2011 class picks up Georgia LB

Tennessee’s win against Georgia last Saturday is already paying off in recruiting.

UT received a commitment on Wednesday from junior linebacker A.J. Johnson from Gainesville (Ga.) High School for the signing Class of 2011.

The 6-foot-2, 226-pound Johnson committed to UT after watching the Vols’ 45-19 win against Georgia.

“I came away from that game wanting to commit,” he said. “I was talking to my mom and people and coaches, and they were saying I should go ahead and do it.”

Johnson gave his commitment to UT defensive line coach/recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron, who visited Gainesville on Wednesday.

Johnson said Orgeron was happy to accept the commitment.

“You know Coach O, he’s always excited,” Johnson said. “He was jumping up and down. He said he had goose bumps.”

Johnson said he had a similar feeling while watching UT’s defense against Georgia.

“They’re always swarming to the ball,” he said. “They have a good atmosphere for playing football. I think I play better when there are more people there.”

Johnson chose UT over offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Clemson, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and Oklahoma State.

Noticeably missing from that list is Georgia.

Johnson said the Bulldogs showed interest early in the recruiting process but never offered a scholarship.

Georgia’s hesitation gave UT the advantage.

“That’s probably who I would’ve gone ahead and easily committed to earlier on,” Johnson said of Georgia. “I guess that’s what they say, first come, first serve.”

Johnson said he will likely visit other schools at some point. He said UT’s coaches recommended he do so to make sure he’s comfortable with his commitment.

Johnson is UT’s third commitment for the 2011 class, joining tight end Eric MacLain from Jack Britt High in Fayetteville, N.C., and defensive tackle Anthony Johnson from O. Perry Walker High in New Orleans.

Josh Ward is a freelance contributor.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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