Forest Lake, fueled by Gophers recruit Howie Johnson, joins all of Minnesota in beginning fall sports practice

”Unless something happens with the coaches, I don’t plan on decommitting at all because I find that to mean your word is weak,” said Johnson, a team captain this fall.

Building on his firm foundation required Johnson to undertake myriad improvements to his game.

He spent the summer immersed in film study to learn offensive linemen’s tendencies while also working on his stance and hand placement — plus staying limber through stretching and yoga.

”You have to be willing to ball out and do what’s best for the team,” Johnson said. “You have to take time and pour your heart into this team. If there is one thing I have learned from the Gophers or the other teams we played, if there is no relationship among the players, it won’t work.”