Johnson: "It feels like home there" |
Denzel Johnson's recruitment has been different than most prospects as the 2015 athlete continues to mull over his options and has been offered new opportunities even a month after National Signing Day.
The Columbia (SC) A.C. Flora wide receiver and defensive back jumped on to Clemson's radar after head coach
Dabo SwinneyDabo Swinney However, the recruiting process has been slow to take shape because of some academic barriers standing in Johnson's way, but the 6-1, 195-pounder says his academic situation is trending upward. "My grades are good. I have to make my decision once my GPA is finalized, which will probably be near May," Johnson told TigerNet Wednesday afternoon. "So far, everything is good and moving in the direction." Meanwhile, Johnson continues to prepare for the next level in the weight room, continuing to catch Swinney's attention with his off the field accomplishments. "He [Swinney] was just checking on me again," Johnson said. "He wanted to see how my grades are and congratulating me on my win in the weightlifting competition, because I came in first place. It was a speed and strength competition. Teams in our region go to Richland Northeast and we do squat, bench and broad jump. I came in first in my weight class - the 190 class. He saw it because I sent him a picture and he called him later. He was just wanting to congratulate me and check on me." Johnson plays both defensive back and wide receiver and is equally successful on both sides of the ball. He caught 38 passes for 760 yards and seven touchdowns, carried the ball 41 times for 542 yards and three scores, and added over 40 tackles with three pass breakups on defense. He said that he continues to hear from a handful schools. "The same schools - UMass, South Carolina State, South Carolina, Towson and Liberty," Johnson said. "Washington State just came in the picture, too. I talked to them a couple of days ago. They want me to play wide receiver. I think they were going to offer but once I did my offer and realized how far away they are I told them that I wasn't really interested." When it comes time to make a decision, Johnson said that Clemson will definitely be in the mix. "It's still up in the air. I like Clemson." he said. "We talk a lot and I'm really used to Coach Swinney and Coach Streeter. I liked the environment there when I went on my visit. It feels like home there."
Head Coach
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and defensive coordinator
Brent VenablesBrent Venables
Def. Coordinator / Linebackers
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saw him play in the Falcons' 37-14 victory over Daniel High School, where both coaches' sons play football.
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