Ron Johnson Commits to Michigan: What 4-Star DE Brings to Wolverines

Michigan remains America's hottest college football program on the recruiting trail, further fueled Thursday afternoon by a commitment from dominant New Jersey defensive end Ron Johnson.

The 4-star prospect shared his decision on Twitter after spending time on campus:

Johnson, a 6'4", 240-pound rising senior at Camden High School near Philadelphia, traveled to Ann Arbor this week along with a few other area standouts. He was accompanied by 4-star wide receiver/defensive back Ahmir Mitchell, 4-star tight end Naseir Upshur and 4-star offensive lineman Cesar Ruiz, a 2017 recruit and high school teammate.

Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh now holds 20 total commitments in his latest class, including 14 new pledges this month. It's been a remarkable stretch for a program that failed to produce a single 2016 commit during the first 14 weeks under a new regime.

This could be the first of several impactful players from New Jersey to join the group.

Mitchell is seriously considering Michigan, along with Ohio State and Rutgers. Wide receiver Brad Hawkins, a fellow 4-star talent from Camden, and 5-star defensive tackle Rashan Gary are among other top options in the state who may also further bolster this class.

Gary, the top-rated overall recruit in 2016, plays at Paramus Catholic High School. It's the alma mater of prized 2014 prospect Jabrill Peppers, who took delight in Thursday's development:

Johnson is the team's top-rated 2016 defender to this point, joining a group that already features four 4-star offensive linemen. Harbaugh has placed a high value on gaining depth in the trenches, and Johnson adds yet another intriguing player up front.

Rated 14th nationally among weak-side defensive ends, Johnson recorded 144 tackles and 14 sacks during the past two seasons. He is still expanding on an impressive physical frame, but already feels confident in his abilities to play balanced along the edge.

"People look at me as a pass-rusher, but I'm a big run-stopper too," Johnson told Bleacher Report. "I can sit on the outside and help shut things down."

He throttles lead blockers with explosiveness produced by a powerful lower body and displays excellent lateral agility while pursuing ball-carriers through traffic, flashing a mean streak in the process.

"Ron is a great competitor and teammate," Hawkins told Bleacher Report. "He's a huge part of our defense because he control things up front and plays very aggressive. Plus, he's a great athlete."

Johnson chose Michigan over an expansive offer list that includes Alabama, Miami, Michigan State, Missouri, Rutgers, Penn State and Wisconsin. His father played college football for the Badgers.

He fills a position of need for the Wolverines, who missed on top in-state defensive end target Khalid Kareem earlier this week. He surprised many Wednesday with a commitment to Alabama.

Michigan will look to maintain momentum moving forward through the summer. The Wolverines now claim five 4-star prospects from five different states in the past three weeks.

Recruit rating courtesy of 247Sports.

Quotes obtained firsthand by Bleacher Report National Recruiting Analyst Tyler Donohue.