Analysis of new signing Donovan Johnson

Michigan Football signs 4-star RB Donovan Johnson from the Georgia I Wolverines

Michigan has received a commitment from On300 Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy Running Back Donovan Johnson On Sunday afternoon.

The Wolverines EJ Holland analyzes Johnson and explains what his verbal commitment means to the Wolverines. Watch the full video above.

Johnson Recruitment

New Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford offered Johnson a contract shortly after he arrived in Ann Arbor. Alford recruited Johnson during his time at Ohio State and built a close relationship with him throughout the process.

Alford visited Johnson at his high school last month during the spring evaluation period and invited him to campus for an unofficial visit last week.

This is where Michigan was able to really make a difference and convince Johnson. He finally committed to the staff on Saturday afternoon before publicly announcing his decision a day later.

“It was great,” Johnson said. “I went and talked to the whole coaching staff. I had a chance to talk to Coach (Sherrone) Moore. I had a really long talk with Coach Tony (Alford). Great people. Great school. Great atmosphere. I have nothing negative to say about it. I was there all day. I watched the practices and went to the Big House. It was just great.”

Johnson missed most of his junior season due to injury, but he is back to full fitness and is expected to be healthy by the start of his senior year.

Johnson, a native of Savannah, Georgia, chose Michigan despite offers from Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Ohio State, Penn State, Texas A&M, USC and others.

At 6’1″ and 215 pounds, Johnson is the No. 15 running back and No. 239 nationally ranked prospect according to On3 Industry Rankings. Johnson is also Florida’s 33rd recruit this cycle.

Michigan currently has nine commitments for its 2025 recruiting class – Johnson, top 100 Washington (DC) Gonzaga defensive back Kainoa Winston, top 100 Oak Park (Ill.) Fenwick defensive lineman Nate Marshall, On300 Fort Myers (Florida) Bishop Verot quarterback Carter Smith, 4-star Palatine (Ill.) high EDGE Jaylen Williams, 4-star Birmingham (Michigan) Groves offensive lineman Avery Gach, 4-star Howell (Michigan) high defensive lineman Bobby Kanka, 3-star New Orleans (Louisiana) Archbishop Shaw running back Jasper Parker and 3-star Alcoa (Tennessee) high tight end Eli Owens.

The class entered that day ranked No. 15 nationally and No. 5 in the Big Ten, according to On3 Industry’s national recruiting rankings. The Wolverines currently trail Ohio State, Oregon, USC and Penn State.