In-state defensive end Tyreek Johnson commits to Gamecocks
South Carolina added a football commitment Saturday from an in-state defensive lineman.
Defensive end Tyreek Johnson (6-4 245) of Lakewood High has known for a few months that he wanted to play college football for USC but wanted to make a commitment to Will Muschamp while on campus with his parents. That finally happened for him Saturday on an unofficial visit.
Muschamp offered Johnson Feb. 22, giving him his first major offer. Becoming a Gamecock then became foremost on Johnson’s mind.
“The education and the environment,” Johnson cited as two primary reasons for his commitment. “I feel like if I don’t make it to where I want to be in football, then I can lean on the background of the education I got from there. They have good facilities and stuff. If I do make it, they’ve got good trainers, facilities and good coaches that know exactly what they are doing to get you where you need to be.”
Johnson’s only other offer at this point was from Coastal Carolina, so the chance to play in the SEC, and do so close to home, was more than he ever had imagined.
“It was very exciting,” Johnson said. “I was actually kind of surprised, to be honest with you. I wasn’t really expecting to get an offer from a big SEC school like USC. I feel kind of proud about myself because I know every game my family is probably going to be out there, cheering me on and supporting me.”
Johnson also is looking forward to play defense under Muschamp’s watch and learning all he can from defensive assistants Lance Thompson and Travaris Robinson.
“Their defense seems to be very well coordinated, very fast paced and physical,” he said. “I guess I fit into that category for that type of defense.”
Last season Johnson had 89 tackles with 21 tackles for loss and 10 sacks.
“He has a very quick first step,” Lakewood coach Brian Jackson said. “He has excellent pursuit. He separates from the offensive linemen.”
Johnson is USC’s ninth commitment for the 2017 class.
USC 2017 CLASS COMMITMENTS
▪ Jake Bentley, QB, Opelika, Ala.
▪ Summie Carlay, OL, Laurens
▪ Dennis Daley, OL, Georgia Military/Columbia
▪ Eric Douglas, OL, Charlotte, NC
▪ Stephen Guidry, WR, Hinds Community College (Miss.)
▪ Will Register, TE, Chapin
▪ Damani Staley, LB, Columbia
▪ Javon Kinlaw, DE, Jones County JC (Miss.)/Goose Creek
▪ Tyreek Johnson, DE, Lakewood/Sumter
This story was originally published April 2, 2016 at 1:29 PM with the headline "In-state defensive end Tyreek Johnson commits to Gamecocks."