David Johnson of Jenison has been one of the best wrestlers in the state of Michigan over the past 4 years. His career didnt have the storybook ending that he probably wanted and deserved, as he was upset in the semifinals of the Division 1 State Tournament. However, he came back to finish third and followed that tournament by earning All-American honors at the NHSCA Senior Nationals and placing top 4 at the very tough Western Junior Regional in Las Vegas, NV. David will not be taking his talent far as he has committed to wrestle in nearby Ann Arbor for the University of Michigan next year. We recently had a chance to steal a few minutes of his time and go One on One with David Johnson...
Michigan Grappler: Now that your high school career is over, what are your thoughts? Sense of relief? Regrets? Ready to move on?
David Johnson: Definitely ready to move on to the next level, but the past four years flew by.
MG: What are your goals as a college wrestler?
DJ: To get better every practice and eventually be an NCAA Champion.
MG: What weight class do you see yourself at for the rest of your career?
DJ: 157, Little room to grow and get stronger
MG: What made you choose Michigan? What other schools were close to the top of your list?
DJ: Well, there in the Big Ten which is where I want to be but a huge part was the team. The guys on the team are really good guys and I liked all of them. There were only really two other schools, CMU & MSU.
MG: Who is your best workout partner?
DJ: Ben Bennett, I have been working out with him since 7th grade, we work well together and love to put the time in.
MG: What is the most weight you've dropped?
DJ: Probably around 15 lbs.
MG: What's your opinion on cutting weight?
DJ: I used to be all for it but lately I have found its good to peak and focus on staying strong.
MG: What was your thoughts on this year's state meet? Were you disappointed?
DJ: Angrier, it just makes me want to practice more and keep getting better.
MG: Did it mean a lot to you to come back after states and have a good showing at senior nationals?
DJ: Yea, I knew I should place so I just went out and wrestled.
MG: Who do you think the best pound of pound high school wrestler is in the state of michigan right now?
DJ: I don't know, there are tons of guys that are all up there fighting for the top spot.
MG: Cael Sanderson or Dan Gable (both in their prime, pretend they are the same weight) ,folkstyle match, who wins?
DJ: Cael Sanderson
MG: What are your future plans (college, after college, etc, what do you want to do with your life?)
DJ: After college, I want to get a good job start a family and coach somewhere.
MG: What do you do with your free time besides wrestling?
DJ: In the summer I fish a lot, and go to the beach.
MG: Bennett or Zeerip, who you got? Why?
DJ: I can't answer that, I know both of them very well and it would be a great match that I would love to watch.
MG: Are you superstitious, if so what are your rituals?
DJ: Not to much, besides wearing the same pair of socks every time I compete.
MG: What is your favorite move?
DJ: Haha I cant tell you that or I'd have to kill you.
MG: Is there any moves that you aren't personally good at or capable of, but you wish you could be?
DJ: The reverse lift in Greco, you have to be good at it if you want to win in Greco and I can't seem to do it live.
Michigan Grappler would like to thank David for being our first "One on One with..." victim and wish him the best of luck next year at UM and in all his future endeavors!
