Bio Blast: Meet Michigan running back signee Donovan Johnson
Four-star Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back Donovan Johnson officially signed with Michigan on Wednesday.
Here is everything you need to know about the talented ball carrier.
The Skinny
Height: 6-0.5
Weight: 210
Senior Stats: Not available
Industry Ranking: No. 37 running back, No. 484 overall
Interesting Facts: Originally from Savannah, Georgia. Transferred to IMG Academy following his freshman season. Was a Junior Olympian as a middle schooler. Talented artist who plans on being an architect.
Recruitment
Johnson was a highly touted recruit with several major offers following his freshman season. However, Johnson tore his ACL before the start of his junior season, which caused his recruitment to slow down. New Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford had a preexisting relationship with Johnson at Ohio State and offered him soon after arriving in Ann Arbor. Johnson committed to Michigan shortly following a summer unofficial visit.
He Said It
Every time I go up to Michigan, they have a great atmosphere. Just to walk through the tunnel and see the fans and the energy they have is great. Talking to Coach (Sherrone) Moore and Coach Tony (Alford), it’s just so surreal with the deadline getting closer. It’s going to be fun. I got to go out with the players and form more connections. I’m a brotherhood type of person. That’s something we hold dearly at IMG. It meant a lot to me to meet up with them. It was a lot of fun.”
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They Said It
“I’m super excited. I know my son is going to be in good hands with Coach Tony Alford at Michigan. I’m happy for my son. He’s put in a lot of work over the years. It’s a blessing. Coach Alford is a blessing to us. He’s the top running backs coach in the country. Period. I’m not just talking about coaching. He’s a genuine man. I couldn’t pick a better school and a better running backs coach for my son to play under.” — Derrick Johnson, father of Donovan
Scouting Report
“Donovan Johnson is one of the more interesting and difficult evaluations in the 2025 cycle to this point. He came on the national radar as a freshman. He had a phenomenal freshman season at Calvary Christian in Savannah, Georgia. He’s a big-time athlete and has a prototypical build at running back. He transferred to IMG and played in a reserve role as a sophomore. He did not play much as a junior because he battled injury.” — On3 Rankings Director Charles Power
