Illini still tops for Johnson

Illinois appeared on the verge of adding a commitment from Euclid, Ohio cornerback Anthony Johnson after an October unofficial visit. Though the three-star prospect has yet to make a decision, he still lists Illinois as his top school.

"Kind of the reason why I haven't made a decision yet with Illinois is because they are in the midst of my academic stuff and making sure I am squared away," Johnson said. "Once they are clear with that, I am free to make my decision. They are just doing the normal stuff they do with every athlete."

Johnson has a strong academic resume, including a 21 on the ACT. Illinois shot to the top of his list after a visit to Champaign for their Oct. 3 home game against Nebraska.

"Really what I liked about Illinois was the home feel that I got. It was really a home away from home," Johnson said. "The coaches welcomed me the minute I got there and also I know a couple players down there, like Justin Hardee and V'Angelo Bentley from (Cleveland) Glenville. Also, it is a college town. The atmosphere was crazy when I got down there and you can't ask for anything better."

Besides Illinois, Johnson continues to maintain contact with several schools that have offered, and a few that haven't, as he looks toward post-season visits.

"I've been in contact with a few schools, like Indiana, about coming down," Johnson said. "I haven't talked with them about an offer yet. They just talked about how much they like me and said they can use me different ways, like nickel back.

"We are in the playoffs now and our games are on Saturdays, so it is kind of hard to make visits. After the season I will probably be making some official visits. What official visits, I am not quite sure, but I probably will be making one to Illinois, I want to get down to Kentucky and Toledo. I like Toledo a lot as well."

Johnson's Euclid team is in the second round of the OHSAA playoffs with a 9-2 record. On the season, the three-star cornerback has six interceptions, 35-40 total tackles, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.

Click Here to view this Link.