Virginia Tech gained some much-needed recruiting momentum as they landed a commitment from three-star LB William Johnson, a top linebacker target.
It’s official‼️@stmarysryken @SMRbaseball @SMRFootball @Coach_Brady @William23725349 @CoachFuente @coach_ham pic.twitter.com/Ng8CV1IPP3
— William Johnson (@Williamj0hnson3) March 31, 2020
Johnson chose the Hokies over a strong offer list that also included Pittsburgh, Boston College, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Northwestern, Wake Forest, Syracuse, Rutgers, and more. He becomes the Hokies' fourth 2021 commit joining four-star QB Dematrius Davis, three-star ATH Nykelius Johnson, and three-star DB Jalen Hoyle.
Johnson is listed as a safety by 247 Sports, but the Hokies are recruiting him as a linebacker who seems poised to grow into the position. That is similar to Alan Tisdale who was seen as a safety before growing into a linebacker as his high school career progressed.
William Johnson may be an under-the-radar name to many fans, but he wasn't to coaches as he told us recently that of the 22 offers he has, he hears from "at least 20 of those schools each day."
One big factor in his decision is likely his relationship with VT LBs coach Tracy Claeys as Johnson had this to say about his relationship with Claeys.
"That’s my guy. We are close and he trusts me to play for him," Johnson said.
Tech has good reason to trust Johnson in as he shows the type of versatility that Tech is looking for in a whip linebacker (or whatever that role may look like in the Justin Hamilton defense). Additionally, Johnson shows great pursuit, closing speed, and physicality; three skill sets that make him a great fit as a linebacker traditionally at Virginia Tech.
We will have more as this story develops.
