Ambry Thomas will return to Michigan for the 2020 season, he announced in an Instagram post on Saturday night.
Thomas, who just finished his junior year, was the last Michigan starter with a decision to announce. Receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones and center Cesar Ruiz will go to the NFL; Thomas and receiver Nico Collins will return.
“Ain’t this what they been waiting for… You ready?! #lastride,” Thomas wrote in the Instagram post.
For a Michigan secondary that loses cornerback Lavert Hill, safety Josh Metellus and safeties coach Chris Partridge, Thomas’ return is key. He’ll come into spring ball as the presumed No. 1 cornerback, with Vincent Gray opposite him. In the slot, Brad Hawkins or Daxton Hill could get snaps with the recent news that Jaylen Kelly-Powell is in the transfer portal. Whoever doesn’t between them will likely start at safety.
The Wolverines finished the season ranked ninth in defensive SP+, despite a poor performance against Ohio State in the year’s biggest game. They’ll bring back most of their starters for 2020, losing seniors Khaleke Hudson, Josh Uche, Jordan Glasgow and Josh Metellus, with Mike Dwumfour’s status still unclear.
In 2019, Thomas was a Third Team All-Big Ten honoree, finishing the year with three tackles for loss and three interceptions. Despite being hospitalized with colitis before the season, he returned in time for the opener against Middle Tennessee State, in which he recovered a fumble and intercepted a pass.