Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy operating again Donovan Johnson began choosing up presents within the ninth grade. Over 40 faculties supplied the four-star and after visiting Ann Arbor for the primary time, he has dedicated to Michigan.
“I simply couldn’t go away and never commit,” Johnson instructed On3. “It was my first time there, so I needed to see how I felt, however I simply received that feeling up there. The ambiance, the folks, the coaches, the staff – it was all like a real household. That household ambiance simply made it really feel proper for me.”
Johnson additionally had his eye on faculties like Florida State, Georgia, Ohio State and Tennessee. He had visited all these faculties, so he needed to provide Michigan a glance. He’s glad he did.
“I cherished it up there. I went up on Thursday for my official go to, then left Saturday and it was nice. At IMG Academy, we preach brotherhood and that’s precisely what I noticed at Michigan. It felt like house for me up there. As quickly as I walked within the door up there, I cherished it.
“Michigan has nice coaches, it’s family-oriented, they develop gamers and the entire ambiance makes it the place I need to be.”
Tony Alford’s transfer to Michigan was key for Johnson
The Wolverines supplied Johnson early in his recruitment. There was some early communication, nevertheless it went to a different stage when Tony Alford made the transfer from Ohio State to Michigan.
“As quickly as he went to Michigan, they recruited me more durable. I’ve identified coach Alford since my freshman yr and we’ve got an actual relationship. I can’t even put into phrases what our relationship is like. It’s like he’s already my coach. We are able to discuss all the pieces and I like who he’s as an individual.”
New head coach Sherrone Moore has been concerned too. He and the No. 239 prospect within the On3 Trade have been speaking a few instances every week for the previous few months.
They’d a terrific assembly on the official go to. That was the icing on the cake and Johnson is able to strap on the pads for Moore as a Wolverine.
“It has been an extended journey,” Johnson mentioned. “It began off quick, then I tore my ACL final spring. That damage confirmed me how a lot I like the sport of soccer. The damage put me able to remain motivated and keep disciplined. God is sweet. I cherished the sport earlier than. Now, I like it extra. I respect the sport, the gamers, the coaches and what you need to do to achieve success.”