Insider linebacker/running back Micah Johnson (6-foot-2, 249 pounds) from Fort Campbell, Kentucky has verbally committed to Kentucky.

Haubert’s take: While coach Rich Brooks and his team ended the season 3-8, they did give Wildcat fans one big reason to get excited about the school’s football program before basketball got into full swing. Over the weekend on his unofficial visit, ESPN’s No. 1 rated inside linebacker Micah Johnson gave his verbal commitment to join the Wildcat program next fall.

This is a huge commitment for a struggling program. Johnson is one of the most talented and versatile athletes in the 2006 class. To put it bluntly, Johnson is a freakish athlete combining size, strength and athleticism. He has been recruited to play inside backer for the Wildcats, but according to Johnson, they also plan to take advantage of his talents as a running back. It appears they have already started planning for the big athlete to carry the ball in certain situations.