Reuben Johnson, the 5-foot-9, 175-pound three-star defensive back/running back from Winslow Township High School in Atco, N.J., says he has approximately 14 scholarship offers, but denies a favorite.
Johnson, ranked No. 74 in the East by Scout.com, likes Syracuse, Boston College, Iowa, Michigan State, Connecticut and Tennessee and all have offered. He also has offers from Temple, Minnesota, Kentucky, Akron and others.
"I don't really have a top five right now," Johnson said. "I'm still evaluating the programs and seeing what fits me best. I want a family atmosphere with a great campus that isn't too far away. I'd also like to play for a winning program or one that is on the rise."
The only two schools that Johnson has already visited are Maryland and Syracuse and the Orangemen are only one hour away.
"I like that Syracuse sends a lot of players to the NFL," he said. "The coaches are very friendly and I'm comfortable with all of them. Plus they are just up the road from me in New York, which is great."
Syracuse was one of the few schools which was recruiting Johnson for running back early on. "But they've been talking more about defense recently," he said.
Johnson says the school that is recruiting him the hardest is Boston College. "They have very good academics," Johnson said. "A degree from them means a lot. They just seem to have it all…a nice program, good academics, great area."
One school that Johnson says he'd like to visit is Iowa, since his cousin, Mike Daniels, is a 2007 signee for the Hawkeyes. "I know a few people there and my cousin is going there, which is great because I would feel comfortable there," he said. "I think I'd feel at home there even though they are a bit farther away. It's a good school and the program is great. Mike has a lot of good things to say about them." Anyone who follows recruiting knows Iowa usually recruits New Jersey well.
Johnson says he plans to take his time before narrowing down his list. "I'll do it by the middle of my season, or at least towards the end of it," he said. "I don't want it to distract from my season. There's a lot to consider and think about and I don't plan to rush it. There's a lot of time left."
He reports a 2.6 core and an 820 SAT (math and reading).