4-star RB Donovan Johnson commits to Michigan: 'It felt like home for me up there'

Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back Donovan Johnson started picking up offers in the ninth grade. Over 40 schools offered the four-star and after visiting Ann Arbor for the first time, he has committed to Michigan.

“I just couldn’t leave and not commit,” Johnson told On3. “It was my first time there, so I had to see how I felt, but I just got that feeling up there. The atmosphere, the people, the coaches, the team – it was all like a genuine family. That family atmosphere just made it feel right for me.”

Johnson also had his eye on schools like Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State and Tennessee. He had visited all those schools, so he wanted to give Michigan a look. He is glad he did.

“I loved it up there. I went up on Thursday for my official visit, then left Saturday and it was great. At IMG Academy, we preach brotherhood and that is exactly what I saw at Michigan. It felt like home for me up there. As soon as I walked in the door up there, I loved it.

“Michigan has great coaches, it is family-oriented, they develop players and the whole atmosphere makes it where I want to be.”

Tony Alford’s move to Michigan was key for Johnson

The Wolverines offered Johnson early in his recruitment. There was some early communication, but it went to another level when Tony Alford made the move from Ohio State to Michigan.

“As soon as he went to Michigan, they recruited me harder. I have known coach Alford since my freshman year and we have a real relationship. I can’t even put into words what our relationship is like. It is like he is already my coach. We can talk about everything and I love who he is as a person.”

New head coach Sherrone Moore has been involved too. He and the No. 239 prospect in the On3 Industry have been communicating a couple of times a week for the last few months.

They had a great meeting on the official visit. That was the icing on the cake and Johnson is ready to strap on the pads for Moore as a Wolverine.

“It has been a long journey,” Johnson said. “It started off fast, then I tore my ACL last spring. That injury showed me how much I love the game of football. The injury put me in a position to stay motivated and stay disciplined. God is good. I loved the game before. Now, I love it more. I respect the game, the players, the coaches and what you have to do to be successful.”