Netori Johnson to Georgia: Bulldogs Land 4-Star OG Prospect

Georgia bolstered its future offensive line Tuesday, as guard Netori Johnson committed to its 2017 recruiting class. 

Johnson announced his commitment to the Bulldogs on Twitter:

The 6'3 ½" and 348-pound Johnson is a 4-star prospect, per 247Sports' composite rankings, and he is the No. 122 overall recruit, the No. 4 guard and the No. 14 prospect from the state of Georgia in the 2017 class.

Being from SEC territory, Johnson naturally attracted plenty of attention from the conference. Georgia, Auburn, Ole Miss, Alabama and Florida all recruited him throughout the process, while other schools such as Michigan, Miami, USC and Michigan State also pursued the lineman.

He originally joined Alabama's class but decommitted from the Crimson Tide on Feb. 5. The pairing seemed to make sense on paper considering head coach Nick Saban has built a dominant program that thrives on physically overpowering opponents at the line of scrimmage. Johnson is a massive lineman prospect who could step in right away and contribute.

Johnson seemed to be leaning toward Georgia for a time after leaving Alabama’s class and suggested as much when he joined vsporto’s SEC Recruiting Buzz (via Kipp Adams of 247Sports):

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I am liking the Bulldogs right now, especially with them getting [head coach] Kirby Smart. He was my recruiting coach at Alabama. He was on me. Especially with them getting Sam Pittman, that is my boy. I like him too, as an offensive line coach. I looked up his stats and he sent a lot to the NFL. I would love to play for him too.

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Johnson also said the opportunity to play early was important (via Adams): "Georgia is recruiting me as hard as Alabama and Auburn. Right now, I do not see any threats to me on the offensive line at Georgia. I believe I could go right in and just play, as a freshman. … I have not really thought about any factors besides playing time. I just really want to play."

The Bulldogs appear ready to give Johnson an opportunity to play early when he arrives on campus next year.

Johnson's commitment is also a big win for Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, who not only landed one of the prized offensive linemen in next year's recruiting class but also took him away from Alabama.

Smart came from the Crimson Tide, spending nine years on Saban's staff, so he's seen up close and personal what having a powerful and deep offensive line can do to make an offense better. The Bulldogs are also having an excellent start to next year's recruiting season, as Johnson gives them their sixth commitment from a 4-star prospect, per 247Sports. 

Johnson could play right away for his new team, as his overwhelming power and physicality allow him to drive defensive linemen into the second level and open holes for the rushing attack.

He also brings decent athleticism to the table for his size, which will help him in pass protection at the collegiate level. If Johnson continues to improve throughout his tenure at a top-notch college program, he could hear his name called on NFL draft day in the near future.