JJ Buchanan on why he followed coaches to Michigan football

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Coming off an extremely successful true freshman campaign, wide receiver JJ Buchanan could have gone anywhere or even stayed put at Utah. However, he opted to enter the transfer portal and follow his head coach, Kyle Whittingham, and offensive coordinator, Jason Beck, to Ann Arbor.

It speaks of his belief in the coach who both recruited and developed him, and now he's excited to see what he will do now that he's at Michigan football.

On Monday, Buchanan shared more about why he followed Whittingham and the staff to the Wolverines, noting that he believes that there's something unique about them.

"Man, I just think that just the belief that not only him, but the entire coaching staff instilled in me from when I first got to college, I just think it's special," Buchanan said. "I think you don't find that at a lot of places. And I just think that it was something that I couldn't give up when they left, weighing my options. I just felt that going in the transfer portal was the best decision for me. And following them ended up just following my heart. And I just feel like this is where God called me to be."

Buchanan was a relatively highly-rated recruit, rated the No. 184 player in the country, regardless of position, according to 247Sports. Hailing from Henderson (Nev.) Coronado wasn't a Utah lifer who grew up in the shadow of Rice-Eccles Stadium, so that speaks to his confidence in the coaches he was with for one year.

But he's also confident in those who also followed.

Cornerback Smith Snowden and edge rusher John Henry Daley were highly sought after in the transfer portal, but both ended up following Whittingham and company. Buchanan has experience of going up against Snowden in practice, but also knows what Daley can do. He gave a brief scouting report on both.

"Yeah, Smith, the ideal nickel that everyone wants on their team," Buchanan said. "He's one of the best corners I've ever went against when we're on the outside. But yeah, me and him, we go back and forth. I love competing, love going against him. I think that we're going to get a lot of production out of him this year, 100%, no doubt. 

"And John Henry on the other side, I mean, he would have led the nation in sacks if he didn't get hurt. I mean, he had three and a half, two and a half TFLs, and like six snaps in the Kansas State game. So he'll be one of the best pass rushers in the country, without a doubt."

Buchanan finished third on the Utes in terms of receptions and receiving yards. Had he been on the Wolverines last year, his output would have still been third, except he would have led the maize and blue with his six touchdown receptions.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: JJ Buchanan explains Michigan football transfer

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