"We really feel like he should be the leading contender for Mr. Football (in Kentucky) next year," said Ft. Campbell coach Shawn Berner. "He is a great, great player."
So what makes Johnson, who transferred to Fort Campbell from Virginia last year, so good?
First, he bench presses 375 pounds, and Berner expects that to soon reach 400. Second, he's already increased his weight from 260 at the end of the 2004 season to 277 with no body fat increase thanks to a rigorous weight training program.
"He's never really been in a true weight program, which is why he's gaining so much weight now," Berner said.
Third, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.9 seconds at a recent combine in San Antonio. If that time for a 277-pound player doesn't impress you, then consider that many told Berner to take off two-tenths of a second because of the slow surface and digital timing.
Need more?
Johnson ran for 1,241 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, when he averaged over 10 yards per carry. He had 302 yards rushing and made 17 tackles in Fort Campbell's season-ending playoff loss to Glasgow.
Berner won't speculate on which position might be best for Johnson in college.
"It will just depend on the system he goes into," Berner said. "He could play defensive end. He might even be an interior linemen if he keeps adding weight and strength. Or he could find a spot on offense because he's really skilled. The kid is very, very special. The school that gets him won't have trouble finding a spot to play him."
Apparently college coaches agree. Kentucky was the first to offer him a scholarship. Louisville has also offered. Maryland, Virginia and Virginia Tech are calling. Ohio State and Michigan have inquired about him.
Wildcats seen to have several advantages
The good news for Brooks and UK recruiting coordinator Joker Phillips is that the Wildcats seem to have several advantages.
His brother, Christian Johnson, plans to sign with UK Wednesday. Two of Berner's former players, linebacker Gabe Wallace and safety Marcus McClinton, both played as true freshmen at UK last season.
Johnson looks up to former UK running back Derek Homer after getting to know him when both were at Fort Knox.
If that's not enough, Kentucky is also recruiting Fort Campbell safety Leonard Gordon.
Brooks, Phillips and even new quarterback coach Kurt Roper have all recently been to Fort Campbell to check on Johnson.
Berner has been helping Johnson focus on his grades as well as the weight room since football season ended.
"His grades are coming up. There is some improvement he needs to make, but he's done a good job academically since he got here," Berner said.
Berner already knows it is going to be hard for Johnson to say no to Kentucky.
"Joker has done a fantastic job recruiting him," Berner said. "His brother is going to be there. He really likes coach Brooks. There is going to be some serious decision-making for him to do.
"We all enjoy and like Kentucky. We go to their camp every summer. They are good people and a good staff. Coach Brooks is a good guy, and he likes the work ethic we have here because he thinks that is what it takes to win. They really have a lot going for them when it comes to Micah."
Which is the kind of head start it takes to be successful in recruiting.
