New schools contact Johnson

Four-star Detroit Cass Tech cornerback Donovan Johnson has not seen the rush of offers some of his fellow in-state class of 2017 recruits saw this off-season, but the interest from colleges has been picking up since Sept. 1.

One of the teams Johnson has heard from since colleges were able to contact recruits via social media is Minnesota, which picked up two defensive backs from the state of Michigan in the 2015 class.

"I know two DB's from Southfield who went there and I like what they did against TCU," Johnson said.

The other school Johnson has seen interest pick up from in the first 10 days of September is Pittsburgh.

"They came to my school awhile ago. It was the DB coach," Johnson said. "On Sept. 1 he reached out to me and said 'We're watching you, hopefully you do good this season.'"

Cincinnati, Tennessee and Toledo have already offered Johnson. He heard from the Volunteers since Sept. 1 as well.

"I talked to the Tennessee coach, (Willie) Martinez, last week," Johnson said. "He was just asking about my family and stuff. He said I need to get down there for a game and see how it is at Rocky Top. Hopefully I will get down there soon."

Game visits will likely be planned during the weeks they occur, and Johnson is looking to see an in-state Big Ten program this upcoming Saturday.

"This weekend I want to go to the Michigan State game, but I'm not sure if I am going to go," Johnson said. "(Recruiting coordinator Curtis) Blackwell said I am allowed to come any time, I just have to contact him and let him know I'm coming. Most likely I am going to make it down there.

"I think it will be a real good game. I think Oregon's going to try and move the ball fast. Michigan State, I like their defense a lot so I'm excited to see what their defense does against Oregon's offense."

The 5-foot-10, 170-pound Johnson has helped Cass Tech get out to a 2-0 start this season, but teams have yet to test his side of the field.

"The ball hasn't been coming my way, so I just have to stay disciplined and do what I do until the ball comes my way," Johnson said.