ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Much like with Michael Barrett at viper in 2020, Zeke Berry started off strong playing the nickel position in 2024. But halfway through Week 4, the wheels started falling off. And what once looked like a position that didn't need much worry became something of a liability.
However, due to Will Johnson's injury that precluded him from the latter half of the season, Michigan had to do some tinkering and eventually moved Berry out to the boundary. And the results were surprisingly good.
Berry played five games outside at cornerback, including in big games against Ohio State and Alabama. And he did more than hold his own against some of the elite receivers in the game. As a result, he's looking forward to building on that success in 2025.
"I feel like for having a couple games under my belt, being a corner, and playing against the toughest teams that we had at the end of the season, and displaying my talent on tape, I feel like my confidence level is pretty high," Berry said. "And especially after this offseason, putting in work, I feel like it's going to be way higher this next season."
The confidence came when Berry got the nod to move outside against Oregon in the beginning of November. Considering the cadre of wideouts the Ducks have, he wasn't particularly sure he would be able to hold his own, but once he got out there, he realized that he could do what was necessary.
The adjustment from nickel to corner is usually easier than vice versa, but that's not exactly how Berry sees it.
"I think the first game I played corner was Oregon, I think it was, or something like that," Berry said. "Just going out there and playing with those type of receivers and holding myself down with those guys, I feel like I surprised myself a little bit.
"For me, I felt like it was a little bit more easier (than playing nickel). Having the sideline to protect me, being in the nickel position, it's a lot more area to cover. But that's something that I got comfortable with the more I've done it."
For now, the projected starters on the boundary are Berry and junior Jyaire Hill, with sophomore Jo'Ziah Edmond and freshman Shamari Earls potentially working their way in. Fans will get an opportunity to see them all in the April 19 spring game at The Big House.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Michigan football CB Zeke Berry looking to build on strong 2024 finish
