Junior lineman with three early favorites

Junior offensive lineman Dorian Johnson from Belle Vernon (Pa.) Belle Vernon Area picked up one early offer and is eager to add more to his total. Now with his recruiting process heating up, the big lineman is already claiming three early favorites.

"Recruiting is moving along really well," said Johnson, who is 6-foot-6 and 275-pounds. "It's just very exciting getting to hear from a variety of different schools this early on."

A number of schools are showing serious early interest in Johnson.

"West Virginia, Rutgers, Michigan State, Boston College and Virginia are showing the most interest and I have the offer from West Virginia" said Johnson, who gave his thoughts on the Mountaineers. "Since they offered I've definitely been looking into the school. They always have good teams, the school is nice and I think they're in my top three right now."

Joining West Virginia in his early top three are Pittsburgh and Rutgers. Johnson has already taken visits to two of these schools.

"I only took a couple of visits in the fall to Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, and I was planning on going to Boston College, Rutgers, Wisconsin and a few other places but I wasn't able to make it," said Johnson.

Attending upcoming junior days is the next option for Johnson.

"I was invited to Michigan State's and Rutgers' junior days last week, but I couldn't make it," said Johnson. "I am planning on maybe attending a junior day at Virginia though."

While it is still early on in his process, Johnson is already developing a list of factors that will help him make a final decision.

"Somewhere that is relatively close and has a good football program and sports atmosphere, and a place that has a good academic program," said Johnson.

Despite having a successful season personally, Johnson is eager to improve his game in the off-season.

"I think I had a pretty good season, but I think I could have done a lot better so I definitely plan on improving some things over the off-season," said Johnson. "I think I improved a lot from last season though. I've gotten a lot stronger, quicker and I just understand how things work a little better now."