Johnson is a Wildcat

Rivals100 jumbo athlete Micah Johnson has given a verbal commitment to play football at Kentucky.

According to a report in the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, Johnson's mother Vicki confirmed her son's pledge to the Wildcats on Monday evening.

Vicki Johnson told the paper that her son gave a commitment to Kentucky coach Rich Brooks and staff on Saturday following the Wildcats' 27-8 loss to Tennessee in the season finale. She talked about how Micah "followed his heart" and wasn't concerned with the programs on field struggles during the past three seasons under Brooks.

Numerous television stations in the Bluegrass State also reported the commitment last night. Rivals.com also confirmed the information through other sources close to the situation.

The 6-foot-2, 267-pound Johnson, the state's top-rated prospect and the No. 1 prospect in Kentucky, is the Wildcats' 18th verbal commitment for the class of 2006 and will be the highest rated high school prospect to sign with UK during Brooks' tenure and just the third rated four stars or higher. Quarterback Andre Woodson (class of 2003) and offensive lineman Micah Jones (class of 2004) are the other two.

It also marks the first time that Brooks and the Cats have nabbed the state's top prospect. Cory Zirbel bolted for Michigan last recruiting season while Brian Brohm (2004) and Michael Bush (2003) signed with Louisville.

Wildcats offensive coordinator Joker Phillips headed up Johnson's recruitment for Kentucky. Johnson is the eighth verbal commitment secured by Phillips this season and is the third in-state prospect, joining quarterback Will Fidler from Henderson and offensive lineman Justin Jefferies from Louisville.

Johnson could potentially play defensive end, linebacker or fullback in college. It is not known where the Wildcats will use him.