DT Johnson commits to UT for 2011, says Orgeron is 'like a father to me'

Anthony Johnson

Defensive tackle Anthony Johnson from O. Perry Walker High School in New Orleans committed to Tennessee on Friday as work has already started for the 2011 signing class.

The 6-foot-4, 296-pound Johnson made the commitment largely due to the recruitment of defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron.

“As you look at his coaching career, he’s coached some of the best,” Johnson said of Orgeron. “He’s like a father to me. He just pulled me in and he treats me like I’m one of his own.”

Johnson was already familiar with Orgeron because of his ties to Louisiana and his work as the New Orleans Saints defensive line coach in 2008.

Johnson had to listen when Orgeron called.

“When I heard Coach Orgeron was recruiting me, I was like, ‘Wow, man,’ ” Johnson said. “He’s one of the best defensive line coaches in the nation.

“His repertoire is just incredible. It was a great feeling to hear that I was being recruited by Coach Orgeron.”

Johnson also asked Orgeron what it will be like to move from Louisiana to Tennessee.

“He told me it’s a great experience,” Johnson said. “I can experience new things.”

Johnson will see a familiar face when he gets to UT.

Wide receivers coach Frank Wilson was the coach at O. Perry Walker from 2002-04.

Johnson said Wilson’s presence helped influence his commitment.

“I’ve been knowing Coach Frank my whole life,” Johnson said. “He’s just a great person.

“Coming from where I’m coming from and seeing somebody that’s where I’m from do big things, it shows I can be the best person I can be.”

UT hopes Johnson can do big things along its defensive line.

Johnson said the opportunity to help the Vols early in his career was another factor in his commitment.

“They told me I could be a true freshman and hopefully come in there early and help them on their defensive line,” he said. “That’s incredible just to go in and help Coach (Lane) Kiffin and help the team and help Tennessee as a whole.”

Johnson said he’s also heard from Alabama, Georgia, LSU, UCLA and Texas Tech.

He said he plans to stay committed to UT but will listen to coaches from other schools if they call.

Johnson said he plans to visit UT, Alabama, LSU and UCLA this summer.

Johnson is UT’s second commitment for the 2011 class.

Eric MacLain, a 6-4, 268-pound tight end from Jack Britt in Fayetteville, N.C., was the first player to commit to the Vols for 2011.

UT has three commitments for the 2010 class: defensive end Jacques Smith from Ooltewah High School and defensive tackle Risean Broussard from LaGrange High in Lake Charles, La., and defensive tackle Patrick Harris of Chabot College in Hayward, Calif.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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