P.J. Fleck received a commitment from local defensive lineman Howie Johnson on Monday after extending an offer to him. Johnson, who hails from Forest Lake, is the second committed member of the Gophers’ 2026 recruiting class, joining Rocori offensive lineman Andrew Tout. The offer was made to Johnson during one of the program’s camps, where he impressed the coaching staff with his skills.
During his sophomore year at Forest Lake, Johnson put up impressive numbers on defense. He recorded 80 tackles, 28 of which were for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt opponents’ plays. In addition, he had seven sacks, a forced fumble, and blocked a kick. Johnson expressed his gratitude and excitement in a social media post, thanking everyone who helped him along his journey.
After a brief chat with his parents, Johnson made the decision to commit to P.J. Fleck and the Gophers. Fleck saw potential in Johnson and believed he was a perfect fit for the program. Johnson, who grew up a Gopher fan, felt at home on campus and saw this opportunity as a dream come true. He is now fully committed to the Gophers and is ready to put in the work to contribute to the team’s success.
Johnson has decided to forego the rest of the recruiting process as he believes he has everything he needs right at home in Minnesota. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 255 pounds, Johnson is currently a 3-star recruit according to 247 Sports. His commitment adds another talented player to Fleck’s recruiting class and boosts the Gophers’ chances of success in future seasons.
