What Lonnie Johnson's Commitment Means for Ohio State

Ohio State pulled in one of the best recruiting classes in 2013.  That class was full of star power and “scoreboard changer” type players on offense.  Urban Meyer knew that this program needed guys who could take a five-yard pass and turn it into a 70-yard touchdown. 

There were, though, a couple of areas that need to be addressed with this year’s recruiting class:  the offensive line and big, outside receivers who are able to stretch the field.

On Sunday, Ohio State was able to reel in Lonnie Johnson, a 6’3" prospect from Gary, Indiana, according to Scout.com. 

Lonnie, is an athletic freak, and even though he is a projected wide receiver at the next level, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him moved somewhere into the defensive backfield.  When asked about what position he prefers by SB Nation’s Zach Clark, Lonnie responded:

“Wide receiver. I love putting points on the board. That's what I do. My coach wants me to always make plays, and I can do that by catching the ball at the wide receiver position.” 

Certainly the confidence is there, and that’s what you need in order to succeed in the college game.  

Lonnie Johnson has had an interest in Ohio State for some time.  When Lonnie’s coach, Jason Johnson, spoke to Scout.com in December, he had this to say about his standout wide receiver: 

"

And he said he's always wanted to play for Ohio State even before Urban Meyer came there. He's always seen them as the shining star in the Big Ten and the school he wanted to be at and so he said if they were going to offer him, he would take it, and we decided that back in October.

"

Though his mind may have been made up in October, Lonnie’s recruiting process carried on, as he hoped he would have a chance to be a Buckeye.  His wish has finally come true, and now it’s time to better his game as he will enter his senior season as an Ohio State Buckeye commit.

With Johnson on board, it would seem that Urban Meyer may only go after one more receiver of this type.  Of the remaining prospects, Derek Kief, an Ohio native, and Georgia prospect Demarre Kitt seem to have the upper hand at this point.  

National signing day is about nine months away, but that’s not stopping Urban Meyer from racking up commitments.  With eight now in this class, it’s time to jump on the train before it’s too late. 

Watch Lonnie Johnson's junior highlights here.