Four-star cornerback Isaiah Johnson was primed for a big junior campaign after a very impressive offseason but an ankle injury kept him off the field. Penn State was one of the early favorites for the Bluefield, W.Va., standout but he has since turned his attention elsewhere.
Georgia hosted Johnson for a visit this spring and he was about to take a trip to see Oklahoma but the coronavirus pandemic and recruiting dead period forced him to postpone it. Now Johnson is trying to stay in contact with the programs he favors most.
Here is how we rank the contenders for his commitment.
MORE: Elijah Jeudy breaks down his commitment to Georgia
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2022: Top 100
1. GEORGIA
Kirby Smart and his staff put the Dawgs in great position to land Johnson’s commitment after an impressive visit to Athens earlier this year. Johnson really liked the environment and how he meshed with the other players and recruits. The coaching staff made it very clear to Johnson how much they want him and why he’s a great fit in their scheme. Look for the Dawgs to remain a top contender for Johnson until the very end.
2. OKLAHOMA
The Sooners have made a great impression on Johnson so far, but not getting him on campus for a visit is a blow to their momentum. Johnson wants to play for a powerhouse program and have the chance to play early and Oklahoma checks both of those boxes. The Oklahoma coaching staff remains in touch with Johnson and he is still trying to plan a trip to Norman.
3. LSU
Johnson has been interested in LSU for a long time and he continues to have conversations with their coaches. He really likes the way LSU has developed defensive backs and he sees how bright his future could be in Baton Rouge. Look for Johnson to work on setting up a visit to see LSU up close once the recruiting dead period is over.
4. TENNESSEE
Jeremy Pruitt and his staff were near the top of Johnson’s list of contenders earlier in his recruitment, but Tennessee has fallen behind a bit. Johnson has built some good relationships in Knoxville and the Vols still have a good chance of signing Johnson if they’re able to regain his focus. Johnson has cited Tennessee’s willingness to give young players significant playing time as one of his reasons for being interested in the Vols.
