‘It’s getting pretty serious’: Top in-state lineman visits Gamecocks, meets new coach

Lucky Beckham High offensive tackle Ty Johnson has been a great climber in the recruiting world since the end of his junior season. He went from the mid-major tier of recruits to the Power Four level, and currently has a pair of SEC teams at the top in South Carolina and Georgia.

Johnson (6-6, 300) visited the Gamecocks for their final practice before spring break on March 6. That gave him his first look at new offensive line coach Randy Clements in action.

“It was really good to see kind of the difference in practices from the last time I was there,” Johnson said. “I thought it was a lot better practice. They had a lot better time management. I thought he did a great job. He just overall did better than it was before, making use of what they have and getting them going quicker.

“It’s a new group, and he was putting everybody in different spots. That was a good thing that he did. Everyone plays everywhere, which I think is good because they don’t really know what they’re going to play yet, because they are new.”

While on the visit, Johnson met with Clements and with head coach Shane Beamer and got the straight story from them on where he fits into their recruiting needs on the offensive line.

“They told me straight up that me and Nate Carson (Irmo) are the top two offensive linemen that they want to sign,” Johnson said. “I guess they just really like having me around. It was my fifth time visiting, so it’s getting pretty serious. I definitely think it’s them and Georgia. I love the environment. I think Carolina is a cool spot, really close. I think they do a great job with their players, great facilities. Overall, it’s a good place to be.”

Johnson is a Georgia legacy, as his father was an offensive lineman for the Bulldogs. But he maintains that his dad is not pushing him to Georgia and is giving him the space he needs to make the decision on his own. That’s why this Saturday’s visit to Athens is big in his recruitment.

“It’s definitely very, very important,” Johnson said. “If it was an even race, I’d definitely be leaning Georgia, I would say. Simply put, it’s Georgia. You can see where I’m coming from there. I’m not sure yet, but could be this weekend (on a commitment).”

Johnson said he also plans to visit Tennessee and Ohio State this spring and wants to make another visit to USC. Of course, that could all change if he takes the plunge with the Bulldogs this weekend.