Michigan's new cornerbacks coach targets five-star Joshua Dobson, a physically gifted shutdown corner whose speed and technique are attracting elite programs.
CORNELIUS, N.C. — This week, the University of Michigan made a massive statement in the Tar Heel State. New cornerbacks coach Jernaro Gilford was spotted at William Amos Hough High School, touching down in Cornelius to check in on one of the most coveted prizes in the 2027 class: five-star cornerback Joshua Dobson.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment in the recruiting calendar. With the 2026 class largely settled, the battle for 2027 supremacy has reached a fever pitch. Gilford, who recently joined Kyle Whittingham’s new-look Michigan staff from BYU, is wasting no time identifying the pillars of his future secondary. In Dobson, he has found a prototype.
The Profile of a Shutdown Corner
Joshua Dobson is not your average sophomore. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing in at a lean 175 pounds, Dobson possesses the rare "length-and-lethal-speed" combination that defensive coordinators dream of.
According to scouts, Dobson’s track background—including a blistering 10.78-second 100m dash—translates directly to the gridiron. He doesn’t just cover receivers; he erases them.
- Rankings: Consensus top-5 national prospect at his position for 2027.
- Production: Coming off a stellar season at Catawba Ridge before transferring to Hough, Dobson has already proven he can play the ball in the air, tallying multiple interceptions and double-digit pass breakups in his young career.
- Skill Set: Elite change-of-direction, a 6-foot-5 wingspan, and a high football IQ that allows him to bait quarterbacks into dangerous throws.
The "Gilford Effect" in Ann Arbor
Jernaro Gilford’s arrival at Michigan has brought a renewed energy to the Wolverines' defensive recruiting. Known as a "relentless recruiter" and a "players' coach," Gilford built a reputation at BYU for developing NFL-caliber talent from under-the-radar prospects. Now armed with the Block M logo and the resources of a powerhouse program, he is swinging for the fences.
The visit to Hough High School signals that Michigan isn't afraid to go head-to-head with the regional giants. Dobson is currently a top priority for LSU, South Carolina, and Clemson, with Lane Kiffin and the Tigers reportedly making a heavy push this month. By getting on the ground in Cornelius, Gilford is ensuring that Michigan remains a central figure in the "DBU" conversation.
"He’s a technician," one local coach said of Dobson. "A lot of kids at this age rely solely on their athleticism. Joshua understands leverage. He understands the 'why' behind the coverage. That’s why the big programs are lining up."
What’s Next for Dobson?
While the Wolverines made their presence felt this week, the race for Dobson is far from over. The five-star standout is scheduled to visit Baton Rouge this coming weekend to see what Lane Kiffin is building at LSU. However, the connection between Gilford and Dobson’s camp is one to watch.
Michigan’s defensive scheme under coordinator Jay Hill—another BYU transplant—relies heavily on versatile, physical corners who can survive on an island. Dobson fits that mold perfectly.
As the spring evaluation period approaches, expect the Wolverines to be a permanent fixture at Hough. If Gilford can pull the No. 1 player in North Carolina up to the Big Ten, it would be the ultimate "welcome to Ann Arbor" moment for the new coaching staff.