Lone Wolverine

Former Big 10 powerhouse struggles to retain players. By Sam Knehans 

(AP Photo/Tony Ding)

As conference realignment defines the national college football news, the Big 10 is a conference largely staying put. After adding Nebraska in 2011, the conference seems content with remaining at 12 member schools.

Yet, despite the constancy in the Big 10, one team has struggled to retain its players this season—the University of Michigan Wolverines.

This week Carvin Johnson, a sophomore safety who started three games last season as a hybrid linebacker, left the team.

Johnson is by far the most impactful player to leave the Wolverines—who are ranked 15 in the BCS and 13 in the AP poll. He had played in all eight games this season, recording 14 tackles.

His career best game came on October 8, when he recorded 5 tackles while playing in his natural safety position. Johnson leaves the Wolverines with a career stat line including 32 tackles and one interception.

Johnson is the sixth player to leave the Wolverines since the beginning of the season, joining wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes, tight end Chris Barnett, offensive lineman Tony Posada, linebacker Kellen Jones and cornerback Gregg Brown.

It is unknown if Johnson will pursue football at another NCAA school at this time.

These departures are unusual for a 7-1 team whose lone loss came to in-state rival Michigan State, who is also ranked in the top 25 teams nationally. Look for Michigan to rebound this weekend as it faces another Big 10 opponent, Iowa, who is just 5-3 on the season.