Maryland has added commitment number 20 to the 2023 class. Cheshire Academy (PA) defensive tackle Lavon Johnson has committed to Maryland over Bowling Green, Indiana and Temple along with offers from Buffalo, Virginia Tech, Baylor and Michigan. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman was originally a 2022 prospect out of Central Catholic (PA) but reclassified into the 2023 class and will suit up at Cheshire Academy this fall. With running backs coach Elijah Brooks in pursuit, Maryland first offered Johnson back in late April before hosting him on an unofficial visit in late June to get his first look at College Park as a 2023 prospect. Maryland followed through with an official offer just nine days ago as Johnson now joins Canarsie (NY) defensive tackle Dillan Fontus to the defensive line haul. While Johnson will suit up in a different uniform this fall, Central Catholic head coach Tim McGorry had high praise for his departing defensive lineman. “Lavon Johnson was one of the best players to ever play football at Central Catholic,” he told The Morning Call. “When you graduate someone like him, you’re not only losing an all-state football player, but you’re also losing someone who really matured and developed into a leader who held people accountable.” During the 2021 season, Johnson finished with 101 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, eight sacks and three forced fumbles as he led Central Catholic to a 9-4 record and a District 11 4A title. Johnson was also named the EPC defensive player of the year by The Morning Call. Johnson was also named EPC Lehigh Division Defensive MVP during his shortened 2020 season after registering 59 tackles, 21 tackles for loss and four sacks. Johnson is not yet rated by On3 but is a three-star and an 84 overall by 247Sports, sitting as the sixth-best prospect in Connecticut.
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