
Tyron Johnson Tweets Top 5: Which Program Is Best Fit for 5-Star WR?
Top Louisiana prospect Tyron Johnson is among the most heavily pursued offensive playmakers leading up to national signing day. The 5-star receiver provided some insight on where he currently stands in the process Friday morning, tweeting his top-five list:
Johnson, a 6'1", 191-pound playmaker from Warren Easton High School in New Orleans, included in-state powerhouse LSU. The Tigers must contend with SEC opponents Auburn and Georgia, along with Big 12 teams Texas Tech and Oklahoma State.
Rated second nationally among receivers and 21st overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, Johnson could provide immediate big-play ability at the university of his choice. The Under Armour All-American has tallied more than 1,500 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns while leading Warren Easton to a state title game appearance, per James Smith of NOLA.com.
He is also a top kick returner in the 2015 class.
Now that we know which teams are vying for his commitment, let's take a closer look at each option.
Auburn
Johnson labeled Auburn his "leader" in early November and spent time on campus this summer. However, he was unable to follow through with a scheduled official visit last month due to high school playoff commitments.
It remains to be seen whether Gus Malzahn will successfully schedule a makeup date with Johnson. Auburn holds a commitment from top-ranked junior college running back Jovon Robinson and is looking to also secure a standout downfield target in this class.
Along with Johnson, the team remains in the mix for fellow 5-star receiver Chrsitian Kirk. The Tigers may need to replace a significant portion of production in the passing game, as top targets D'haquille Williams and Sammie Coates could both consider leaving early for the NFL.
Senior Quan Bray ranks second on the team in receptions.
If Williams and Coates remain on campus, Johnson wouldn't necessarily need to step up until 2016. Several offensive recruits are enamored with Malzahn's attack, and Johnson is at least very interested.
Georgia
Mark Richt and his staff have made receiver a priority position during this recruiting cycle. The Bulldogs landed 4-star pass-catcher Darius Slayton earlier this week, giving the team five prospects who are expected to end up at receiver next year.
Georgia has received underwhelming returns from recent signees at the position. Throw in the fact that leading receivers Michael Bennett and Chris Conley are seniors and it becomes apparent that additional depth is needed.
The Bulldogs have a young stockpile of talent in the offensive backfield and already hold a commitment from heralded 2016 quarterback Jacob Eason. Johnson would further enhance the future potential for an abundance of points, but Georgia has done an excellent job addressing its issues at receiver to this point.
LSU
Offensive coordinator Cam Cameron aims to add to his impressive collection of in-state receivers and Johnson is the latest prize up for grabs. Last signing day, the Tigers landed Louisiana targets in 5-star prospect Malachi Dupre and all-time high school receptions leader Trey Quinn.
The duo have made a modest impact this season as LSU's passing game has largely sputtered due to inconsistent quarterback play. Sophomore Travin Dural is the only player who caught more than 20 passes during the regular season, a far cry from past LSU attacks that featured an abundances of NFL prospects.
That statistic may scare off receiver targets, but Johnson is comfortable with the Tigers staff. He's been on LSU's radar for a long time and holds substantial relationships with coaches and players alike.
However, we saw 5-star New Orleans receiver Speedy Noil spurn the team for Texas A&M last signing day and he's enjoyed immense success beyond state borders. Odds are in favor of Johnson taking a similar route.
Oklahoma State
The Cowboys have been known as a prolific passing team in recent years, highlighted by the success of eventual first-round NFL picks Dez Bryant and Justin Blackmon. The downfield attack isn't operating with nearly as much efficiency this season, but a weapon like Johnson could reinvigorate things.
Oklahoma State is still searching for an elite receiver in this cycle and coaches are likely doing all they can to line up an official visit with the New Orleans star. If the team can get him on campus for a weekend, its chances of actually pulling in his signature improve exponentially.
However, as along as he remains a stranger, there probably isn't a bigger long shot on this list than the Cowboys.
Texas Tech
The Red Raiders were an early leader in this race and remain a strong contender despite the program's disappointing season. Texas Tech fans are still largely fired up about the team's future with former quarterback Kliff Kingsbury leading the way, and that excitement extends into recruiting.
Texas Tech is on the verge of landing one of its strongest classes, headlined by Jarrett Stidham. The 5-star quarterback threw for more than 60 touchdowns throughout his past two seasons at Stephenville High School in Texas, surpassing 900 rushing yards during each campaign.
Johnson and Stidham could form a prolific duo for years to come in Lubbock. Aside from Oklahoma State, the Red Raiders presents his best option for emerging as a No. 1 target in 2015.
With Stidham on board, give the team a slight edge. Texas Tech is the top choice and best fit for Johnson two months shy of signing day.
Recruit ratings courtesy of 247Sports.
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