4 stars, 2 sports and fast. This speedy receiver has Gamecocks among top group

Wide receiver Malcolm Johnson (6-1 185) is a four-star, two-sport prospect from Maryland who attends school in Alexandria, Virginia. He’s an acclaimed track athlete in the 200 meters, 100 meters and 55 meters.

And that speed has transferred well to the football field, where he’s also attracted national attention. Johnson named a top 12 earlier this week and USC was firmly in the mix.

“I talk to them quite frequently, actually,” Johnson said. “I mainly talk to Coach (Kyle) Krantz. They definitely like my speed. They want to get me down so I can get a feel on how they do things over there. It was actually going to be my first visit there this spring break.”

Johnson says there’s sincere interest on his part in the Gamecocks and he just needs to get down to campus to learn more about the football and track program.

“There’s a definite big interest in South Carolina and what they have to offer,” Johnson said. “I can get a better feel if I can get down there and see how it actually is. I definitely feel like they really like me.”

Johnson also has been talking in detail with Gamecock receivers coach Bryan McClendon. He’s liked the approach McClendon has taken with him.

“He is a great coach, very sincere and keeps it real,” Johnson said. “He is saying that he can use me in a lot of different ways. It hasn’t really been that much about football. It’s been about just who I am, and I really appreciate that. Something else that’s different from the football aspect.”

The Gamecocks face stiff competition for Johnson. The other 11 on his short list are Maryland, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Alabama, Virginia Tech, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, Auburn and Tennessee. He has taken unofficial visits to North Carolina and Maryland.

Johnson is ranked the No. 7 wide receiver prospect in the country in the 247Sports Composite and the No. 6 prospect in the state of Virginia. He will not be an early graduate.