Brad Johnson embarks on camp and college tour, starting with USC

Defensive end Brad Johnson of Pendleton will make his first camp stop of the summer Wednesday and Thursday at South Carolina, according to his coach Paul Sutherland.

Johnson has offers from USC, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Michigan State, Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Mississippi State, Duke, Wake Forest and others, and plans to visit several schools over the summer.

“In July he will definitely get on campus at Notre Dame, Michigan State, Virginia Tech and Mississippi State,” Sutherland said. “He would love to go to Texas A&M and Wisconsin, but the distance to them is going to make it almost impossible but we’re still trying. All of those are still very much in the picture as is Georgia Tech, Duke and Wake Forest.”

USC has made Johnson a major in-state priority, according to Sutherland, and has continued to keep up the recruiting effort that started months ago.

“Carolina really wanted him down there to get around the players before they get gone for their short break,” Sutherland said. “That’s why he’s going (Wednesday). I’ll be surprised (if he commits). The kid’s never been anywhere and he just wants to see every place. Nothing’s changed though. That staff is still recruiting him harder than anybody. I’m not saying that’s where he’ll go. Virginia Tech is probably recruiting him second hardest and he’s definitely going there sometime after July 11. All those schools are staying in constant contact with him.”

Sutherland said at the Shrine Bowl combine last weekend Johnson was sized up at 6-3 1/2, 230 pounds, and he said he’s still growing.

Notes

▪  OL TJ Moore of Charlotte released a top eight, in no order, of USC, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, North Carolina, Louisville, NC State, Syracuse and Maryland.

▪  USC Tuesday offered 2018 DB Brendon Harris of Chattanooga, Tenn. Clemson also has offered.

▪  USC Tuesday offered 2018 OL Christian Armstrong of Warner Robins, Ga.

This story was originally published June 15, 2016 at 10:24 AM with the headline "Brad Johnson embarks on camp and college tour, starting with USC."