Penn State Football: What Dorian Johnson Brings to the Lions

Courtesy of onwardstate.com

Dorian Johnson committed to Penn State on June 24, according to Bryan Fischer of CBSSports.com. Johnson became the 12th commitment in Penn State's 2013 recruiting class.

Fischer's report mentions that Johnson turned own offers from West Virginia, Pittsburgh and Ohio State to be a Nittany Lion. It's encouraging to Penn State football that Bill O'Brien was able to keep this hulking menace in house.

Let's find out what this highly-regarded offensive tackle brings to Penn State football.

Toughness

Courtesy of 247sports.com

ESPN.com's scouting report (insider only) claims that he "displays nastiness as a blocker and looks to punish defenders and put them on the ground."

That bodes well for him at the next level. He will need that nasty demeanor to thwart off more experienced defenders.

He isn't the strongest prospect you'll ever find, but his 6'6'' frame gives him the leverage to out-muscle opponents at the point of attack.

Johnson will bring an edgy demeanor to the Happy Valley hogs.

Athleticism

Courtesy of elevenwarriors.com

Johnson is a great athlete for his position. His 6'6'' frame holds his 285 pounds well, and he moves like it.

He's extremely agile at the line, and he has an explosive first step. His frame will fill out as he gets older, but his athleticism will allow him to remain quick.

Elite offensive lineman have to be able to move. Johnson's extremely developed in that area. He knows how to block on the run, and his speed allows him to get in front of plays.

Local Connections

Courtesy of rivals.com

Johnson is from Belle Vernon, PA. That's extremely important for Penn State's rebuilding process.

Great teams lock their local talent up. If you can't keep your state's best players in house, how can you be expected to pull from elsewhere?

Johnson's commitment shows that Penn State still has some pull. Local recruits don't overlook their hometown school, or at least Johnson doesn't.

It's huge for Bill O'Brien to flex his in-state muscle early. He must establish his own presence.

Upside

Johnson, like many offensive line prospects, needs to grow into his body a little. He has the frame and strength to improve immediately at the college level.

Johnson's lean, mean frame wreaks potential because of his obvious physical attributes. He has good feet, understands his position and knows when to assert himself. That football knowledge will speed up his development.

He won't arrive in Happy Valley as a finished product, but Penn State fans will love what he becomes.

Reputation

Dorion Johnson is highly regarded by every major recruiting outlet in the nation. Let's take a look at each one.

 

Site	Stars	Position	State	National
Rivals.com	4	No. 23	No. 7	No. 233
ESPN.com	4	No. 2	No. 2	No. 27
247sports.com	5	No. 2	No. 1	No. 13
Scout.com	4	No. 13	No. 5	No. 131

 

As you can see, things are all over the place. Different outlets have him rated better, or worse, depending on their personal judgments, but it's to see Johnson's potential. 

He's right there with any other book end in the class. It should make Penn State faithful optimistic knowing that they added him to the fold.