Washington is one of the finalists for three-star Missouri City (Tex.) Hightower defensive end
Micheal Johnson.
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We first reported Johnson's offer from Washington last year so he's had a spot with the Huskies for about six months now.
"HTown Takeover" refers to Houston. That's the kind of language Cougar coaches are probably always happy to see a recruit use, although now it may have more meaning than ever. Houston is impressing the recruiting world lately by becoming the rare Group of Five school to score major recruiting victories over Power Five programs -- not just any Power Five programs, and not just any recruits. Four-star and high three-star defensive tackles
Ed Oliver and
Jordan Elliott, respectively, have committed to Houston, turning down offers from many if not most of the nation's top programs.
Johnson could find appeal in joining players of that caliber on the defensive line.
However, Washington has always been a strong contender for the 6-foot-3, 230-pound defensive end, a pass rusher that can cause problems with his quickness and could be that all-important hybrid that stands up and both comes off the edge and covers at various points.
Illinois, Indiana and a host of Group of Five schools have also offered.
Texas Tech provides Johnson with an in-state choice in a major conference and that could be the Red Raiders' main draw.
Johnson was productive as a junior with 50 tackles, 17 for loss and 10 sacks at his high school, which annually produces a solid amount of FBS-level talent.
Of course, it's not without a precedent for a Texas recruit to pick the Huskies over more local choices. But in this case it would be especially surprising given the timing of Johnson's decision, which correlates to Houston's recent success, and the proximity of the player relative to the three finalists.