On the surface, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy could appear to be a football factory. Many high school coaches have voiced their dissatisfaction with the super school because it annually draws some of the best recruits from across the nation.

People who are close to IMG have heard it all: “We won’t play a team like that,” “It’s unfair,” and “They’re stealing our kids.”

However, upon closer examination, IMG Academy reveals more than just a roster of standout talents. It truly is a fraternity. These guys practically spend the entire day together, whether it is in the field, the classroom, or the dorms, and they end up becoming each other’s family away from home.

Whatever your opinion of IMG, there’s no denying that it produces elite athletes for the next level, both on and off the field, has what are likely the greatest facilities in the nation, and fosters intense competition.

Ask On300 Michigan commit Donovan Johnson, a running back.

Johnson stated, “The development brought me to IMG.” “I was curious to know more. Every coach has experience as an NFL player. The guys that surround me also share the same mindset as me. Every day, we engage in competition. At IMG, that attitude, zeal, and resolve are different. I adore rivalry.

Johnson had no motive to abandon Calvary Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia. He enjoyed growing up in one of the most picturesque places in the United States, and following a standout rookie campaign, he received offers from several prestigious college football programs.

Johnson, though, desired more. Johnson jumped at the chance to join the IMG program as soon as he received the call, even if it meant sitting behind Jerrick Gibson, a player who would eventually enroll with Texas.

Johnson remarked, “I have to give Jerick Gibson a big shoutout.” “I learned a lot from him. Observing him work and the amount of effort he put in changed my perspective on how I should work. My brother is that. I observed how he blocked and ran his routes. Both on and off the field, he excels. This is a fraternity, therefore learning from him was a breeze. We refer to it as the “brotherhood.”

Kaden Strayhorn, a Michigan offensive line commit, also desired more. At Detroit (Mich.) Catholic Central, Strayhorn was a freshman who reached the varsity squad and seemed to be the program’s mainstay going forward.

Because Jason Strayhorn, the family’s father, was a Michigan State player and is a well-liked pundit for the Spartans in the Mitten, the Strayhorn name is also quite powerful in the state.

Nevertheless, when he chose Michigan over Michigan State this summer, Kaden forged his own course. And when he transferred from Central Catholic to IMG Academy, he took a similar choice.

Being here means everything, according to Strayhorn. I was nine years old when I learned about IMG. I expressed my desire to travel there to my parents. It meant the world to me when I was given the chance. My brother now visits here as well. My family is on board. No better high school exists to prepare you for college.

As luck would have it, Johnson and Strayhorn were paired up as roommates when they arrived at IMG in the same year. At the time, Strayhorn was supposed to follow in his father’s footsteps and support Michigan State, and Johnson had not received an offer from Michigan.

There had been no prior relationship because Johnson was from Georgia and Strayhorn was from Michigan. However, the two future Michigan Men hit it up right away; this is known as the IMG brotherhood effect.

Johnson affirmed that the friendship was sincere. To me, he is like a brother. We have a terrific relationship since we spend a lot of time together both on and off the field. I can’t wait to play with him once more. Our relationship will definitely carry over to Michigan, in my opinion. He is a productive worker who gets things done. Being a leader, he assumes command of the entire offensive line. To be his running back excites me.

Strayhorn continued, saying:

“We have been together for the past 2.5 years,” stated Strayhorn. We’ve gotten along great and have formed a bond. We have the IMG to Michigan vibe happening, so having Donovan visit Michigan will be fantastic.

At IMG, where he has started at tackle for multiple years, Strayhorn has flourished. After suffering an ACL tear in his second season, Johnson was out for his entire junior campaign. To ensure that IMG continues to be the most feared team in high school football, both have set out to succeed on the field this season.

In the first week of the season, IMG lost to Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon in a sad manner, which was a slight setback. But IMG bounced back last Thursday, defeating Bergen Catholic of Oradell, New Jersey.

IMG is excited to have Cocoa (Fla.) High visit this week. The contest between a public power and a national powerhouse is exciting. Given that Strayhorn and Johnson will be playing against Top 100 Michigan QB commit Brady Hart, the game also has elements of a potential brotherhood.

“That excites me,” Strayhorn remarked. We’re eager to meet each other, and he messaged me about it. It will be enjoyable, even if I won’t be facing him because I’m on offense (laughs). We will carry it out on that day, one week at a time.

Hart insisted he would take Cocoa to the finish line. Conversely, Strayhorn and Johnson maintained considerably closer to the vest predictions.

Johnson laughed and remarked, “Brady Hart is a very good player, so we’ll see how the game goes.”