Likely Candidates
Orhian Johnson
National Recruiting Editor
Posted Nov 21, 2007


Although Orhian Johnson is ranked as the No. 49 quarterback in the country by Scout.com, most of his favorites (Ohio State, Kansas, South Florida and Tennessee) are recruiting him as an athlete. "I'm being recruited as a quarterback, defensive back, wide receiver," Johnson said. "The only school which has just talked about quarterback is USF..."

Orhian Johnson, the 6-foot-4, 190-pound three-star quarterback/athlete from Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport, Fla., finished his senior season with around 1100 yards passing for 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. His team went 8-3, losing in the first round of the playoffs.

"I was so focused on our season that I haven't really been keeping up with recruiting," Johnson said. "I really thought we'd do better in the playoffs, but we lost in the first round.

"Right now I'm looking at all 10 schools that have offered me and I'm open to everyone."

Although Johnson continues to deny a favorite, he still likes Ohio State, Kansas, South Florida and Tennessee. He maintains that all have offered. He hasn't set up any official visits yet, but the above four are likely candidates.

"I'm looking for another home," he said. "I want the school to have some of the qualities of my hometown and be part of a team that is family based and sticks together."

Despite Johnson being ranked as the No. 49 quarterback in the country by Scout.com, most of his favorites are recruiting him as an athlete. "I'm being recruited as a quarterback, defensive back, wide receiver," he said. "The only school which has just talked about quarterback is USF.

"I like USF and even though they've been struggling they are still a good team," he said. "They are young and I like how they've handled themselves. I really like how the coaches stuck with (quarterback) Matt Grothe even after he struggled."

One of the schools that has impressed Johnson the most this season is Kansas. "They've made great strides this season," he said. "They are doing a great job and if they can win out they'll be playing for the national championship. That would be amazing! The coaches are great and I love their philosophy of just playing the best players."

Johnson, who has offers from schools in several different conferences, says he really likes the SEC, which is what makes Tennessee stand out. "It's SEC ball," he said. "They always have great players and they've had a pretty good season and could be playing for an SEC championship this year."

Ohio State is another "big-time" program that Johnson is considering. "I love the tradition and every year they produce great players too," he said. "The Big Ten is a good conference and they've got big guys that like to pound the ball. It's different from the SEC, but I think I could do well there. My goal is to do the best I can anywhere I go and be a top player in whichever conference I'm playing in."

Johnson doesn't have any official visits set up yet, but says he plans to take all five. He won't be making a decision until near Signing Day.

He reports a 3.4 core GPA and a 17 ACT.



Related Stories
IU's Message Getting Through to Johnson
 -by HoosierNation.com  Dec 6, 2007
Florida QB Johnson Talks about IU Official
 -by HoosierNation.com  Dec 10, 2007
Orhian Johnson making cuts this weekend
 -by SuperPrep.com  Oct 31, 2007

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