after seeing more video of the tunnel altercation between Michigan and Michigan State players.

Jim Harbaugh expects the four suspended Michigan State football players involved in roughing up two members of Michigan’s team to be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Jim Harbaugh expects the four suspended Michigan State football players involved in roughing up two members of Michigan's team to be punished to the fullest extent of the law. “I can't imagine that this will not result in criminal charges," the Michigan coach said Monday. Harbaugh said defensive back Gemon Green was punched by a Spartan in the Michigan Stadium tunnel shortly after the fourth-ranked Wolverines beat their in-state rival on Saturday night and teammate Ja’Den McBurrows was attacked when he tried to help.

ANN ARBOR – Michigan’s defense ranked in the top 20 of several notable categories last season en route to a Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff appearance, including points and yards allowed per game. “We need more turnovers as a defense -- fumbles and picks. “I would say get turnovers will be the main thing that we’ll be focusing on this year,” Turner said Monday. But when it comes to the secondary, Green and Turner believe they can do more to become game-changers on the field. Everybody do their 1/11th.”Green is the most experienced player in Michigan’s secondary with 29 games under his belt and 12 starts.

The Game is going to be a game again, or at least that appears to the case before No. 2 Ohio State plays No. 6 Michigan.

Running back Blake Corum and corner Gemon Green are both available to play for the eighth-ranked Wolverines against Maryland (3:30 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network), a team spokesman confirmed to MLive. The spokesman declined to provide a status on Corum, only saying “stay tuned.”If Corum does play, it would give Michigan’s rushing attack a boost. The Marshall, Va., native who played his prep ball in Baltimore has 778 rushing yards, 137 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns this season. Green also appeared in a reserve role against Michigan State and IU.

Michigan coughed up a 16-point second-half lead and dropped a closely contested game, with some controversy, to in-state rival Michigan State. But for those goals to remain intact, a win on Saturday at Penn State (Noon, ABC) is a must. With the game less than 24 hours away, here are four key questions facing Michigan. More: Michigan vs. Penn State — score predictions from MLive’s beat writers3. Last year, amid struggles in the secondary, Michigan did a great job of limiting Penn State receiver Jahan Dotson.

That two-way street of communication spilled into spring and has continued into late-October, where the Wolverines take a 6-0 start and No. And while there have been hiccups, players say the coaching staff has worked through it with them. Players say they watch film from the previous day’s practice or previous week’s game and provide feedback to the coaches. But so far, Michigan’s defense has been a surprise strength of the team. More: ‘Leveled up’ defensive line has turned into a strength for Michigan football“This is their defense,” defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale said.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Last November, two days after Michigan’s football team suffered a 38-point home loss to Wisconsin, Gemon Green had to face the media. They were struggling in man-to-man coverage and gave up more than 300 yards passing in back-to-back games against Michigan State and Indiana. But it was the loss to Penn State on Nov. 28, six games into a miserable season for Michigan, in which Green believes he really turned a corner. Last fall was the first time he had lined up in the secondary in an actual football game in three years. “We gave up a couple of fade balls at the beginning (of last season), so they tried to throw shots on me and Vince early on and throughout the season,” Green said.

With Michigan set to begin preseason camp on Friday, much of the discussion remains centered around the defense. Michigan State first exposed those deficiencies in a Week 2 upset win in Ann Arbor, then Indiana followed up a week later. But with both players, Vincent Gray and Gemon Green, back and several underclassmen waiting in the wing — opportunities will be had during the month of August. Meanwhile, on the other side, Gray — the senior and most experienced player of the group — is locked in a battle with the emerging D.J. Turner has emerged as a real threat to Vincent Gray’s starting spot.

But Michigan was able to take away the deep go and post routes that have plagued them for much of this season. Redshirt sophomore Gemon Green received the highest coverage grade of any Wolverines player all season, an impressive 90.2 mark out of 100 from Pro Football Focus. “Gemon Green had a very good game and was particularly good in man-to-man coverage,” Harbaugh told reporters Monday. “Good to see that progress made there,” Harbaugh said on Monday’s “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. “Coverage was much improved.”But overall, the defense remains a work in progress.

Michigan’s secondary has struggled in one-on-one man coverage this season, giving up more pass plays of between 20 and 30 yards than any other Big Ten team. The Wolverines' defensive backs remain a penalized bunch, earning 10 flags for pass interference or holding in their first four games. Combined, Hill and Green have combined for five, or half, the penalties against the secondary. “For whatever reason, we’ve had officials at our practices — and there weren’t many flags,” Zordich said. Michigan’s secondary drew three flags in a loss to Indiana — including one against safety Brad Hawkins — and two in the 49-11 rout to No.

Wisconsin 49, Michigan 119:36 – Michigan drive start on own 25That Cade McNamara efficiency from the first drive faded quickly. Wisconsin 35, Michigan 39:04 – Michigan drive starts on own 4The Wolverines went three-and-out deep in their own territory. Wisconsin 28, Michigan 312:52 – Wisconsin drive starts on own 25Michigan had another takeaway overturned upon review. Wisconsin 28, Michigan 010:07 – Michigan drive starts on own 25It was still ugly at times, but Michigan found the end zone for the first time tonight. Wisconsin 21, Michigan 0FIRST QUARTER4:30 – Wisconsin drive starts on own 40Michigan has had no answer for Wisconsin’s jet sweeps.

Michigan’s secondary coach says his group of cornerbacks is “going through a slump” but vowed “to get it fixed” in his first interview since the start of the 2020 season. “We’re going to get it fixed,” Zordich said. That number was really impacted by the last two weeks, when the Wolverines surrendered big yards in losses to Michigan State (323) and Indiana (342). Both teams made it a point to attack Michigan’s starting cornerbacks, Vincent Gray and Gemon Green — throwing the football early when they showed man coverage. “The crazy thing is, all four of those is he was bad at the line of scrimmage,” Zordich said.

— Jim Harbaugh issued a public vote of confidence for his coaching staff and players on Saturday, even as Michigan football team dropped its second straight game in similar fashion. For the second straight week, an opponent took to the air early and often and had a career day doing it. Both Penix and Fryfogle recorded career days, like Michigan State receiver Ricky White had last week. (Then) they get that confidence.”Like last week, defensive coordinator Don Brown did his best to curb the attack. Asked about Don Brown, whose pressure-oriented defense doesn’t look so fast and effective these days, Harbaugh says he still has confidence in his 65-year-old defensive coordinator.

4:23 – Michigan drive starts on own 25Another costly penalty derailed a promising Wolverines drive. MSU 20, Michigan 178:00 – MSU drive starts on own 21Michigan standout defensive end Kwity Paye was injured on the drive. MSU 20, Michigan 1712:26 – Michigan drive starts on own 25The Wolverines' talented freshmen were heavily featured on the 11-play touchdown drive. MSU 17, Michigan 1015:00 – Michigan drive starts on own 29Rough drive for the Wolverines to open the second half. STORY: Daxton Hill, Nick Eubanks in uniform for Michigan vs. MSU- MSU WR Tre Mosley is in uniform.

Michigan defensive coordinator Don Brown stuck to his principles in Saturday’s opener against Minnesota, despite starting two inexperienced cornerbacks. “I thought Vincent played really well, graded out really well,” Harbaugh said in a video conference call with reporters. But outside of that completion, Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan didn’t look Gray’s way very often. “I just feel like, with the way our defensive line is playing, the quarterback is just not putting the ball out there,” Gray said. Reed had to sit out last season after transferring from Western Michigan, but he’s expected to be the Spartans' No.

Michigan 49, Minnesota 242:49 -- Michigan drive starts on Minnesota 30Redshirt freshman Cade McNamara replaced Joe Milton at quarterback. Michigan 49, Minnesota 243:37 -- Minnesota drive starts on own 20On the second play of the drive, linebacker Josh Ross picked of Tanner Morgan. Michigan 7, Minnesota 712:43 -- Michigan drive starts on own 30Well, it only took one play for Michigan to answer. Michigan 7, Minnesota 712:02 -- Minnesota drive starts on Michigan 17The Golden Gophers started with great field position after the blocked punt and took advantage. Minnesota 7, Michigan 015:00 -- Michigan drive starts on own 30As expected, redshirt sophomore Joe Milton starts at quarterback.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football’s starting kicker and punter both returned for another season, but Jim Harbaugh said they’re still battling for starting spots heading into the opener. “(Nordin)'s in a real competitive battle with (Jake) Moody, who’s also doing a really good job, so it’s still playing out,” Harbaugh said. "Both are really good. Harbaugh said both the kicker and punter positions are still up in the air. “We also have two really good punters: Brad Robbins and William Hart.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan football’s secondary is one of the biggest question marks heading into this season, and just five days before the opener, four players are still fighting for a starting cornerback position. When Harbaugh spoke Monday ahead of the team’s opener against Minnesota, he named four players as possibilities to fill that role. Turner are in competition for that spot, as well.”LATEST: Michigan vs. Michigan State will kick off at noon on HalloweenGreen and Faustin were both three-stars in the 2018 recruiting class. Green was a top 400 player at cornerback, but Faustin was just inside the top 600. Since enrolling at Michigan, Faustin has been moved from cornerback to safety, and now back to cornerback.

Michigan has often been ranked among the top five or 10 teams in the country, and that’s thanks to strong defensive performances. Kwity Paye #19 of the Michigan Wolverines tries to sack Peyton Ramsey #12 of the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. According to Harbaugh, they’ve only gotten better this offseason, and if Michigan can get some help from the defensive tackles, it’ll make their jobs even easier. READ: Defensive line is X-factor for Michigan against quarterback-loaded scheduleWith a less experienced secondary -- particularly at cornerback -- Hutchinson and Paye will be more important than ever. Defensive tacklesStarters: Carlo Kemp and Chris HintonConfidence: 100% and 95%Kemp will be one of the starters at defensive tackle -- that’s a slam dunk.

Every single recruiting class is important, and the Wolverines have reached the point where the 2018 class -- by far Harbaugh’s most criticized group -- has to make major contributions. Remembering the 2018 recruiting cycleThe 2018 class was recruited amid Michigan’s worst season of the Harbaugh era. The result was Michigan’s only full recruiting class to be ranked outside the top 20 since Harbaugh took over. Michigan’s recruiting has since rebounded, but that 2018 unit will play a major role in the coming seasons. 18 in MissouriRole: Guaranteed starterNobody better exemplifies the 2018 class than Bell, and everyone who follows Michigan football knows his story.

Last week, just as Michigan’s football team was getting ready to put on the pads, Don Brown acknowledged the need to find a second starting cornerback. Brown, Michigan’s defensive coordinator, on Monday revealed the early frontrunner during an interview on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. “I would say he’s probably the leader in the clubhouse right now.”Green, a redshirt sophomore from DeSoto, Texas, appeared in 11 games last season. More: Aidan Hutchinson aims to be Michigan’s ‘matchup nightmare’But the 6-foot-2, 181-pound Green has the early lead over D.J. “If I had to pick one guy up front that I’m excited about, it’s this Julius Welschof,” Brown said.