Forest Lake's Howie Johnson: A Gopher Legacy in the Making?

In the vibrant tapestry of Minnesota high school football, few stories resonate with as much heart and legacy as that of Howie Johnson. The towering 6-foot-4, 215-pound senior from Forest Lake High School stands at a pivotal crossroads, grappling with a decision that could shape not only his collegiate career but also uphold a deep-seated family tradition.

Johnson, a formidable force on the gridiron, has garnered significant attention for his explosive talent and unwavering dedication, culminating in a preferred walk-on offer from the University of Minnesota Gophers.

For many young athletes growing up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the dream of donning the maroon and gold runs deep.

For Howie, however, that dream is interwoven with the very fabric of his family history. His father, Jeff Johnson, once proudly wore the Gophers' colors himself, carving out a memorable career as an offensive lineman for the program. This paternal legacy casts a powerful emotional pull on Howie, as he contemplates following in his father's footsteps, a path that would mean embracing the challenge of earning a scholarship through sheer grit and performance.

The preferred walk-on offer from the Gophers is a testament to Johnson's undeniable skill and potential.

It signifies that he would be guaranteed a spot on the team and treated much like a scholarship athlete, with the crucial difference being the initial lack of financial aid. This path demands an exceptional level of commitment and belief in oneself, as players must prove their worth to ultimately secure a scholarship – a feat many Gophers walk-ons have achieved over the years, becoming fan favorites and key contributors.

Adding complexity to his decision, Howie isn't without other enticing options.

Several prominent Division I programs have extended scholarship offers, including North Dakota State, North Dakota, and Northern Iowa. These schools present a clear, immediate financial benefit and a direct path to playing time, making the choice between prestige and scholarship a genuine dilemma. Each program offers a unique opportunity, and Howie's mature approach to weighing these factors speaks volumes about his character.

On the field, Johnson is a dynamic presence.

Whether lining up as a tight end, defensive end, or even a long snapper, his athleticism, intelligence, and relentless motor shine through. Coaches praise his physicality, his ability to make game-changing plays, and his quiet, hardworking demeanor. He's described as an 'old-school' kid, a grinder who embodies the essence of what it means to be a dedicated team player.

His leadership, often demonstrated through action rather than words, has been invaluable to the Forest Lake Rangers' program.

As Howie navigates this monumental decision, discussions with his family, particularly his Gopher-alumnus father, are undoubtedly central. The sentiment from his father – that if he had to do it all over again, he'd still choose the Gophers every time – resonates deeply.

This isn't just a choice about football; it's about pursuing a dream, honoring a legacy, and forging his own path within a tradition-rich environment. The Minnesota football community eagerly awaits Howie Johnson's final decision, hopeful that the next chapter of Gopher football will feature another Johnson making his mark on the storied program.