Island Coast athlete T.J. Johnson commits to Arizona

Island Coast athlete T.J. Johnson ended his recruiting process this week verbally committing to the University of Arizona.

Johnson took his visit to Tucson, Arizona in early December and quickly grew an affinity for the school more than 2,000 miles away from his home in Cape Coral.

“It wasn’t what they were telling me it was just what I was seeing,” Johnson said. “I liked what I was seeing. I liked the way they practice, I liked the coaching staff and I liked the players on the team. I really liked the city.”

He said USF, Georgia Tech and West Virginia were all in the mix but he chose to take his talents to the Pacific-12.

Island Coast Joe Bowen knew for some time that Arizona was the frontrunner but Johnson needed some time to make the decision.

“He knew that the distance was going to be an issue being so far away but he liked the school, he liked the coaching staff,” Bowen said. “He just wanted some time to think about it before he made it official.

“Before winter break I pretty much knew and we both talked about it, I knew what his decision was going to be. It doesn’t surprise me at all.”

Johnson played on both sides of the ball for the Gators but was most impressive on offense. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound Johnson gained 545 carries on 53 carries, 10.28 yards per carry average, and five touchdowns on the ground.

He led an 8-3 Island Coast team in both receptions and receiving yards, with 38 receptions for 588 yards and six touchdowns.

Arizona head coach Rich Rodriguez and the coaching staff spoke to Johnson about what his role would be in the program during his visit according to Bowen.

“They basically explained to him what kind of role he’s going to be playing in the offense,” Bowen said. “He also showed him exactly what Noel did when he was at West Virginia. T.J. liked everything that he talked to him about.”

A link to Johnson’s highlight video is posted below:

http://bit.ly/VAy18p

– Tariq Lee