"The capability to be explosive is definitely apparent when watching Johnson move": Analyst EJ Holland shares his review about Michigan's RB commit

Four-star running back Donovan Johnson from IMG Academy in Florida received more than 40 college offers and committed to Michigan last month. Before the commitment announcement, the running back dealt with a huge blow in May 2023 when he tore his ACL, causing him to miss his entire junior season. But this injury did not deter him from his goals.

Over the past year, he has been on a rigorous path to recovery, aiming to make a strong comeback for his senior season. On3's analyst, EJ Holland, witnessed the running back's drills last week and was thoroughly impressed. Holland noted that the player's performance showed no signs of his previous injury.

"Johnson is continuing to get comfortable with changing directions, but barring any setbacks, he should be 100 percent ready for IMG’s opener next month," Holland told On3. "The capability to be explosive is definitely apparent when watching Johnson move around. Again, I still think he’s getting adjusted to being back in action, but when everything clicks, it’s really eye opening."

The player's football journey began at Calvary Day School, where he made an immediate impact as a freshman. He achieved an All-Greater Savannah first-team selection with 1,336 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns in his freshman year.

He was also a Junior Olympian, regularly running the 100 meters in 10.6–8 seconds at just 15 years old. Despite the injury, Holland has high faith in the player's potential in the upcoming season, as he said:

"If he returns to form this fall and performs against IMG’s gauntlet of a schedule, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him really skyrocket back up the rankings." [H/T On3]

Off the field, Holland lauded Johnson for his magnetic personality and intelligence. The prospect has a passion for golf, reading and drawing and plans to study architecture at Michigan. Holland even compared him to Michigan star running back Donovan Edwards, predicting that Johnson could become a fan favorite in the future.

Donovan Johnson opened up about his recovery journey

New Michigan running backs coach Tony Alford initially began recruiting Johnson while at Ohio State and continued his pursuit after moving to Michigan. Alford had a steadfast belief in Johnson's potential even after the prospect sustained a significant injury.

So, besides giving his pledge, the RB is leaving no stone unturned to bounce back to his best form. His recovery journey has been marked by an incredible support system.

“My whole life, me and my pops have been grinding," the player told WTOC. "Every single day. My support system, my grandparents, my friends and family, they just helped me through this whole process. I can’t take away from them. The whole Savannah community has been helping me through this whole process, so I’m just blessed.”

The running back is ranked as the No. 298 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 25 running back in the 2025 class and the No. 40 recruit in Florida, according to On3. 247 Sports places him as the No. 30 running back in the class and the No. 56 recruit in Florida.