Maryland's Newest Commitment Breaks Down His Decision
- Ahmed Ghafir
- Aug 13, 2022
- 2 min read
Maryland landed their 20th commitment on Thursday when defensive tackle Lavon Johnson went public with his pledge. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman added his official offer just nine days prior, but the staff extended a verbal offer back in March with running backs coach Elijah Brooks running point in his recruitment. The consistency from Brooks, defensive coordinator Brian Williams and defensive analyst AJ Reisig made the decision an easy one for the Pennsylvania native. “I chose Maryland because coach locks believed in me, the coaching staff shows me there loyalty and they treat me like I’m family,” Johnson told Inside the Black and Gold. “My relationship with coach Williams is great. He was comparing me to his players on his team and NFL professionals. Coach Williams thinks I have big opportunities to be great at the University of Maryland.” After registering a hair above 100 tackles as a senior at Central Catholic (PA), Johnson will head to Cheshire Academy (CT) for the fall where he’ll wrap up his academic requirements. But knowing his future is set as a Terp garners “It feels great! Now I could just focus on my academics and getting better on the football field.” The connection that got Johnson on Maryland’s radar was Reisig after previously coaching with Johnson’s head coach Tim McGorry. “Coach AJ Reisig been keeping a eye on me since my sophomore year,” Johnson added. “Coach Reisig actually did do a good job reaching out to me and I built a great bond with him on my visit to the University of Maryland.” Johnson was also able to take an unofficial visit to campus back in June where, unsurprisingly, the facilities stuck out. “The tunnel leading onto the turf field. I also thought there stadium was pretty cool.” Johnson will need a full academic year at Cheshire Academy before enrolling next summer. The under-the-radar lineman knows what needs to be done before he arrives on campus. “I want to accomplish me getting huge in the weight room and grow academically also advancing on my vocabulary.” Johnson is not yet rated by On3. Related Links