https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17533559/68b3dcf7020d971d5477b172

https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17533559/68c02200c61ac1fbda403b43

Highlights:

At this point, most people know who Howie Johnson Howie Johnson 6'3" | 260 lbs | DL Forest Lake | 2026 State MN is and what he’s about. The 4-star Gophers commit is a multi-sport athlete who recently took second in the state for shot put. Last season, his numbers were eye-popping. In 10 games, he tallied 87 tackles, 32 TFLS, 4.0 sacks, 1 FF, and a fumble recovery. His film is about as impressive as you would expect. Johnson frequently terrorizes offensive linemen and can consistently bully them by pushing them several yards behind the LOS. He’s got an incredibly explosive get-off and always seems to find a way to disrupt the play in some way. Johnson is a problem for offensive linemen and should be the driving force on a dangerous defense this fall.

Not a lot can be said about DL1 and Minnesota Gopher’s 2026 commit Howie Johnson Howie Johnson 6'3" | 260 lbs | DL Forest Lake | 2026 State MN that hasn’t already been said by PrepRedzoneMN. An outstanding defensive line prospect who combines natural size and talent with an excellent work ethic and an easy-to-root-for demeanor and personality, Johnson has long been hyped, evaluated, and seen by PRzMN throughout his three seasons of high school football. However, Johnson still deserves credit as one of the state’s top pass rushers in this ranking update feature, as he posted 32 TFLs (#1 in MN) in 2024, as well as 87 tackles, 4 sacks, and a 1 FF for good measure, all against Big School, 6A competition. Johnson has also recorded a 59’0.25 shot put and 154’10” discus, and that raw power and explosiveness are more than evident in his 2024 junior tape, which has yet to be broken down by PRzMN.

Johnson’s get-off and first step are frightening from a 6’3, 260 lber., and he rushes from a two-point or three-point stance in the Rangers‘ 3-4 defense. Possessing a powerful lower body, combined with his natural flexibility and pad level, helps him easily work through contact North-South off the snap at the LOS, and he owns noticeable and impressive play speed, as well as the ability to process and react to offensive plays as they develop in real-time. Will chase down ball carriers all over the field and from sideline to sideline when called upon. Johnson sets the edge, can make tackles through contact, and is strong enough to rip ball carriers to the ground with just one hand. His COD ability is apparent when reacting to and breaking down in pursuit of RBs and QBs behind the LOS, and he’s a twitchy rusher who explodes into the backfield and is great at tackling in space and when given the opportunity in the backfield. Johnson is as strong as an ox and can hold his gap through attempted double-teams, keeping one OL at bay with each arm, and he creates noticeable separation when he locks out and extends his arms to make initial contact. He can shed blocks at will, easily eats and works through cut blocks off the snap, and displays big pop, both when attacking blockers and as a tackler. Gophers got a MONSTER!

The premier name and talent at the LOS Holiday Clinic was Forest Lake’s Howie Johnson Howie Johnson 6'3" | 260 lbs | DL Forest Lake | 2026 State MN , the top defensive lineman in the state regardless of class and also one of its hardest workers. I can’t confirm, but Johnson looked bigger since I had last seen them this summer, especially since this was post-Christmas and he hadn’t been playing for a month+ and was generally thicker and more filled out after four more months in the weight room. Unsurprisingly, Johnson was also the best player at the event and the undoubted Alpha Dog in the room. Johnson was the most natural, best and most consistent performer, and hardest worker in drills that included get-offs and first steps, 5-10-5 shuttle work, sled pulls, tug of wars, and bench press. His pad level and explosiveness, as well as raw strength – he pumped out 12 close grip reps at 225 after already working out that morning – especially stood out. The Gophers should be very excited about this kid coming into the program in the 2026 cycle.

Gophers commit Howie Johnson had an uber-productive junior season with Forest Lake, and he’s primed himself as a front-runner for Mr. Minnesota Football next season. He led his team in total tackles, TFLs, and sacks last season, and put together a series of performances that you would expect from a P4 commit. Johnson has an elite quick first step off of the LOS and has uncanny speed for a defensive lineman. He’ll hawk down ball carriers running away from him, and it is often far stronger than opposing offensive linemen. Johnson has been a problem for 6A OC’s and I don’t see that getting any easier this upcoming year.

Forest Lake is the home of the top DL prospect for the class of 2026 in Minnesota. After racking up 28 TFLs and 7 sacks as a junior last season, Johnson committed to the University of Minnesota back in June. There are not many players in this state that have the level of determination, confidence, and freakish athletic ability that Johnson has right now. Johnson is extremely dangerous rushing around the edge, constantly winning his matchups with speed, strength, and aggression off the snap, and the constant effort he puts racing to the ball-carrier to disrupt the play is something that I admire greatly. The 3 star recruit will fit nicely into the Gophers’ defense, and he’s got one more year in Forest Lake where he’ll try to help the Rangers push deep into the playoffs.