Pitt landed one of the best recruits Pennsylvania has to offer in former Penn State commit Dorian Johnson, an elite offensive tackle who could cement their line for years to come.
Dorian Johnson signs with Pitt: 5-star’s ratings and more
Paul Chryst made his name at Wisconsin with huge offensive lines that paved the way for the offense. He might have found his line’s new rock in Penn State decommit Dorian Johnson, one of the top tackles in the country.
Johnson isn’t just an elite offensive line prospect, he’s one of the best at any position in the country. He’s 6’6, 280 pounds, and capable of running a 4.88 40 -- not a skill set that often gets lumped together. As such, he’s the No. 2 offensive tackle in the country per Rivals and ESPN. Here’s what SB Nation recruiting analyst Bud Elliott had to say about the Under Armour All-American after he reopened his commitment:
Johnson is perhaps the most athletic offensive tackle recruit in the country. The former Penn State commitment has great length at 6’6 and should eventually see his 270-pound frame north of 300 pounds... Johnson has more than 30 offers and would be a major coup for Pitt. The work that Pitt’s staff did at Wisconsin with offensive linemen plays a large factor here for Johnson, as does the hometown advantage.
At first, Johnson was to be one of the big gets in Bill O’Brien’s class at Penn State in June, as the Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania native had picked the Nittany Lions over the Panthers, leading to some hand-wringing amongst Pitt blog Cardiac Hill. However, about two months later, he decommitted, and Pitt was immediately a favorite. It was down to Ohio State and Pitt, but in November, Johnson chose the Panthers.
Pitt coach Paul Chryst’s desire to get talent up front did not go unnoticed by Cardiac Hill, who pointed out that Pitt’s offensive line recruits weren’t just the most talented haul in recent years, it was the biggest in terms of quantity as well. That’s great news for the other biggest get in Pitt’s incoming class four-star quarterback Tra’von Chapman.
Ratings: Rivals, five stars (No. 2 positionally, No. 31 nationally), ESPN, four stars (No. 2 positionally, No. 29 nationally), Scout, four stars, (No. 12 positionally)
Vitals: 6-foot-6, 280 pounds, 4.88 40, 365 bench
Other offers: Penn State, Ohio State, West Virginia, Alabama, Notre Dame, Wisconsin
Twitter: Johnson tweets at @DorianJ64
Recruitment timeline: Johnson initially committed to Penn State, but eventually changed his mind, and picked Pitt over Ohio State.
Highlight video:
Look through SB Nation’s many excellent college football blogs to find your team’s community.
