Newest commit says Clemson is "too good to be true"

Johnson (L) poses with coach Todd Bates during a recent visit

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Mon May 14 14:45:00 GMT-04:00 2018

Clemson’s defense is one of the best in the nation thanks to a defensive line annually recruits and develops the nations best players. Defensive coordinator Brent Venables added a huge piece to the 2019 recruiting class Monday with the addition of defensive tackle Tayquon Johnson of Williamsport (MD).

His finalists included Alabama, Clemson, Penn State, Rutgers, North Carolina, Texas A&M, Virginia, and Kentucky. Kentucky represented his first Power Five offer back in February. Johnson (6-3, 295) visited Clemson back in April for the first time and returned late last week for the second time with his family.

“I picked Clemson because of how they run their program,” Johnson told TigerNet. “They are raising young men into men and developing their talent on and off the field. I was down there for the second visit because my first visit was almost too good to be true. So I said I needed a second look on the thing and it felt the same, so I decided it was time to be a Tiger.”

Johnson also plays offensive line but says he will play defensive tackle in college and is looking forward to working with defensive tackles coach Todd Bates.

“I fit in as a defensive tackle/nose guard,” he said. “I love how they have an aggressive playcall to the defense and their scheme fits how I play. and fits how I play. Coach Bates is an awesome coach along with a great father and a man. He puts character development first and makes you work hard so you can achieve your dreams.”

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney also made an impression.

“Coach Swinney is a faithful man that loves all of his players,” Johnson said. “He wants to see all of them succeed in all areas of life along with the rest of his coaching staff. He has done a wonderful job working with me.”

What are the Tigers in getting in Johnson?

“A great young man who is willing to be tough and hard-working football player that will put in work every play, every down and every second that they ask me to,” Johnson said. “Even if they don’t, I will still work hard.”

Johnson is the 12th commitment in the 2019 class but the first defensive linemen recruit. After taking five defensive linemen in the 2018 class the Tigers will sign a smaller quantity in 2019.