Johnson is commit No. 15 for Baylor in 2016
Missouri City (Texas) Hightower defensive end Micheal Johnson committed to the Baylor coaches on Tuesday evening, giving the Bears two new commitments for the 2016 class this week. Johnson originally committed to the Houston Cougars and new head coach Tom Herman this past spring, but recently reopened his recruitment before the season started. The Baylor coaches have been in contact with Johnson since this past spring, he visited Baylor for one of the program's junior days with some of his teammates and most recently camped with the coaching staff in Houston this summer. Once the offer came in from the coaches last Friday, it did not take Johnson very long to jump at the opportunity to join the Baylor program.
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WHAT'S NEXT?:
Johnson is planning to visit Waco this weekend for the Baylor game against Rice, but his plans could change depending on when exactly he can leave on Saturday. Regardless, Johnson is looking to visit as soon as possible, even if this weekend's visit plans fall through.
The newest Baylor commit seemed very content with his decision and did not mention any other plans to visit other programs moving forward.
IN HIS WORDS:
"Coach (Chris) Achuff has always been in touch with me," Johnson said. "He told me about three weeks ago that he was coming to watch me play, then I walked up to the field house last Friday and he was walking out with Coach (Phil) Bennett.
"Soon after that, I learned about the offer and it was exciting. I thought about it and talked with my parents over the weekend. They always wanted me to stay closer to home and both of them really like Baylor. Once we talked about everything, both of my parents supported my decision to commit."
Johnson went on to share more about calling the Baylor coaches and making his commitment.
"I called my man Coach Achuff and he was ecstatic, it sounded like he was jumping all over the place," Johnson said. "I also spoke with Coach Bennett and Coach (Art) Briles for a while. They were both excited as well, and both of them are ready to see me again sometime soon for a visit.
"With Baylor, they were the only school to continuously reach out to me and show interest no matter what. The coaches would tell me that my time was coming and they were very open and honest with me throughout the process."
OUR REACTION:
At 6-foot-3, 230-pounds, Johnson not only brings size to the defensive end position but he also moves very well for a prospect his size. On top of that, Johnson is young for his grade level - meaning he will continue to grow and he has the frame to add plenty of weight. Not only is Johnson a great football player on the field, but he is a high character kid with Ivy League grades to boot.
The Baylor coaches now have a second defensive line commitment and have filled another large need for the 2016 recruiting class. Johnson is one of the more underrated kids in the entire state and has tremendous potential to become a special player at the college level. - Matt Clare
Rated a three-star prospect, Johnson finished his junior season with 50 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 17 tackles for loss and one forced fumble - earning the 23-5A defensive MVP and first-team defense honors.
Johnson chose the Bears over other offers from Houston, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, Southern Miss, Texas Tech, Tulsa, Washington, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Louisiana-Monroe, New Mexico, Northwestern, Purdue, South Dakota, Texas Southern and Vanderbilt.