The floodgates open for 2012 WR

Avery Johnson knew that college interest would be coming this spring. He just didn't know it would be this much. After picking up verbal offers from Alabama and Florida State last week, the flood gates have officially opened for the Pompano Beach (Fla.) Ely wide receiver.

On Saturday several coaches observed a scrimmage and saw all they needed to see. Five more verbal offers arrived from some very heavy hitters as Johnson's offer list is quickly filling up.

"I got new offers from Miami, Florida, Marshall, UCF and Michigan," Johnson said on Monday. "I was shocked and excited. I didn't know they were going to come early. I thought they were going to come early but not like this."

The Miami offer came from wide receiver coach Wesley McGriff and it followed through on a promise made to Johnson back when McGriff was recruiting his brother - current LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson.

"I've been waiting on that offer for a long time," Johnson said. "Coach McGriff, when he was recruiting my brother when I was in 8th or 9th grade, he said he was going to come back and get me and now he did come back and offer. That's my team. I like the offense and stuff and they throw the ball a lot too."

With the addition of Florida and Miami to his list, Johnson has gathered offers from all of the big three Florida schools within one week. He also has positive things to say about the Gators.

"I like Florida," he said. "I like their campus, I've been there one time. I like their stadium, they run the spread offense and they throw a lot too. I like Coach Urban Meyer."

As exciting as these offers are, there is at least one more school that Johnson really has his eye on.

"I didn't expect to get this many offers," he said. "I really didn't expect it man. I think LSU is next. That's what I'm kind of waiting on too but they haven't offered yet."

With his brother already on campus in Baton Rouge, Johnson can at least lean on Peterson for some intel as to what the LSU coaches are thinking. Up to know, the intel has been positive.

"[Peterson] was down here actually yesterday. He's happy for me and he said that LSU should be coming up next because they talk about me every day. He said just to be patient and that Les Miles says to be patient and that it's coming."

Johnson may earn that offer very soon. One of the first camps he will be attending this summer will be at LSU. Until then, Johnson has a spring game against Carol City to compete in and likely numerous other coaches to entertain.