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Donovan Johnson, Kaden Strayhorn sign with Michigan together, share special connection

ECCrzGbXkAEmHxxby:EJ Holland•12/04/24•

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Recruiting Q&A - 2024-09-05T191248.171
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Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy running back Donovan Johnson and offensive lineman Kaden Strayhorn are already a dynamic duo at one of the premier high schools in America.

Now, Johnson and Strayhorn will both be taking their talents to Michigan. The two signed with the Wolverines together on Wednesday morning.

“It means a lot,” Johnson said. “The journey has been long, but Michigan had everything I was looking for. From the coaches to the atmosphere, everything was great. Go Blue.”

Strayhorn added:

“It feels surreal. It means everything for me. Making it official shows all the hard work me and my family have put into it. It’s all paying off. Now, I’m ready for a new journey.”

Johnson and Strayhorn arrived at IMG Academy shortly after their freshmen seasons. At the time, Johnson didn’t have a Michigan offer and Strayhorn was expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and side with Michigan State.

With Strayhorn being from Michigan and Johnson being from Georgia, there was no prior connection. But the two future Michigan Men instantly clicked.

Both eventually found their own paths to Michigan and are now ready to continue their journeys together.

“I’m super excited,” Strayhorn said. “We hugged after we signed. We’re ready to get to work. We’re both bring hard work. He’s a big back and explosive, and I’m ready to open holes for him. We want to win a national championship at Michigan. Maybe two or three and be high NFL Draft picks together. I hope I can help him break some records.”

Johnson shared similar sentiments.

“I’m really excited to play with Kaden again. That’s my brother. We have that special connection already. He’s a great blocker. It’s going to be a show. That’s all I’m going to say.”

Johnson, who is ranked as the No. 39 running back and No. 494 overall prospect nationally, and Strayhorn, who is ranked as the No. 48 interior offensive lineman and No. 552 overall prospect nationally, are now hoping a third IMG Academy prospect joins the party.

Four-star linebacker Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng is set to make his decision this afternoon and is down to Michigan and Colorado.

Both Johnson and Strayhorn have been working hard on him.

“I’m working on him every day,” Johnson said. “We’re brothers for real. Wu knows where home is at. We already had deep discussions about that. We talk about the coaching staff, the system and things of that nature.”

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