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Butterfly specialist Jacob Johnson will arrive at the University of Minnesota this fall as one of the best recruits in program history.
With the top 200-yard fly time (1:42.29 from March) in the high school class of 2024, Johnson ascended to No. 7 in SwimSwam’s re-rankings this summer after not being named a top-20 recruit as a sophomore and junior. Over the past year, the Suburban Seahawks Club 17-year-old has dropped almost two seconds in the 100 fly and nearly four seconds in the 200 fly to rank 11th and 17th, respectively, in the U.S. boys’ 17-18 age group.
Johnson’s best 200 fly time is already under the Gophers’ team record of 1:42.47 that recent graduate Kaiser Neverman posted at February’s Big Ten Championships and within a second of B-final scoring range at NCAAs (1:41.38). His best 100 fly time is within half a second of rising sophomore Davide Harabagiu‘s Minnesota record (45.16 from 2024 NCAA Championships) and not far off B-final scoring range at NCAAs (44.99).
At the PIAA 3A State Championships in March, Johnson capped his Springfield High School career with a Pennsylvania record of 45.70 in the 100 fly, taking down Matthew Jensen‘s four-year-old standard of 46.58.
“I am thrilled to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic career at the University of Minnesota,” Johnson said. “I chose Minnesota because of the amazing opportunities that are available through swimming and in the classroom. Thank you to all of my friends, family, coaches, and teammates that have supported me along the way! Go Gophers!!〽️”
Johnson is slated to compete at the U.S. Olympic Trials next week at Lucas Oil Stadium as the No. 37 seed in the LCM 100 fly (53.15) and No. 44 seed in the 200 fly (2:00.23).
Best SCY Times
- 100 fly: 45.65
- 200 fly: 1:42.29 (best in class)
- 50 free: 20.06
- 100 free: 44.04
Johnson’s lifetime bests in the 100 fly and 200 fly would have placed 7th in both events at the 2024 Big Ten Championships in February. His sprint free times aren’t as elite as his butterfly, but they are still promising and will offer decent relay value for the Gophers.
Johnson joins Jaden Heinlein, Luke Brennan, Luke Mychalowych, Owen Von Weihe, Joe Polyak, and Jayden Edmonson in Minnesota’s 2024 recruiting class.
The Gophers placed 5th at the 2024 Big Ten Championships in February in Mike Joyce‘s first season as head coach of the men’s team. Kelly Kremer previously led the program before becoming director of swimming and diving for both the men and women last summer. The Big Ten will be even more competitive next season with the USC men joining the conference from the Pac-12 this summer.
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I’m pretty sure Keiser Neverman is taking a 5th year. That will be a strong fly group.
Looks like he’s making some sort of a “forks down” with his hand instead of an M lol
I made this comment in a different thread, and I will make it again here, I think commitments like this are great and it’s good for the sport. Spreading out the talent is good in my opinion and makes things more exciting. Good for him and best of luck at Minnesota.
Also, Minnesota does have some swimming history and it’s a really good academic institution. Plus, it one of only a few Power5 schools that are truly located in a major city (GT in Atlanta and UW in Seattle (who doesn’t even have a swim program anymore) are the only other two that immediately come to mind, but I realize that conference realignment has changed this a bit).
Let’s hit that portal and see what kind of money some real swimming schools can offer. It’s not like he’s committed to an Ivy or Service Academy, where a motivating factor outside of swimming is likely more important than NCAA competition. He’s on an unreal trajectory, and unless there’s a family legacy I’m unaware of, he is certainly much more talented than competing for the bottom of the B1G annually
This is closed-minded. The post blatantly disregards the recent success of Kierra Smith (National Champion), Max McHugh (National Champion), Bowe Becker (National Runner-Up), and many other All-Americans at Minnesota. Contrary to your comment, Minnesota is a swimming school with a world-class facility, strong academics, and a variety of resources. Perhaps Jacob is the first in a line of new swimmers to recognize these benefits, and decided to add depth to the team and to help the team improve.
I hope you had the same energy when ASU was recruiting top athletes despite being in the bottom of the PAC-12 (RIP), when NC State recruited the best high school swimmers despite finishing in the back of the pack (pun intended) in… Read more »
It’s not about the name of the school, but the drive you have to do something great there.
You seem like a fun person to hang out with!
You do realize in the not so distant past that some guys named Max Mchugh and Bowe Becker swam there, don’t you? Last year was tough, but there’s a core there.
Jacob announced his commitment in April 2023. Better late than never, I guess.
Was wondering why such a late signing lol