Mississippi junior holding three SEC offers

Who is the top 2011 linebacker prospect in the state of Mississippi? There is still some time before that question can truly be answered, but many fingers are pointed towards Philadelphia. The Tornados have an inside linebacker named C.J. Johnson who is listed at 6' 2", 215 and plays with an attitude.

Last year as a a sophomore, he collected 100 tackles (73 solo), 3 int's, 4 pass deflections, 1 caused fumble, and 1 blocked field goal and punt while manning the defensive end and linebacker positions.

But it was before his 10th grade season that he made a name for himself, as he earned a starting position on Philadelphia's defense as a true freshman.

"I started at defensive tackle my freshman year at 175 pounds," added a chuckling C.J. Johnson. "I had 37 solo tackles, 42 assists, 3 1/2 sacks, 3 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 3 caused fumbles, and 22 tackles behind the line of scrimmage."

Johnson moved to defensive end his sophomore year and stayed there until the end of the season. He made a permanent move to inside linebacker.

"I have been playing football since 4th grade. My dad was a real good football coach, but he passed away a couple of years ago. I play for him. I feel like I have a real good nose for the ball, no matter where they put me. But I think linebacker is my best position."

C.J. realized at a young age that football is not all about ability.

"You have to put time in the film room to reach the top. I do not care who you are. My dad taught me that at a young age. I live in the film room because I just love the game of football."

That passion and ability has already attracted college recruiters.

"My first offer came on September 2nd. I got it from LSU. Then the next day, MSU offered me. And two days after MSU offered; I got one in the mail from Ole Miss."

Anybody else in the game?

"My coaches were supposed to take me over to FSU this summer, but I could not go. My dad was a big FSU guy so I want to go over there and check it out. I am going to see if they are interested in recruiting me. I plan to attend one of their camps this summer."

Has C.J. had a chance to take in any unoffical visits to look at schools?

"I actually went to the OM/S' East (LA) game, and I went to the MSU/JSU game. I am going to the LSU/FL game this Saturday. I can't wait for that one."

What did he learn about Ole Miss during the trip?

"That was the first game I have been to Ole Miss. They sold out that game, and they were playing a bad team. That really impressed me. I just loved their fans. It was pretty awesome for me going their for the first time."

What was C.J. keying in on during the trip?

"I definitely wanted to see the fans. I had seen their facilities before. I went up there this summer for their Sr camp, but I did not get a chance to tour the campus. They had some guy talking to us about the school, but we got there late so I did not get a chance to tour the campus. I heard about the Grove, but we got there late for the game, so we did not have a chance to go tailgate. But I am going to the Grove the next game I go up there. I heard a lot about it. I just loved the overall atmosphere up there though."

What about MSU?

"I have been to the Junction pretty often with Josh Boyd. I wanted to see how they are with the new coaches, and I thought they looked pretty good. I wanted to see what type of system they run, and I think I can play in that system. I kind of like the way they rotate. It gives everyone a chance to do their thing. I think I kind of fit in there, but I love LSU's and Ole Miss' schemes. But LSU is kind of the place I would fit in best. I am not ready to commit or anything, but there was something about it that I liked when I went over there. I have been over there a couple of times before when I went to their football camp. I got a chance to tour their facilities and take a look around. From what I have seen; it is the atmosphere at LSU that stands out. I feel like I fit in there a little bit better. I just like the surroundings."

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Yancy Porter is the Recruiting Analyst for the state of Mississippi and can be reached at
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