On June 10, the Scarlet Knights received a verbal commitment from one of the top dynamic linebackers in the 2024 recruiting class when Montele Johnson committed to Rutgers football. The Michigan native had an official visit this past weekend, providing his verbal commitment one day later.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker had a stellar junior season playing for West Bloomfield High School, Michigan, last season. Johnson led the Lakers to an 8-2 record, logging 102 total tackles, 23 tackles-for-a-loss, 3.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and three passes defended.
Johnson’s top five schools included Rutgers, Boston College, Kansas, Louisville, and West Virginia. According to 247Sports, Johnson is ranked No. 21 in Michigan and No. 83 in the nation amongst his 2024 recruiting class.
[lawrence-related id=27680]
Film Breakdown
According to Johnson’s Hudl profile, the junior linebacker had the following athleticism stats:
| 40 Yard Dash | Shuttle | Bench | 185 Bench Press (Reps) | Squats | Deadlifts | Cleans |
| 4.58 Seconds | 4.21 Seconds | 275 Ibs. | 17 | 365 Ibs. | 345 Ibs | 205 Ibs |
While playing middle linebacker, Johnson plays with violence and physicality. He is a sure tackler and an excellent run stuffer. The three-star recruit plays downhill football and doesn’t shy away from contact. Johnson is versatile and can play middle or outside linebacker.
When blitzing, Johnson is aggressive when getting after the quarterback. He is almost impossible to show down when blitzing up the middle, making him a nightmare for opposing offensive linemen.
[lawrence-related id=27630]
Johnson’s weakness comes in pass coverage, struggling in zone defensive schemes. His technique needs work, lacking depth when dropping back into pass coverage. Johnson needs to work on his reads in pass coverage, making sure his eyes are reading the right player.
The new Scarlet Knight has the built and athletic ability to be a big-time linebacker in the Big Ten but will need to continue to develop his technique if he wants to be an elite linebacker.
[lawrence-related id=27720]