2014 Names to Watch: Lonnie and Jon'Vea Johnson

Coach Borges was in Gary, Indiana today at West Side High school visiting Jon'Vea and Lonnie Johnson, a pair of wide receivers who happen to be cousins.  Lonnie is the more coveted target but both of them figure to play at the next level somewhere.  I talked with both of them to see how the visit went and how they feel about the Wolverines.

Jon'Vea Johnson
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht/Wt: 6'0"/175 lbs.
Location: West Side High School - Gary, IN
Class: 2014
Offers:  None

Jon'Vea Johnson is a little smaller than the receivers Michigan has recruited recently but he's not quite a "slot ninja" either.  Jon'Vea told me he runs around a 4.5 which might be true but he doesn't look like a blazer on film.  He does well on bubble screens and is very capable in the open field but I wouldn't put him in the elite group with any particular skill.  He doesn't have any offers yet but he said that Coach Borges plans to follow him closer and form a tighter bond with him.  Jon'Vea seems to really like Michigan, but I assume they may be the biggest school showing him attention at this point.  He did say he plans to camp at Michigan this summer and is good friends with Glenn Robinson III.  He and Robinson attended the same high school last year.  Jon'Vea puts Michigan in his early top 3 and says he really hopes to continue to hear more from the coaches and learn more about the school and the program.  He also says he and his cousin Lonnie would like to play together at the next level, but at this point I'm not so sure that is going to be possible.  I really don't know if Jon'Vea is quite worthy of an offer but he could find himself in the mix if some other targets don't work out.

Lonnie Johnson
Position: Wide Receiver
Ht/Wt: 6'3"/180 lbs.
Location: West Side High School - Gary, IN
Class: 2014
Offers:  Bowling Green, Illinois, Ohio State

Al Borges stopped by West Side High School and visited with both Jon'Vea and Lonnie, but it's pretty clear the big fish here is Lonnie.  Coach Borges spoke to both young men together, but then met separately with Lonnie before leaving the school.  Lonnie Johnson is 6'3", 180 lbs. and can absolutely fly.  His 4.4 speed looks completely believable.  That is part of what makes his film so impressive whether he is lined up at receiver, taking snaps at quarterback, or running the ball out of the backfield.  According to Lonnie, Coach Borges said, "We really like you and we have a lot of interest in you and we plan to make you a Michigan Man soon."  Lonnie said that made him feel really great and he felt special hearing that during their 1-on-1 chat.  Lonnie did admit to not knowing very much about Michigan but he wants to learn more now that the interest seems legitimate.  Unfortunately for the Wolverines, Ohio State has been involved for a long time and has earned the top spot on Lonnie's list.  He visited Columbus back in November and was offered by the Buckeyes in December.  Michigan will have some ground to make up but he did put the Maize and Blue in second place behind Ohio State until he has an opportunity to find out more about the Wolverines.  I think Lonnie will receive an offer within the next month but at this point he is probably Ohio State's to lose.