'24 OT Fred Johnson considering OV to Kentucky after successful spring visit

Fred Johnson Jr. has been to Lexington twice now, and he’s already considering coming back for a third time.

Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 300-pound offensive tackle prospect out of Cleveland, OH, was on Kentucky’s campus last week for a spring practice visit. The rising senior at Glenville High School spent the majority of his trip with associate head coach Vince Marrow, who controls the Wildcats’ recruiting efforts in the state of Ohio. Johnson also spoke with offensive line coach Zach Yenser.

“It was fun. It was good. I enjoyed my time down there,” Johnson told KSR earlier this week. “I’ve been in touch with Vince for a while. We’re talking again. He’s a good dude, a really good dude. I like him.”

Enjoying My Visit Down in Kentucky with @vincemarrow ! @UKFootball @mtk_cj @Mirbrazyy #AGTG pic.twitter.com/TalsKpsk6T

— Fred Johnson Jr. (@Grind_Fred) March 31, 2023

Kentucky was just the second Divison I offer for Johnson, which he received nearly one year ago in April 2022. Nearby Toledo was his first scholarship. Since then, he’s earned additional offers from the likes of Michigan, Michigan State, Tennessee, Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Louisville.

Johnson’s first visit to UK came back in the summer for a camp visit, a few months after he picked up his offer. The second one came last week and he’s already considering a third. Johnson tells KSR that an official visit to Kentucky is on the table for this summer. Nothing is locked in quite yet, but the Wildcats are in serious contention to land the budding lineman when all is said and done.

It’s far from a one-horse race, though. Johnson listed Tennessee and Penn State as two other schools sticking out in his mind, mentioning that the Volunteers have a “home” feel to them. He also visited Louisville two weeks ago, which offered not long ago in February.

Although Johnson isn’t ranked in the class of 2024 by On3, he’s considered a three-star prospect by both 247Sports and Rivals. He’s primarily being recruited to play left tackle or left guard at the college level, with some programs also showing interest in him on the defensive line.