2016 commit WR Nate Johnson. (art by Brandon Whitaker)

2016 Freshmen Scouting Report: Nate Johnson

Posted onAuthorGarrett Fishaw

To kick off the official start to the 2016 Michigan football fall camp, we’ve broken down each incoming freshmen football signee. That includes their scouting report, 2016 season prediction as well as a quote from one of their positional coaches.

Nate Johnson, Thompson’s Station (TN) Independence

  • Position: Wide Receiver
  • Height/Weight: 5’11” 185lbs
  • Commitment Date: December 13th, 2015

Scouting Report: Johnson is one of the recruits that flew under the radar but won’t throughout his career. In a recruiting class that featured six wide receivers, he has one of the highest ceilings. He’s not the biggest player in the world but is the ideal fit as an inside-outside threat that can beat defensive backs down the field and can shake defenders between the numbers.

True Freshmen Projection: With the lack of proven depth behind the starters at wide receiver, especially at the slot position will give Johnson the chance to see the field during his freshmen season. However, he may need some more time in the weight room to put some more size on before he’ll be able to consistently take the beating that comes along with a slot receiver. It looks to be a 50/50 shot if he redshirts or not.

Jedd Fisch Quote: “We discovered Nate later on in the recruiting process and are thrilled that he is going to part of this class. He is a slot receiver and a returner. He has the ability to play outside, but I see him playing inside at the outset. Nate was the runner-up for Mr. Football in the state of Tennessee with an incredible amount of production. He has huge numbers, a ton of catches, won the state championship on an undefeated football team, and started every game. He is one of those guys who can make every catch, even the acrobatic catches. He is a 5-11, 180-pound wide receiver, very similar to a Grant Perry in terms of body size, skill set and production in high school. He’ll come in with no shyness about him whatsoever, and a determination to work hard and be real good.”

Garrett Fishaw
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