Ty Johnson, the standout offensive tackle from Lucy Beckham High, has been making serious waves in the South Carolina recruiting scene. Once flying under the radar, Johnson is now a hot commodity for several Power Four programs, with Georgia and South Carolina leading the charge.
With a family legacy at Georgia-his dad played on the Bulldogs' offensive line in the mid-'90s-Johnson's connection to the program runs deep. He's now taking a significant step forward by scheduling an official visit to Georgia on June 12, a milestone that seemed distant just a few months ago.
“It’s awesome. It’s one of those things that’s pretty crazy,” Johnson shared.
“It really starts to set in now that I’ve set the official. It’s pretty nuts.
It’s real.”
Not stopping there, Johnson is also eyeing an official visit to South Carolina. “I’m definitely thinking of setting up an official to South Carolina more than likely,” he said. Johnson has been actively engaging with the Gamecocks' staff, sharing drills and building a strong rapport, which he believes is key to their growing relationship.
Originally recruited by Lonnie Teasley for the Gamecocks, Johnson's recruitment continued under interim O-line coach Shawn Elliott and is now being spearheaded by new line coach Randy Clements. “They actually texted me today that I’m the number one tackle that they want to sign right now,” Johnson revealed.
“I’m on top of their board. It’s definitely a big interest there.”
While it might seem like a classic SEC showdown between Georgia and South Carolina, Johnson insists there’s more to his recruitment journey. “That’s a little too simple,” he explained. “I think in the next few weeks, there could be some schools that can come in that could definitely mix things up.”
Ohio State has entered the conversation with strong interest, and Johnson recently received an offer from West Virginia. His list of suitors also includes Missouri, Nebraska, Duke, Wake Forest, Oklahoma State, North Carolina, Stanford, Virginia Tech, alongside USC and Georgia.
Johnson has penciled in unofficial visits to South Carolina on March 6 and Georgia on March 21, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting recruitment period.