Georgia athlete James Johnson commits to USC

Douglasville (Ga.) Douglas County athlete James Johnson has committed to USC. The 6-foot, 175-pound senior reeled in over 40 offers and without ever visiting Los Angeles, he committed to the Trojans.

“They offered me last year and for a while now, the coaches have been reaching out every day and recruiting me harder than anyone,” Johnson told On3. “The communication with coach D’Anton Lynn and coach Doug Belk has been great. They have been reaching out every day and showing a lot of love. That helped me make my decision.”

Johnson will take his official visit during the season and it will be his first time to step on campus at USC. He knows about the history. He is aware of the tradition. The coaches pushed the Trojans to the top of his list.

“They have that energy. Both coach Lynn and coach Belk are great guys and they always have that positive energy. They are good coaches, they are fun to talk to and I like them a lot.

“I have talked with coach Lincoln Riley too. He is a cool coach and it is exciting to think about playing for him at USC.”

Johnson picked the Trojans over Georgia, LSU Ohio State and UCF.

Johnson can do it all on the football field

Johnson is ranked as a wide receiver. Over 40 schools offered the playmaker, but USC wants him to play defensive back. He will get a strong look on special teams and could mix in some offense as well, but the focus will be in the secondary.

That will be no problem.

“There aren’t guys like James out there,” Douglas County head coach Johnny White said. “He is so versatile. He is dynamic on both sides of the ball. James has played quarterback, receiver, running back, nickel, cornerback, safety and even some linebacker for us. There are not guys like him. He does it all well, and what he does as a return man is scary.”

The natural talent is there. He also watches a lot of film and studies the game. USC is getting a football player with a lot of ability and upside.

“James is physical, he will bring the wood and he is a ball hawk. When the ball is in the air, he believes it is his. As a defensive back at USC, he is going to be unbelievable. James can be one of the best in the country and I think he has a great chance to play on Sunday as a defensive back.

“He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and as good as he is in high school, all will see a greater version of him in college.”