Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1528325
5 8 N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 4 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M I t was clear that three-star de- fensive back Josh Johnson was wavering in his commitment to Louisville when he visited Penn State in early October on the weekend of its game against UCLA. A few days after PSU's 27-11 victory over the Bruins, Johnson decommitted from the Cardinals, and on Oct. 14 he made the move that many observers anticipated, announcing that he was joining the Nittany Lions' 2025 class. A 6-foot-2, 185-pound pros- pect from Ironton, Ohio, Johnson had been interested in Penn State for a while. He hinted that he was close to committing to the Lions after taking an official visit June 7-9. However, he surprised many a few days later by announcing instead that he was committing to Louisville. At the time, Penn State held commitments from cornerbacks Daryus Dixson and Xxavier Thomas. Jahmir Joseph and Braswell Thomas have also since committed, but that didn't stop PSU from pursuing Johnson. In fact, it was the staff's consistency throughout the pro- cess that convinced him he should have committed to Penn State in the first place. "Going back to the beginning, when they first started recruiting me, they were trying to build a different kind of relationship," Johnson said. "They took their time through every aspect of this whole process. They built our relation- ship around family. "Now, seeing how they've stayed on me and continued to stress that family atmosphere and what it can do for me, I do believe that's the best place for me." Johnson said he liked how Penn State's staff developed relationships not just with him but his family as well. "I really appreciate the time they took to get to know my brother, to get to know my sis- ter, my sister-in-law. They got to know everyone in my family," he said. "They showed that they genuinely care. It's not just about football with them. It's just as much about life after football." Johnson noted that Penn State tried to learn about his interests and aspirations away from the field. "They don't just look at me as a football player," he said. "They know I'm someone trying to chase a dream, and they want to do everything within their power to get me there. But not only that, they really showed me how important life after football is, too, and what being part of that Penn State family can do for me." Johnson has the frame and ath- leticism to potentially help Penn State's secondary in a few areas. His commit- ment came several weeks after they lost safety Antonio Branch Jr. to Colorado, but that won't necessarily stop the staff from pursuing other safety prospects in the weeks ahead. "They really see me as a defensive player who they can put out there to make plays," Johnson said. "They see me at safety, corner or the nickel. They've talked to me about the Lion position be- fore, too. They just want to get me there and find out where I fit best." Johnson is considered a high three- star prospect by On3, coming in at No. 41 nationally as a cornerback and No. 17 overall in Ohio for the class of 2025. Last season was Johnson's first full year playing varsity football. He fin- ished with 64 tackles, 4 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles for Ironton High. Through the first four games of his se- nior season, he had 27 tackles and 1 in- terception. ■ Ohio Defensive Back Flips To Nittany Lions RYA N S N Y D E R | RYA N . S N Y D E R @ O N 3 . C O M A versatile defender, Johnson could end up playing for cornerbacks coach Terry Smith (right) when he arrives at Penn State next year. PHOTO COURTESY JOSH JOHNSON COMMITMENT PROFILE JOSH JOHNSON The first thing that stands out about Josh Johnson, to me, is his physicality. As a cornerback, he's an outstanding tackler and run defender, and he is skilled at defending the quick game. He's always making tackles against the run and patrolling the flats. I think he has good instincts, and he also had ball production as a junior with 4 interceptions. He's got 1 pick as a senior so far, so I think you see the cover instincts. He tends to be around the football a lot and certainly doesn't shy away from contact. You have to love that willingness to bring down ball carriers and tackle with great form. I think his stature, physicality and cover skills give him a good bit of versatility on the back end. He can play cornerback, but I could also see him playing safety or nickel, and that only adds to the value he brings to Penn State. At minimum, he's a guy who should be a core special teamer early in his career, in addition to whatever he's able to bring to the secondary. He's a guy who has the disposi- tion and skills that project really well to playing the brand of football Penn State plays in the Big Ten. — Charles Power, On3 director of scouting and rankings P L A Y E R E V A L U A T I O N