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| Drake Johnson |
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 212 lbs.
High school: Ann Arbor (MI) Pioneer
Position: Running back
Class: Redshirt freshman
Jersey number: #20 (changed from #29)
Last year: I ranked Johnson #84 and said he would redshirt. He redshirted.
Johnson entered college last year as a lightly regarded football player. He spent a good deal of time concentrating on track in high school, so some thought that he would improve as a football player once he concentrated on the gridiron. In the run-up to the bowl game against South Carolina, head coach Brady Hoke said that he wished kids could play in bowl games without ruining their redshirts. That sounded positive for Johnson, but keep in mind that Fitzgerald Toussaint had a broken leg and Thomas Rawls had an undisclosed injury. The crew of running backs was narrowed down to converted quarterback Denard Robinson, then-senior Vincent Smith, and then-redshirt freshman Justice Hayes. Johnson proceeded to look pretty average in the spring game, in my opinion.
Going into the 2013 season, Toussaint should return and elite running back recruit Derrick Green will be on campus. Rawls and Hayes both have some experience, and freshman DeVeon Smith will also be competing for backup duties. I don't think Johnson will factor into the running back rotation much, but I do think he could help out on kick returns and coverage units. Rawls and Hayes don't appear to be long-term answers at the running back position, so the coaches might give Johnson a chance to establish himself as a feature back going forward.
Prediction: Backup running back, special teamer
There's a reason his only other offer was from Eastern Michigan: he's not a great running back. I'm not usually for banking scholarships, but when the caliber of athlete is that of Drake Johnson, I would be for it.
ReplyDeleteI think you're only half correct. I don't think athleticism is the problem here. Johnson was a nationally ranked hurdler in high school and, by all accounts, runs like the wind. It's *football* only that seems to be an issue.
DeleteYou're only 1% correct.
DeleteAs an elite back he set Michigan HS records and has the size and elite speed you want in a back.
He didn't have a big offer list and was under the radar because:
He ran track instead of went to recruiting camps, and since he grew up in Ann Arbor, no other team believed he'd go anywhere but Michigan.
If he shows good vision in games and has a bid OL opening gaps, look out.
Agree that Johnson is not likely to factor in, now that UM should have three legit talents in Fitz, Green, and Smith. A good RB should have been able to shine last spring in comparison to the other mediocre players there. The future pecking order will be established in camp and the OOC games. If he is not in the top three by B1G schedule, he is basically finished as a serious RB contender (if not already). As you mention, Johnson does have the build and speed to be a good special teams player. That would be a natural place for him to contribute.
ReplyDeleteThis is definately a project by coach Jackson. He knew Johnson for years before he offered him late in the cycle. Johnson had obviously great yardage his senior year but I was able to watch his last game against Detroit Catholic Central who had a great defense. Johnson got about 40 yards the whole day - so was his production against average to poor competition all year? Don't know but he and his team struggled big time that day. I personally trust Jackson's instincts on this, just think Johnson needs a little more time, experience, and to get really ticked off and competitive (in a good way) with the new crop of backs coming in. Really hope he is earning good time in the coming seasons. Not sure if he will start over the cast coming in, but it doesn't mean that he isn't a valuable contributor in the backfield.
ReplyDeleteI don't think "time" and "experience" are important for a running back. The "ticked off" thing might be a factor, but generally, you either have it or you don't. I'm not saying he doesn't have "it" because we haven't seen him in anything more than high school and a spring game, but if he finds himself behind these freshmen, he's probably going to stay there.
DeleteAgreed. Running backs who redshirt for reasons other than injury or a logjam of talent usually aren't destined for much. If a RB hasn't shown anything by his second year in the program, he's probably never going to make an impact. Given his wheels, he was not a bad guy to take a fling on though, and I still have hope that he can do something as a kickoff returner. He's got the straight ahead speed and a little power.
DeleteThe general consensus is that the OL is going to get better, meaner, and fit the power style that Hoke wants and Michigan had under Moeller/early Carr. If that's the case - an A-train type runner who is big and hit's the hole fast is theoretically what you want. Johnson's talent is questionable, but his fit is great. So, I wouldn't dismiss a RS freshman just yet, especially over other freshman who haven't hit college campus yet.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I agree with the doubts here on a 2-star player. I like his potential as a kick-off returner, but he's probably a career backup/depth guy who may emerge into a useful role his 4th or 5th year as he gains strength and bulk to his speed. In my mind he's a bit of a specialist - a kid that can run fast in a straight line, but if you ask him to do more, he's probably not your guy.
The ranking is fair though - he'll probably have some special team role and the RB situation is murky, so who knows.
"In my mind he's a bit of a specialist - a kid that can run fast in a straight line, but if you ask him to do more, he's probably not your guy."
DeleteJosh Furman II, anyone? :)
Perhaps he's Josh Furman II, but with a good offensive line, that might not be a bad thing. Johnson is more solidly built than Furman, so if the line opens a big hole and Johnson runs hard and straight, he might bowl over a guy or two and gain some yards after contact.
DeleteI think this ranking is a bit high or low. I see D. Johnson earning some meaningful carries, maybe third down type of back.
ReplyDeleteI understand Johnson was a lowly 2* recruit, but I dare any of you to compare his high school film to everyone on UM’s team outside of Derrick Green’s, this includes Fitz’ film as well. Then come back and say he doesn’t favorably compare. The kid has size, speed and enough shiftiness to make some people miss. Yeah, he had a rough go against Catholic Central, but what about when he lit up Cass Tech his junior year?
I always find it interesting how we (Fans) place such high expectations on incoming Freshmen and discount the players that have been on the team playing and/or practicing against college level competition.
Speaking of forgetting players who have been playing on the team, Fitzgerald Toussaint's high school film was significantly more impressive than Johnson's.
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