Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh confirmed during his Monday night radio show that fifth-year senior running back Drake Johnson, who has not played this season, would sit out the remaining games and pursue a sixth year next season.

Johnson has had two ACL surgeries in his five years, but it’s a hamstring that has done him in this season. Harbaugh said it was Johnson’s idea to pursue the sixth year.

“I think we’re going to have an opportunity for another year next year,” Harbaugh said. "We talked about it — there were two options. He just hasn’t been able to get to the top gear. He’s been able to get fast, but really reaching that high gear is where he hasn’t quite got there.

“It’s better than to push something that’s not there.”

Johnson was run over by a forklift this past spring, adding to his struggles.

“I’m trying to think about how many people I respect more than Drake Johnson. It’s not a very long list,” Harbaugh said. “It’s at the highest level when I think of him. He and I made friends right off the bat, and I have great respect for him as an athlete and a competitor.”

Notes

• Harbaugh was in attendance during President Barack Obama’s appearance in Ann Arbor Monday.

“I was in the vicinity with maybe 10,000 other Michigan people, many students,” Harbaugh said. “You’ve got to think a student that attends a speech of the President of the United States, the leader of the free world, that’s something that’s going to be a signature moment in their educational experience at the University of Michigan and in their college career.”

HIs son James, a Michigan student, waited for a ticket and got in line at 5:30 a.m. U-M fifth-year senior wide receiver Jehu Chesson was also in attendance.

Harbaugh sat next to Michigan director of athletics Warde Manuel, just behind the President. Obama gave him a shout-out, turning to him and saying, “I know you guys are feeling pretty good right now … 9-0, that’s impressive.”

“That’s where we were told to go,” Harbaugh said. “It was a neat thing. ... It’s a phenomenal thing. They’re literally feet, yards from where we practice at Schembechler Hall. The leader of the free world is in our vicinity. That’s pretty cool.”

Harbaugh said Obama asked for Michigan gear.

“It’s in the mail tomorrow,” he said.

• Michigan’s Nov. 19 home game against Indiana will kick off at 3:30 p.m. at Michigan Stadium. The game will air on either ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC; that is still to be determined.

• Harbaugh said freshman cornerback Lavert Hill has “some young Jourdan Lewis in him.” The senior corner tweeted, “that’s family” when he saw the tweet.

• Redshirt sophomore defensive end Chase Winovich won the Michigan Mile today, a race among all football players. He also earned U-M’s D-lineman of the game honor for his play against Maryland in a 59-3 win. He had five stops in the contest, including a seven-yard sack.

• Harbaugh said freshman offensive lineman Michael Onwenu would stay at offensive guard long term. Onwenu has been taking snaps on both sides of the ball.