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Johnson feels 'very important' to Tennessee

Caleb Johnson first visited Tennessee the summer before his junior season in 2016. He returned to Knoxville a few weeks ago for his official visit and that was his sixth visit.

Johnson has learned a lot about the University of Tennessee over 16 months.

The 6-foot-3, 245 pound linebacker out of Columbus (Ga.) Northside was there for the Georgia game, which didn't go so well for the Vols, but that did not matter to Johnson.

"Tennessee did not have the best game, but the crowd was still great," said Johnson. "It was my first time for a game there and I had heard about the fans, but it was even better than expected.

"Their fans are devout, they support their team and that showed me a lot. It was loud. It was 102,000 people. I liked it a lot."

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Tommy Thigpen was at Johnson's game Thursday and the two spent a lot of time together on the official visit.

"Coach Thigpen really showed me a lot of attention and he helped me have a great time while I was there. We talked about my position, how they want me to rush the passer for them and how they feel I can come in and battle for playing time as a freshman.

"We had a good time together and we just built on our relationship. He showed me around a lot and it was great to spend time with him."

Plenty of schools are actively recruiting the No. 40 prospect in the Peach State, but nobody is on the same level as the Vols.

"They are definitely No. 1 when it comes to showing me the most attention. I talk to them almost every day. It is not just one coach either, it is different coaches on the staff."

"Coach Butch Jones called me on my birthday [last week], so that meant a lot. They are recruiting me the hardest and that really stands out to me. Tennessee is making me feel very important to them."

The relationship he has with Thigpen, the way the staff is recruiting him and the crowd for the Georgia game are things that Johnson raved about when talking to Rivals about Tennessee. The one common theme there is people.

That is why Tennessee is where it is on his list of favorites.

"I like the people at Tennessee the most," said Johnson. "The coaches, the players, the fans and just the people overall. The players push each other to get better and they work hard for each other. It has that family feel to it and my interest in Tennessee is high.

"They are really up there for me. I would probably have Auburn and Georgia up there too, but Tennessee is at least one of my top two schools — maybe No. 1."

Johnson is planning to make a decision by mid December.

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