Ohio State's 2020 recruiting class is off to a roaring start.
One day after the staff landed a commitment from IMG Academy four-star cornerback Lejond Cavazos, Cincinnati St. Xavier five-star offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. pledged his services to the Buckeyes.
Im Staying Home!! #GoBucks #Committed pic.twitter.com/Mk8szu6k33
— Paris Johnson Jr. (@ParisJohnsonJr) June 29, 2018
The Johnson File
- Class: 2020
- Size: 6-foot-7, 285 pounds
- Pos: OT
- School: St. Xavier (Cincinnati, OH)
- Composite Rating: ★★★★★
- Composite Rank: 2 (OT)
The 6-foot-7, 285-pound Johnson is considered the second-best offensive tackle and No. 8 prospect overall in the Class of 2020. He picked Ohio State over offers from some of the best programs in the country, including Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Oregon, Penn State, Stanford, Texas, Texas A&M and USC.
Johnson became the first in-state prospect in his class to land an offer from the Buckeyes back in December, which was quite the honor in and of itself.
“It is amazing to receive an opportunity to play for your home state team,” Johnson told Eleven Warriors. “They have an impressive tradition and culture.”
Johnson returned to campus several times over the next few months, including Junior Day in February, a spring practice in March and the annual Spring Game in April. He quickly built a strong relationship with head coach Urban Meyer, offensive line coach Greg Studrawa and strength and conditioning coach Mickey Marotti.
“I love coach Stud and his energy,” Johnson said. “He is very passionate. The strength coach was also one of my favorite people I met today. [They] all gave my mom and I a fantastic visit and showed us great hospitality.”
All that said, Johnson never indicated that he was getting close to a decision. In fact, he traveled all over the country with his mother for unofficial visits to Athens, Clemson, Los Angeles, Tallahassee and Tuscaloosa — just to name a few.
“I’m excited about this opportunity, but right now, I have two years before I have to make my decision,” Johnson said.
But through that all, Johnson’s heart remained in Columbus.
Johnson becomes the third member of Ohio State's 2020 recruiting class, joining Georgia four-star offensive tackle Jake Wray and IMG Academy four-star cornerback Lejond Cavazos.
