​

Johnie Drake is the current owner of JD Speed Performance in Fraser, Michigan. He has provided speed and agility training to more than 1,200 athletes, and the roster continues to grow. Not  limited to just track and field athletes, training includes programs for the disciplines of baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, gymnastics, hockey, field hockey, and boxing. A former sprinter, through JDSP, he is making strides to set a solid foundation for the next generation of athletes.

 

Johnie started his athletic career as a basketball player in middle school and began running track in 8th grade. At that time, his biggest asset was his speed. He then participated and excelled in AAU and Cass Tech’s High School track programs. Post high school, he secured a track scholarship to attend Central Michigan University.

 

While at CMU, he held several titles which include: School Record Holder in the 60m and 100m, and MAC Indoor Champion in the 60m and 200. With a skillset that far surpassed his peers, he was an NCAA All American and was featured in Sports Illustrated as one of the premier “Athletes to Watch.” Plus, he ran the fastest 60m time in the World in 2006. Being such a dominant force in his school’s history, in 2016, Johnie was inducted into the Central Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

 

During the pursuit of a professional track career from 2007-2011, he was afforded the opportunity to travel abroad to Germany, France, and Russia. With the training, touring, and exploration of sports on a higher level, even more experience and credibility was added to his life’s resume— to certify why his title of Secret Weapon and #1 Speed Coach in the Midwest is deserving.

 

Beyond the athletic achievements, Johnie earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management, Master’s Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration, is USATF Level 1 Certified, is a certified Sports Nutrition Coach, and will soon be certified as a Corrective Exercise Specialist.

 

As this gifted coach continues to influence generations, the list of remarkable athletes on his roster evolves. Some notable trained athletes are:

Will Johnson - Cornerback (University of Michigan): #1 ranked football player in the State 2021. (Detroit Free Press), #4 Cornerback in class of 2022 according to 247Sports. Currently playing at the University of Michigan.

Treyvon Lewis - Small Forward (Ferndale): #5 ranked basketball player in the State, #58 Small Forward in the nation for class of 2022 according to 247 Sports. Currently playing at Loyola University Chicago.

Shemar Heard - Track/Football (Chippewa Valley): 2022 MHSAA 100m and 200m State Champion

 

As the owner and operator of two small businesses, Johnie is a great example of what lifelong dreams and passions can produce when partnered with hard work and dedication. Providing a wealth of knowledge and well-rounded skills, Johnie realizes the responsibility he has to teach and train. After all, he’s not just the #1 Speed Coach in the Midwest; he is a world-class athlete.

 

The list of accomplishments is long and dynamic, but his personal life speaks volumes, as well. He has been married to his college sweetheart since 2013. They reside in Detroit Metro with their two daughters.

 

“It is my responsibility to share my gifts, knowledge, resources, and experience with today’s youth, collegiate, and professional athletes. I pride myself on offering basic and advanced techniques to become stronger, faster, and more agile. My program will identify, fix, and improve your athletic ability.” 

- Johnie Drake

 

​

​

​