When you attend Bradenton (Florida) IMG Academy, chances are, if you’re a football player, you’re a high-profile player. The school has churned out some of the best recruits in the country, and Michigan football has reeled in several over the course of the years — J.J. McCarthy, DJ Turner and Greg Crippen are names that come to mind.
The Wolverines are hosting a standout from IMG Academy this weekend: four-star safety Jordon Johnson-Rubell. While taking in the views at Schembechler Hall as well as around Ann Arbor, Johnson-Rubell shouted out former Michigan viper Jabrill Peppers, a former five-star prospect who sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape when he committed to the maize and blue in the 2014 class.
Peppers replied, showing the mutual respect between the current NFL player and the aspiring one.
Yesssirrrr Enjoy my guy! No place better!! https://t.co/S4hSwhs714
— JP5 (@JabrillPeppers) June 9, 2023
The scouting report from 247Sports’ Andrew Ivins:
A versatile defensive back that made key plays at key moments as a junior for IMG Academy, like his pick six against St. Frances Academy. Has been deployed primarily as a safety at the national powerhouse, but has some experience working at cornerback and has shown that he can be rather effective as a slot defender. Measured just under 5-foot-10, 165 pounds in Spring of 2022. Might be on the smaller side, but plays bigger than the numbers suggest as he’s physical in the hole and comfortable carrying out tasks near the line of scrimmage. Looser hips allow him to mirror pass catchers of all different sizes while foot speed (clocked a laser-timed 4.6 in the 40-yard as an underclassman) helps him close gaps and get from hash to hash. Does a nice job of locating the football on deeper shots and will fight his way to the catch point on shorter routes. Should be viewed as a multi-year starter type of talent that can be utilized in a number of different ways. Will likely need some time before he’s ready to go on Saturdays, but range and instincts could lead to early playing time, especially if body keeps maturing.
Johnson-Rubell is the No. 118 player in the country according to the 247Sports composite. Texas is the presumed leader, and he’ll visit Austin on June 23. He visits Ohio State on June 16 and visited USC on June 2.
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