Four-star QB Michael Johnson Jr. commits to Penn State
Michael Johnson Jr. toured colleges across the country and took a deliberate, thoughtful approach to his recruitment.
In the end, the Eugene (Ore.) Sheldon four-star quarterback found everything he wanted at Penn State, and on Wednesday he made his commitment to the Nittany Lions.
Coach James Franklin played a massive role in Johnson’s pledge.
“It was coach Franklin, coach Franklin and the family atmosphere there,” Johnson said. “The offense really fits my skill set and I like how Penn State is top-notch in a lot of aspects of their program. I really enjoyed that and I liked bonding with the guys on my visit. Everything aligned well.”
Rated as the sixth-best dual-threat quarterback in the 2019 class, and the second-to-last of that group to make his commitment, Johnson said Franklin’s personality was a big reason why the Nittany Lions won out in his recruitment.
“I would say just his presence and his motor,” Johnson said. “He’s a very high energy guy and he really knows how to get his players to play for them because I think he cares for them on and off the field.”
Miami, NC State and many other programs were involved in Johnson’s recruitment and many believed the four-star would end up at Oregon since his father, Mike, is an assistant coach there.
But throughout his recruitment, Johnson said he would stay open to all programs and find the best fit nationwide. Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley’s success in Happy Valley also played a major factor, since Johnson sees himself playing a similar role in the Nittany Lions’ offense.
“That played a role,” Johnson said. “Trace and I have similar skill sets. We can both run and throw. I’m a little bit taller than he is, but other than that we’re similar.”
