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While horse racing and a legendary basketball program rule Kentucky, all things get put aside in the fall for football. The University of Kentucky is an SEC member and up-and-coming contender Louisville just moved to the Big East. The state also is home to two very successful division I-AA programs in Eastern and Western Kentucky. Several successful gridiron stars have called Kentucky home, like former Wildcats QB Tim Couch and NFL players like Eagles kicker David Akers and Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander.

While Kentucky might not be the center of the football universe, the fans love their football and turn out on Friday nights to watch some of the state's future stars. One player that has attracted both local and top collegiate attention is Fort Campbell High School's Micah Johnson. Johnson, the No. 1 rated inside linebacker prospect and No. 9 player on the ESPN 150, is a special talent. Although projected as a linebacker, Johnson could play several positions at the college level and is being recruited on both sides of the ball. Many of his scholarships have come on the defensive side of the ball, but quite a few have been to play running back. One of the best ways to describe Johnson is as a freakish athlete, as he combines size with athletic ability. He can play sideline-to-sideline and is very physical. On the offensive side of the ball, he reminds you of the Pittsburgh Steelers Jerome Bettis.

Another thing that makes Johnson a top recruit is that he is also familiar with change and adapting to new surroundings. The son of a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army, Johnson moved around the country before landing in Kentucky. He now lives and plays on an army base, and you can see some of the discipline and dedication that comes with being in a military family shown on the football field.

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