Cocks, Heels latest to offer Georgia WR

Tyrone (Ga.) Sandy Creek wide receiver Calvin Johnson is rapidly becoming one of the South’s most sought-after wide receivers for the Class of 2004, but it may prove difficult for recruiters to lure him away from his home state.

Johnson (6-4, 200, 4.44) has picked up new scholarship offers from South Carolina and North Carolina in recent weeks. He previously had offers from Georgia, Georgia Tech, Auburn, Florida, Oklahoma and Vanderbilt. He’s also receiving steady interest from Miami, Florida State, Tennessee and Penn State, among others.

“I’m leaning towards staying here and playing in state,” Johnson said. “I like Georgia and Georgia Tech a lot. Both of those schools have the things I’m looking for in football and academics.”

Does anyone else have a shot at this point?

“I do like the Florida schools and Oklahoma, too,” he said. “I may check them out. But Georgia and Georgia Tech are definitely at the top right now.”

Johnson pointed to “tradition, style of play and the campus atmosphere” as the high points for the Bulldogs. Regarding the Yellow Jackets, he said he’s been impressed by the coaching staff and the academic program for engineering.

He has yet to set his summer camp plans, but said he hopes to make it to “a couple” of the schools which have offered.

As a junior, Johnson caught 34 passes for 780 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was a Class 4A honorable mention all-state selection.