Jonathan Brown, a 6-foot‑1, 200-pound three-star running back out of St. Francis de Sales High in Columbus, Ohio, initially flew under the radar of major programs—including his hometown Buckeyes—but built momentum through elite camp performances. After rushing for 1,295 yards and 16 TDs as a junior, his stock began steadily rising .
Breakout at camps
Michigan’s running backs coach, Tony Alford, noticed Brown’s athleticism during two summer sessions: once on campus at Ann Arbor and again at the Sound Mind Sound Body showcase. Brown clocked a verified 4.56-second 40-yard dash and a 4.39 shuttle at an Under Armour Ohio camp, plus a 4.5 at Michigan’s camp—numbers that immediately grabbed attention .
Offer and lightning-fast decision
Michigan extended an official offer on June 19, 2025, just days before Brown publicly committed. He announced his verbal pledge at 12:07 AM on June 22 via Twitter: “I am thrilled… Thank you God my parents… @Coach_AlfordUM for believing in me #GoBlue” . The whole process was over in less than a week from offer to commitment .
What drew him to the Wolverines
Brown said Michigan “recognized” his character, academics and athletic prowess—qualities he felt were often overlooked elsewhere . He emphasized that finding a place where coaches genuinely believed in him—and where he could fit on and off the field—made Michigan the ideal choice .
On‑field profile and upside
Film breakdown highlights Brown’s patience, vision, and game-breaking speed. His junior year stats—202 carries, 1,295 yards, 16 TDs—illustrated both consistency and explosiveness . He’s praised for letting blocks develop, hitting seams, and his lateral and straight-line burst. Areas for improvement include low-ball runs, pass blocking, and receiving—but his frame, work ethic, and film grading suggest a strong developmental trajectory .
Role in the 2026 Michigan class
Brown is Michigan’s first running back commitment and the 11th in the class . With five-star RB Savion Hiter still in play, Michigan is stacking talent in the backfield. Brown brings a blend of reliability and raw athleticism that complements elite recruits and enhances depth .
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In summary, Jonathan Brown crafted a fast-rising profile through standout performances, landed a late Michigan offer, and committed swiftly. His blend of speed, skill, character, and fit make him a valuable addition to Michigan’s 2026 backfield.