Don

November 8th, 2011 at 9:48 AM ^

but I wonder if part of the reason they offered him was to make sure he doesn't come back to Michigan Stadium wearing an Iowa or Wisconsin or, God forbid, Michigan State helmet. Whatever, it's great to see a home-town guy do well enough to get a UM scholarship. He has the chance to continue a fairly long tradition of UM RBs also playing significant roles on the track team.

Logan88

November 9th, 2011 at 7:36 AM ^

There is a difference between a Drake and a Dragon in D&D?

I guess I should have included 1st Edition (aka AD&D) in my geek tag. I haven't played pen-and-paper D&D in about 20 years, just on the computer (Baldur's Gate and Neverwinter Nights).

EDIT: I just noticed that "Drake" has no wings. D'oh!

NoMoPincherBug

November 8th, 2011 at 6:10 PM ^

Watching that video...he is definately a "strider" type of RB which means that his speed will look deceptive on film...and cuts as well...not a juker...but a one cut and go type of runner... Id like to see him put on 10 more good lbs...but on the whole

I believe that Drake will fit what Hoke-gess want to do on Offense.

Hardware Sushi

November 8th, 2011 at 9:53 AM ^

Congrats, Drake Johnson! I'm happy for this kid; it has to be tough to do all that you can, put up numbers like that, and still not feel like you have a chance to play for your dream school.

Good for him. Everybody loves the Drake!

Eat Your Wheatlies

November 8th, 2011 at 9:55 AM ^

The timing of this is somewhat peculiar. Why not wait and see how other leads pan-out first? It has been pretty obvious that Drake would jump at this offer. I feel like the spot could be utilized better elsewhere. His previous offer list begs the question...what was keeping him from getting BCS quality offers?

Anywho, congrats to the kid. He's put in the work and has been recognized. Hopefully he makes my doubts look unfounded. I'll pull for any guy who Hoke deems Michigan material.

Don

November 8th, 2011 at 10:00 AM ^

It's an obvious and good question that Sam Webb has addressed a few times, and he's said that Johnson has attended very few off-season camps, and for that reason alone was sort of under the radar. He's also had a break-out year, and so it might also be the case that his performance prior to his senior season wasn't that notable.

go16blue

November 8th, 2011 at 10:09 AM ^

Just a note on the break out year thing: if he wasnt at Pioneer, I'm sure he would have more offers. Freshman year he played on the freshman team (and scored pretty much at will), sophomore year he was on JV, and junior year he was behind senior captian Riley Quigley at RB. At a smaller school, he could have been a 3 or 4 year starter.

UMICH1606

November 8th, 2011 at 10:35 AM ^

Sam has been on this for a couple weeks. He thought that he would be the next guy behind Brionte in terms of an offer, and that his recruitment was picking up steam. Schools like Iowa and Wisconsin were starting to get involved. I think they identified Drake as a guy they would like to have, and didn't want him to get away.

I think I would feel a little better if Iowa and Wisconsin pulled the trigger on an offer because they seem to have a keen eye for under the radar backs, but if Hoke, anc Co. are happy, then I am happy.

M-Wolverine

November 8th, 2011 at 10:29 AM ^

Yes.  Otherwise they have a remarkably similiar, middle of the road, not getting overhyped, fair style about them. And seeming knowledge of the same things.

Which always makes it kind of a kick when he calls when Brian's on WTKA.

bluebloggin

November 8th, 2011 at 10:02 AM ^

from his press conference and goes after two backs a class we could be looking at some nice classes.  Johnson is a burner and for a basher I'd love to see Dunn (or Brown), and then next year I'm already crossing my fingers for a Issac and Shallman tandem coming in!

RedfordUofMfan

November 8th, 2011 at 10:04 AM ^

In case anyone is interested: AA Pioneer (Johnson) plays at CC (Godin and Shallman) on Saturday at 1:00.  Cass Tech (RJS and Richardson) visits DeLasalle (Morris) Friday at 7:00.