The Buckeye coaching staff have not been shy planting the recruiting flag in New Jersey these past couple of seasons. The most recent classes out of the Garden State have included several top players, including guys like Eli Apple, Noah Brown, and Darius Slade. The 2015 class will bring along one NJ commit in offensive tackle, Kevin Feder. For the 2016 class, the Buckeyes have already grabbed the 2nd player out of NJ, and top-ranked running back (per 247Sports), Kareem Walker. Along with the commitment from Walker, Ohio State is still in the running for New Jersey prospects such as Rashan Gary, and Ahmir Mitchell. Within the top ten prospect comes the 8th prospect out of NJ, and the 12th ranked defensive end (per 247Sports), Ron Johnson.
Johnson is a 6’4, 240 lbs player out of Camden, NJ. The four-star defensive end is on the radar for several top programs across the country. Just this year alone, Johnson has racked in eight offers, totaling up to over twenty. There is still a lot of time in the process, and it is expected that Johnson’s scholarship list will just continue to grow. “Throughout my recruiting process I learned that I need to listen to each coach regarding when I would play on the field.” Johnson said. With his twenty offers, there are programs recruiting him the hardest. “Rutgers, Michigan, South Carolina, Alabama, Miami and Ohio State have been showing me the most interest.”
Currently, there is no list of favorite schools, leaving the process open to new programs. “I am planning on visiting Alabama, Ole Miss, and Auburn trips. But I don’t have exact dates.” Johnson said.
Ohio State offered a scholarship to the top ranked defensive end back in September of 2014. Johnson was then able to make a visit the following month. “Ohio State is showing a lot of love. They are keeping in contact with me weekly, saying I would be great there. The coaches are real nice.” Johnson said. He was able to visit for the Rutgers game, and was amazed with the atmosphere in Columbus.
“The game was pretty cool, I liked everything about it. The stadium was huge, it was packed with tons of fans. When I arrived in Ohio it was just all red, which was amazing. I would love to visit again.”
If Johnson does not commit in the middle of his senior season, he is looking to commit at the end of the season of near National Signing Day. Doing so would allow him to see where some of the top talent is heading, such as Rashan Gary, who he keeps in contact with.
“The coaches tell me I am fast, with a quick first step and I use my hands well. But, sometimes I need to stay low on my get-off, which is what I want to improve.”
To end the conversation, Johnson wanted Ohio State fans to know that the Buckeyes will always be a top consideration for him. “I would like the fans to know that the Buckeyes will always be a top school for me because, they are the Buckeyes, and I love them.” Johnson said.
Johnson had a much improved junior season, recording 24 more tackles and 10 sacks from his sophomore season. Ron’s Head Coach, Dwayne Savage has witnessed this improvement and acknowledges his recent success. “Ron has a high motor, he is a pass rusher and can also stop the run. His frame allows him to move in and play the three technique, which makes him a versatile defensive lineman.” said Savage.
“Coach Warinner, recruits our area. And we were able to go out to see the Rutgers game. Ron loved the atmosphere and the facilities. We were not able to see the academic side of everything so we are planning another trip out to Ohio State before he makes his decision.”
Even though there is no favorites list, Ron seems to have very high interest in Ohio State. With a commitment from Ron, the Buckeyes would make another big presence in New Jersey.
Below are some of Ron’s highlights:
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