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The recruiting cycle for the class of 2011 is just getting started. However for some elite athletes across the country, the decision to commit early is enticing. Early commitments can be a great start to a recruiting class from a fan’s perspective, however from a coaching standpoint it can be quite difficult. As ESPN’s national recruiting director Tom Luginbill will mention: “recruiting is a marathon, not a sprint.” Those words could not be any more accurate with regards to landing early commitments. This is something that Texas head coach Mack Brown can attest to, after landing more than half his recruiting class often times before the month of February is over. For AJ Johnson, a 6’3″ 228 lb linebacker from Georgia, it can provide some early lessons to committing early.
AJ decided to make an early pledge to the University of Tennessee in October. However, with the coaching shake up that took place at Tennessee, it forced him to re-evaluate his position. He wasted no time when news came out that Lane Kiffin would depart for USC, and de-committed that same night on January 12th. He decided to give us some insight about where he’s looking, and what he’s looking for in a college.
“Well I talked to the USC coaches today in fact. And ironically I talked to the Tennessee coaches today as well. Of course I already knew Lane Kiffin and his staff from Tennessee, but talking to (head) coach (Derek) Dooley was pretty nice too. He informed me that they were going to honor the offer I have. He seems pretty cool on the phone and he was just telling me how he’d like for me to come down for a visit. Right now I am playing basketball so I don’t have any junior days or camps planned at this time.”
With AJ deciding to decommit, the ESPNU 150 watch lister has seen his offer list grow. He has already formulated a group of top schools early in the process.
“I think I have around 12-13 offers right now. Some of them are: Florida, Alabama, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Oklahoma State, Miami, Tennessee, Texas Tech, Auburn to name a few. Right now I would have to say that Clemson, UF (Florida), Alabama, USC, Georgia Tech, and Tennessee are recruiting me the hardest. That is also my top group of schools at this time, in no particular order. Clemson is the school that is recruiting me the hardest of all of them.”
After mentioning his top group of schools, he took some time to talk about what he’s looking for in a school and what makes him such a sought after recruit.
“I’m looking for a school that will focus on my grades. I really want them to help athletes out academically. I’d like a good shot at getting on the field, playing early if possible. Also it’s my dream to play in the NFL, so I’m looking for a school that can prepare me for that. I think most schools notice my speed at first. I’m good at getting to the ball and I think I’m pretty athletic. I think I’ll be playing both ways this year as a tight end and line backer. I think I can play tight end really well actually. But I need to work on getting stronger and faster this offseason. I’ll be in the weight room a lot.”
In addition to the offers he has listed, AJ took some time to talk about a couple other schools he would like to hear a little more from.
“Oregon is a great school. I went up there last year for a Nike camp and I loved the area. I want to go there and visit for sure to see the campus and meet the coaches. I grew up a fan of Georgia, but they are not really recruiting me at this time, so we’ll see with them. Florida State is another great school. They get their players into the league and I’m pretty sure that I’ll visit there sometime this spring or summer. I’m just totally open right now, and am really looking for that right fit.”
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Get off your butt DD and show this kid that you want him at Tennessee. I am worried about DDs work ethic when it comes to recruiting.
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