'25 FL RB Donovan Johnson

[VolByLaw]

Donovan Johnson, IMG Academy, Running Back
Donovan Johnson - IMG Academy - RB

2025 RB Donovan Johnson did not play on Friday night due to injury, but he is still one of the most coveted backs in the cycle. He is highly engaged in his recruitment and Tennessee made an impression there when he visited back in March. He plans to visit this fall, and Jerry Mack & Co. have done a nice job early on here. He says he is hearing from over 20 schools, though.

-Matt Ray

 

[MoB_MoVols]

2025 RB Donovan Johnson got to experience his first game at TN. He has left each time high on the Vols. This time he says the Vols are definitely in his top 5. He is already working on a visit back. Will most likely be a January junior day, but he has connected very well with the staff to this point.

-M. Ray

 

[MoB_MoVols]

“It was real good,” the No.18 overall prospect in the 2025 On300 rankings told Volquest. “I talked with Coach Mack, Coach Walt, and Coach Heup, so it was all really good. The atmosphere was good and it was great talking to them again. (I liked) the overall family atmosphere and building a better connection with the running back coach. It was great with all of the lights and all of the fans cheering and everything like that.”

“I love Coach Heup,” Johnson said. “He’s a great coach. I love the running back coach, how he coaches and treats the running backs overall. It’s just a great connection. I have a great connection with them. I talk to Coach Mack almost every week, I’d probably say every three days, so me and him have got a great connection. I talk to him almost every week, so it’s good. Just growing our connection further and further.”

“What I love most about it is that they get the running back outside in space a lot,” Johnson said of this. “It’s a spread offense, so that’s what I really like about it; not just running north and south.” “They are definitely in my top five, even before tonight,” Johnson said. “The visit added a little flavor to the fire, but I love Tennessee, so we will see. I love Coach Heup and Coach Mack and how he treats the running backs overall. I have a great connection with them”

Johnson plans to visit Tennessee again. He says it will most likely be “after the season” but he is not closing the door on returning at some point this season. He is currently working his way back from an ACL injury sustained in May. He visited Georgia last weekend, and he plans to visit Ohio State this upcoming weekend.

-VQ

 

[HoleInTheRoof]

 

[Adam Sandler]

Really want this kid. And the ousmane kromah kid from Georgia. Any chance we take 3 rb next class?

 

[jvols1999]

Really want this kid. And the ousmane kromah kid from Georgia. Any chance we take 3 rb next class?

Could see it. Decent chance Sampson leaves after 2024 so we won't know much about what else we have...

 

[bigl3327]

'25 class may be our best chance at a RB that's considered elite by the services, since we have one of the top rushing attacks in the country this year.

 

[Adam Sandler]

Seldon will almost undoubtedly be the starter at that point. Keith and the Knoxville kid are solid backups by I could see either of them being passed up by one of the aforementioned two recruits and/or baker.

 

[MarcoVol]

Seldon will almost undoubtedly be the starter at that point. Keith and the Knoxville kid are solid backups by I could see either of them being passed up by one of the aforementioned two recruits and/or baker.

Strong assumptions considering we’ve barely seen any of them and have no idea how they’ll develop

 

[TrippieRedd]

Donovan Johnson just sounds like a UGA or OSU name

 

[Adam Sandler]

Strong assumptions considering we’ve barely seen any of them and have no idea how they’ll develop

Yeah probably more likely to be wrong than right. But when you have enough that you haven’t seen in action (4 outta 5 rbs), all the more reason to be recruiting over that spot.

 

[sonofUT62]

Donovan Johnson just sounds like a UGA or OSU name

Porn Star IYAM.

 

[bicenTENNial]

'25 class may be our best chance at a RB that's considered elite by the services, since we have one of the top rushing attacks in the country this year.

And every year

 

[bigl3327]

I definitely hope this trend continues

 

[NighthawkVol]

Seldon will almost undoubtedly be the starter at that point. Keith and the Knoxville kid are solid backups by I could see either of them being passed up by one of the aforementioned two recruits and/or baker.

Peyton Lewis will be in that mix.

 

[Adam Sandler]

Peyton Lewis will be in that mix.

Let’s hope all pans out right and the three headed monster at rb continues.

 

[jvols1999]

Interestingly, he used to attend Calvary Day in Savannah, home to of course Jake Merklinger...

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

Is Moose still at IMG?

 

[StoVol]

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

Strong assumptions considering we’ve barely seen any of them and have no idea how they’ll develop

Anxiously awaiting spring to see where they are on the development chart. One big speedster, one masher, and one gamer offer some versatility for our new coach to cobble together from THAT class. Get to see if any or all had or used developmental growth upside or arrived hitting their own walls. Gene pool and determination are hard to define at arrival. All three HAVE a CHANCE to be situational difference makers OR NOT and time will tell. HOPING for one HR hitter, one short yardage specialist, and one 15 play drive bell cow.

 

[DrTNT]

Anxiously awaiting spring to see where they are on the development chart. One big speedster, one masher, and one gamer offer some versatility for our new coach to cobble together from THAT class. Get to see if any or all had or used developmental growth upside or arrived hitting their own walls. Gene pool and determination are hard to define at arrival. All three HAVE a CHANCE to be situational difference makers OR NOT and time will tell. HOPING for one HR hitter, one short yardage specialist, and one 15 play drive bell cow.

How many 15 play drives have we had in the last 3 years?

 

[butchna]

It’s early, but I’m liking the reactions to our new RBs coach.

 

[GUNTERSVOL]

How many 15 play drives have we had in the last 3 years?

Very few, but everybody can use 4 minute offense with that can get every yard and keep the clock running lead back. He showed he was durable enough to stay on the field at the HS level. Hope it translates to this level. First clue this spring. For sure will NOT be able to try and get to the edge as often. He is on the clock AND I am assuming his injury is totally behind him. Not heard either way.

 

[Adam Sandler]

It’s early, but I’m liking the reactions to our new RBs coach.

Agreed. Would like to see feedback from kromah too, is a beast and has us high on list.

 

[JCVol00]

Apparently he missed last year with a knee injury, ill bet he would be a borderline 5 star if he didn’t get hurt