New interest, offers for TE Johnson

Osseo (Minn.) tight end Will Johnson has listed his favorites in the past, but after a recent deluge of new interest and several new offers, the 6-7, 245-pound prospect is taking a step back and re-analyzing his recruitment.

"I haven't set up any official visits yet just because I am getting a lot of new interest and don't want to use them right away," Johnson said. "I am trying to stay pretty focused with my team, but I could see myself taking one here early in the season because I'd like to get out to some games and some places I'm interested in."

Johnson picked up offers from Auburn, Boston College, Iowa, Iowa State, Northern Illinois, Ole Miss, Minnesota and Illinois earlier in the process. He has added two new offers in the last month, and has received calls from a few new schools since the contact period opened at the beginning of this month.

"Kansas' [offer] was probably less than a month ago, then Central Florida offered," Johnson reported. "I just got in contact today with Kentucky and Alabama, and I've been talking to Ohio State lately. Alabama just made contact today and I'm excited to hear what they have to say."

Johnson is especially excited about the recent contact with Ohio State. A connection with their program has sparked new interest from the Buckeyes.

"I actually worked out with James Laurinaitis' dad, that's how I got the connection there," Johnson said. "I talked to them on the phone, they said they'd heard about me and were real interested, but since it is already the new season they might as well see a game from this year to see where I am at.

"I am excited to hear what Ohio State has to say after they get the senior film of these first couple games. I think that will go real positive. Ohio State I would be interested in very much."

Before the flurry of new interest, Johnson listed Minnesota, Ole Miss, Iowa and Auburn as the schools standing out to him, and he said those programs continue to recruit him hard.

Osseo High opened their 2011 campaign with a two-point loss this past weekend. Johnson was battling illness during that game, but still managed one catch for 20 yards and contributed with several key blocks in the run game.