2025 defensive lineman Christopher Johnson breaks down Mississippi State decision
Robert E. Lee (Ala.) High School’s Christopher Johnson had a memorable official visit this weekend at Mississippi State, to say the least. The 2025 defensive lineman prospect was one of several visitors to commit to the Bulldogs during the weekend and on Sunday, he announced that decision via social media.
Johnson also holds offers from West Virginia, Vanderbilt, Marshall, East Carolina and Memphis among others.
“I actually made my decision during my visit,” explained Johnson. “It just felt like the right time. I love the coaches there and they are great guys and great coaches. It honestly feels great to get it over with. It was also cool to see all of the other guys committing the same time and we talked about that before we all did it. So it was cool to see it happen.”
Johnson unofficially visited Mississippi State during the spring and did so shortly after receiving a Bulldog offer. And being around the State staff this weekend was among his highlights of the visit.
“It was a good time and I actually had a great time,” said the 6-foot-3 and 255-pound Johnson. “I had a good time being around the coaches and all of the staff. My favorite part was being on the field Friday night when all of the families were out there. That was cool.”
Of course, Johnson was able to spend quality time with State defensive line coach David Turner during his stay in Starkville. Johnson was impressed with Turner’s coaching resume and is eager to learn more from Turner in the future.
“It was nice to be around Coach Turner again,” Johnson added. “He told me a lot of things I didn’t know about and he is a great coach. I can’t wait to be coached by him. He was telling me about all the guys he has coached and recruited like Jeffery Simmons and Chris Jones.”
Also, Johnson enjoyed his conversations with head coach Jeff Lebby within his official visit. But those talks were more about Johnson’s future outside the sport of football, which left a good impression on Johnson.
“Coach Lebby was really talking to me about other things than football,” noted Johnson. “He was talking more about my life after football. He said football will not always be there so he wants me to be prepared for life after football.”
Regarding that future, Johnson gained more insight into State’s Dline room from his player host this weekend. And next year, Johnson will join that room with a point to prove in the SEC.
“Tre (Trevion Williams) was my player host,” Johnson recalled. “He’s a good guy. He was telling me about the program and how it’s been for him. He said there’s good people in the program and said he’s had a great experience at Mississippi State. So I can’t wait to be teammates with those guys.”
With his decision, Johnson becomes the first defensive lineman commitment in State’s Class of 2025 and the 10th overall commitment in the class.
