Micah Johnson

[AndyPopCat]

Fort Campbell (Ky.) defensive tackle/linebacker Micah Johnson claims 40-plus offers and has narrowed his favorites to Virginia (http://virginia.scout.com/), Auburn (http://auburn.scout.com/), Louisville (http://louisville.scout.com/), Alabama (http://alabama.scout.com/), Kentucky (http://kentucky.scout.com/), Georgia (http://georgia.scout.com/), Michigan (http://michigan.scout.com/), Louisiana State (http://lsu.scout.com/) and Virginia Tech (http://virginiatech.scout.com/). He is ranked by Scout.com as the nation's No. 1 defensive tackle.

"I don't really have a favorite yet, but I do like Kentucky, Georgia, Michigan, LSU and Virginia Tech probably the best right now," said Johnson, a 6-foot-2, 252 pounder. "Everyone is looking at me as a linebacker except for Louisville, which is looking at me as a running back. I know that I was possibly projected as a defensive tackle, but I have dropped a lot of weight and have gotten faster, so coaches have indicated that I can come in early in the linebacker position. I like Kentucky because it is a growing team. Within a couple of years they should establish themselves. My brother, Christian Johnson (offensive tackle), plays for them. He's a true freshman that has seen a lot of playing time, so that makes me interested.

"Georgia has been my first official visit (Sept. 9). I liked it a lot. I loved the coaching staff — that was my biggest thing -- I really liked their staff. Being at the game was great. It was close, so that made it high energy in the stadium." Johnson attended Georgia's game against South Carolina, won by the Bulldogs 17-15.

"Michigan has a good tradition, and that is what has attracted me to them," Johnson said. "I like the linebacker coach (Jim Herrmann) and they are a powerhouse. Also, education is big for them. LSU really has a reputation as a quality program and you can expect big things from them. They are also shallow in the linebacker position. Virginia Tech basically has the same contributions to offer as LSU. It would be good to be a part of such strong football programs. I am looking for a place with a good family atmosphere and strong tradition."

Johnson has rushed for 750 yards and 12 touchdowns with 60+ tackles for Fort Campbell (7-0).

http://msn.foxsports.com/cfb/story/4987114

[UKONMYMIND]

A commit from this kid could go a long way in out recruiting efforts. I hope he wants to play with his brother and ride on the big blue bus.

[poodoo]

I agree. A commitment from Micah Johnson would be absolutely HUGE for recruiting and for the UK footballprogram, in general.

UKONMYMIND wrote:
A commit from this kid could go a long way in out recruiting efforts. I hope he wants to play with his brother and ride on the big blue bus.

[hoosierhateruklover]

What are the chances of actually getting him and when is he expected to make a decision?

[gerntz]

UKONMYMIND wrote: A commit from this kid could go a long way in out recruiting efforts. I hope he wants to play with his brother and ride on the big blue bus.I think that would be true for whatever schools lands him.

[T75]

gerntz wrote: UKONMYMIND wrote: A commit from this kid could go a long way in out recruiting efforts. I hope he wants to play with his brother and ride on the big blue bus.I think that would be true for whatever schools lands him.However, no school on his list needs him as much as UK does.

[AndyPopCat]

From the South Bend Tribune:

The Irish have suddenly become involved with one of the top linebackers in the country, Micah Johnson of Fort Campbell, Ky. Johnson has not yet scheduled an official visit, but according to recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, Notre Dame has wedged its way into the mix along with Georgia, Michigan and home-state school Kentucky. Johnson, a 6-2, 260-pounder, is ranked as the No. 20 college prospect nationally at any position in Lemming's top 100.

[Coldstream]

He's ours to lose and I would be somewhat surprised if he didn't commit to KY given how he has been to nearly all of UKs game (even travelled to the Vandy game) and has a brother on the team. Its been rumored that he will announce his decision at the Army All-Star game in January.

hoosierhateruklover wrote: What are the chances of actually getting him and when is he expected to make a decision?

[poodoo]

AndyPopCat wrote: From the South Bend Tribune:

The Irish have suddenly become involved with one of the top linebackers in the country, Micah Johnson of Fort Campbell, Ky. Johnson has not yet scheduled an official visit, but according to recruiting analyst Tom Lemming, Notre Dame has wedged its way into the mix along with Georgia, Michigan and home-state school Kentucky. Johnson, a 6-2, 260-pounder, is ranked as the No. 20 college prospect nationally at any position in Lemming's top 100.



Jeff Drummond responded to a question about Micah Johnson on the Cats' Pause Show last night. The caller asked if it was true that Micah had narrowed his choices down to UK and Georgia. Drummond then spoke about how Notre Dame had entered the picture. I'm just hoping Micah doesn't even visit there, as it can really be impressive, from what I've heard. :(

On a positive note, Drummond mentioned that Johnson's teammate Leonard Gordon was only a verbal commitment to Notre Dame. He implied Gordon could possibly change his mind. I just checked Rival's rankings of Kentucky players in the Cats' Pause Yearbook. The top four, in order, are as follows: Johnson, Corey Peters, Josh Minton (visiting December 18th), and Leonard Gordon. Trigg County's Jeff Adams is listed fifth best, followed by Aundre Henderson and Will Fidler. Hmmm. It looks as if Kentucky's recruiting within the state COULD be something special. Now let's just hope UK coaches can indeed get Micah and some moreof these top players (Fidler is already committed, of course, and we also have Paul Warford, who is ranked tenth in the class, plus twelfth-ranked Chris Cessna)to choose UK. :)

[gerntz]

That depends on a shcool's goals. Right now, ours is to get to a bowl. Other may be to win the BCS.

T75 wrote:
gerntz wrote: UKONMYMIND wrote: A commit from this kid could go a long way in out recruiting efforts. I hope he wants to play with his brother and ride on the big blue bus.I think that would be true for whatever schools lands him.However, no school on his list needs him as much as UK does.

[Spanish Moss]

I think it is obvious this is the type of player UK needs and must have to move to another level. You have to control your own state and when you have someone like Micah, who has ties to UK with a brother already on the squad and living in Big Blue Country, you have to sign him. He should be and probably is our number one goal in recruiting this year.

As far as Georgia, LSU, Michigan or Nortre Dame. Micah is just another recruit. He certainly is not their number one goal and they have players on the squad now and will sign players next year who are just as good as Micah and may be better. Bottom line, a Nortre Dame or Georgia signing Micah Johnson will strengthen their class but not signing him will not have the same effect as UK not signing him. Kentucky needs Micah, the rest of them would like to have him but will move on without him and not miss a beat.

[Trueblujr]

Florida Cracker wrote: I think it is obvious this is the type of player UK needs and must have to move to another level. You have to control your own state and when you have someone like Micah, who has ties to UK with a brother already on the squad and living in Big Blue Country, you have to sign him. He should be and probably is our number one goal in recruiting this year.

As far as Georgia, LSU, Michigan or Nortre Dame. Micah is just another recruit. He certainly is not their number one goal and they have players on the squad now and will sign players next year who are just as good as Micah and may be better. Bottom line, a Nortre Dame or Georgia signing Micah Johnson will strengthen their class but not signing him will not have the same effect as UK not signing him. Kentucky needs Micah, the rest of them would like to have him but will move on without him and not miss a beat.
Considering Micah is ranked among the top 10 overall players in the country by some services, I would venture to guess he is among the top 2 or 3 targets for even the best of schools. Yes he is definately our number one target and a must get for us in the same fashion that Brian Brohm was a must get for Louisville. or as Tim Couch or Dennis Johnson was for us. I know I will do a victory dance if Micah announces for us just like I did when Tim Couch made his announcement. However, I don't think its accurate to state that hes not the top target of the big name schools on his list. 5 star, top 10 ranked players are a pretty high priority for everybody.

[poodoo]

I know I will do a victory dance if Micah announces for us just like I did when Tim Couch made his announcement. QUOTE by Trueblujr

____

Me, too, James.:) Also, I agree that Micah is rated high enough to bea top target for some other fine football programs. However, like Florida Cracker said, losing Micah would not hit those others he mentioned as hard as it would hit UK.

I just hopeMicah's brother's being at UK can help to get him here. We need a lucky breakfor a change, for sure.Too, Micah will be instantly "loved" here, I would imagine. :)

[T75]

I was worried about his trip to Notre Dame, but the few comments I saw didn't look like he fell in love with the place as so many do. I still think he is ours if we beat Tennessee and show some really fine spirited play in that game.

[7lives]

People relax.



See my post in the thread: "Chris Drayton has committed to Kentucky (http://www.wildcatnation.net/forum/view_topic.php?id=10377&forum_id=3)"

[justacatsfan]

By the way, he had an unofficial to UL today. But he was at UK/UT game.