T.J. Johnson Thread

[atrain3067]

Just thought I should be the one to break this. The Gamecocks offered OL T.J. Johnson from Aynor High School, in my hometown of Aynor, SC late last night. This is my former school's first scholarship offer in many years. Hope SOS can get this kid.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=184&p=8&c=1&nid=3022100
http://southcarolina.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=62463

[donbgamecock]

He sure has a heck of an offer list. They say he is just coming on has a lot of potential and that he is very sought after.

Go Cocks!

[willy]

Just thought I should be the one to break this. The Gamecocks offered OL T.J. Johnson from Aynor High School, in my hometown of Aynor, SC late last night. This is my former school's first scholarship offer in many years. Hope SOS can get this kid.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=184&p=8&c=1&nid=3022100
http://southcarolina.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?pr_key=62463



Looking forward to the season.

[Gamecocks4ever]

June 22, 2007

Johnson Lands USC Offer

By Phil Kornblut
OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor received an offer from USC Thursday night according to his coach Jody Jenerett. That's the 11th offer for Johnson. The others are Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, Troy, Marshall, NC State, East Carolina, Tulane and Wake Forest. Johnson has camped at USC and Clemson along with Tennessee, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest. He has not identified a favorite.
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20070622/PSPORTS02/70622004/-1/PSPORTS

[atrain3067]

Here's my hometown boy T.J. Johnson. Seems like he's really warming to South Carolina. Hope we can land him. Come on down TJ, become part of the new tradition.

http://southcarolina.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?sid=&script=/content.asp&cid=689965&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=

[MauldinCock87]

yeah, i believe hes down to us and wake

[dabigtymer864]

hope so we can use that size

[kda]

Johnson Visiting USC Monday

By Phil Kornblut
OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor will make an unofficial visit to USC Monday to meet with Gamecock head coach Steve Spurrier and academic officials. Johnson camped at USC in June and was offered by the Gamecocks later in the month. He is believed to be favoring the Gamecocks at this point thought he has not stated so on the record. Johnson also has offers from Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, Troy, Marshall, NC State, East Carolina, Tulane and Wake Forest.


Anyone else get the feeling he will commit when he meets with Spurrier?

[roosterrizk1]

I have seen this kid play and he has a nasty streak to say the least. He really has alot of potential. He moves well and is very strong for a HS kid. I think the kid is very underrated.

[Juice4Bruce]

Unofficial Visit Impresses Johnson

By Phil Kornblut
On Recruiting
Published: July 9, 2007

OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor made an unofficial visit to USC Monday with his parents, and the Gamecocks now appear to be in good position for a commitment from Johnson later this summer. "it went real well, I really enjoyed it," Johnson said. "It was definitely a good visit. When I first got there, coach Steve Spurrier Jr. met with me and took me to meet the head coach. Coach Hunt wasn't able to meet with us because he's on vacation. I have not committed. I'm really liking Carolina a lot right now, probably leaning towards them. I'm also in contact with Wake Forest and Vanderbilt. I might visit Vandy later this month." Johnson said his decision would be coming soon, before the end of July.

[reddot8481]

Wake and Vandy, sounds like a smart kid.

[Gamecockfan1214]

July 16, 2007

Johnson Has A Decision

By Phil Kornblut
OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor has made a decision and given a commitment to his school he confirmed Monday night. Johnson, however, was not ready to go public with his decision because his coach has arrainged a local news conference for him Friday morning. But the overriding indications are that Johnson has chosen USC over offers from Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, Troy, Marshall, NC State, East Carolina, Tulane and Wake Forest. "I'm sort of relieved," Johnson said of having a decision in the bag. "I really loved the recruiting process. It was fun. But now that I have the decision made, I can concentrate on my senior season. I can't wait to attend the school. They say I can play anywhere from center to tackle." Johnson was not an overly heralded prospect going into the spring and credits his coach Jody Jenerette with putting together an impressive highlight tape and getting it out to the colleges.

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20070716/PSPORTS02/70716017/-1/PSPORTS

[scfan2001]

July 16, 2007

Johnson Has A Decision

By Phil Kornblut
OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor has made a decision and given a commitment to his school he confirmed Monday night. Johnson, however, was not ready to go public with his decision because his coach has arrainged a local news conference for him Friday morning. But the overriding indications are that Johnson has chosen USC over offers from Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, Troy, Marshall, NC State, East Carolina, Tulane and Wake Forest. "I'm sort of relieved," Johnson said of having a decision in the bag. "I really loved the recruiting process. It was fun. But now that I have the decision made, I can concentrate on my senior season. I can't wait to attend the school. They say I can play anywhere from center to tackle." Johnson was not an overly heralded prospect going into the spring and credits his coach Jody Jenerette with putting together an impressive highlight tape and getting it out to the colleges.

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20070716/PSPORTS02/70716017/-1/PSPORTS

I think that's a smart decision, to avoid distractions during the season trying to impress scouts.

[ScottFive]

OL T.J. Johnson likely committed to USC. c&pJuly 16, 2007
Johnson Has A Decision
By Phil Kornblut

OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor has made a decision and given a commitment to his school he confirmed Monday night. Johnson, however, was not ready to go public with his decision because his coach has arrainged a local news conference for him Friday morning. But the overriding indications are that Johnson has chosen USC over offers from Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, Troy, Marshall, NC State, East Carolina, Tulane and Wake Forest. "I'm sort of relieved," Johnson said of having a decision in the bag. "I really loved the recruiting process. It was fun. But now that I have the decision made, I can concentrate on my senior season. I can't wait to attend the school. They say I can play anywhere from center to tackle." Johnson was not an overly heralded prospect going into the spring and credits his coach Jody Jenerette with putting together an impressive highlight tape and getting it out to the colleges.

[roosterrizk1]

Good looking Prospect. I think he has flown under the radar. The kid is big, smart, and strong, and has great feet.

[Rice Rice Baby]

good size, hope he ends up a gamecock!

[Humpdog444]

This kid just looks like a lineman, and I have heard that he plays like someone just hit his momma.

[donbgamecock]

I hope he has a great senior season by having a dozen pancakes every game! He is one of those guys that are probably still growing and maturing. By the time he shows up, he could very well be close to 300.

Anyone know his other stats as far as speed and strength?

Go Cocks!

[atrain3067]

He's ours. Trust me. Gonna steal one from Six here:

:cigar:

[atrain3067]

Stealin' it from Six:

:cigar:

[JAYBEZ]

deja vu...

[atrain3067]

Confirmed it...Committed over the phone to USC late Sunday night. Will announce during a Friday morning press conference. The visit is what sealed the deal for Mr. Johnson.

[kda]

Johnson Officially In Gamecock Camp

By Phil Kornblut
http://sjimg.ny.publicus.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=SJ&Date=20070719&Category=PSPORTS02&ArtNo=70719015&Ref=AR&MaxW=170&MaxH=350
Click for larger image (javascript:NewWindow(500,400,'/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/templates/zoom.pbs&Site=SJ&Date=20070719&Category=PSPORTS02&ArtNo=70719015&Ref=AR');)
OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor said Thursday night he has given a commitment to USC and he will formally announce his pledge to his local media Friday morning. Johnson said he actually committed to the Gamecocks last week. "It was a real good fit for me," Johnson said. "It's close to home. Spurrier is a legend. I can't wait to be a part of his program. I feel like I fit into his system real well. Coach Hunt is a great coach and they all have NFL experience. I think it will be a good fit for me to get to that next level." Johnson said he could play any of the line positions at USC. Johnson accepted the USC offer over ones from NC State, Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, East Carolina and Wake Forest. He's the fifth commitment for the Gamecocks, the third from South Carolina.

[atrain3067]

Welcome aboard TJ. Way to make your hometown proud. This is our first D1 scholarship player since the 1980's. He will represent the Gamecocks well, just as he has the Aynor Blue Jackets.

[ra742002]

good to hear this about Johnson. Welcome aboard, and I look forward to hearing more about him and seeing his career progress.

[Swampcock]

July 19, 2007

Johnson Officially In Gamecock Camp

By Phil Kornblut
OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor said Thursday night he has given a commitment to USC and he will formally announce his pledge to his local media Friday morning. Johnson said he actually committed to the Gamecocks last week. "It was a real good fit for me," Johnson said. "It's close to home. Spurrier is a legend. I can't wait to be a part of his program. I feel like I fit into his system real well. Coach Hunt is a great coach and they all have NFL experience. I think it will be a good fit for me to get to that next level." Johnson said he could play any of the line positions at USC. Johnson accepted the USC offer over ones from NC State, Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, East Carolina and Wake Forest. He's the fifth commitment for the Gamecocks, the third from South Carolina.

[rnecavs07]

welcome to the family T.J.

[kyzmax]

Cool, thanks for the post!

[atrain3067]

Ditto

[Humpdog444]

Sweet, We can never have too many solid linemen

[chiken]

Glad U stayed home., Crack some heads!!!

[COCKED and LOADED]

Sounds like a big'un. Any pics to post of him? I can't get to many sports sites here at work.

[22cocky]

Thanks for the commitment

[FinchMcCrunkNasty]

oh yea he is a big-in - i think he is going to absolutely blow up this year - look for all of our commitments to become 4 stars this year

[WayzUp]

Sounds like a big'un. Any pics to post of him? I can't get to many sports sites here at work.
Here you go....

http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/5997/tjjohnsoneo5.jpg

[USCMusicMan]

From the list of schools he must be smart.

[willy]

July 19, 2007

Johnson Officially In Gamecock Camp

By Phil Kornblut
OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor said Thursday night he has given a commitment to USC and he will formally announce his pledge to his local media Friday morning. Johnson said he actually committed to the Gamecocks last week. "It was a real good fit for me," Johnson said. "It's close to home. Spurrier is a legend. I can't wait to be a part of his program. I feel like I fit into his system real well. Coach Hunt is a great coach and they all have NFL experience. I think it will be a good fit for me to get to that next level." Johnson said he could play any of the line positions at USC. Johnson accepted the USC offer over ones from NC State, Maryland, Kentucky, Vanderbilt, Duke, East Carolina and Wake Forest. He's the fifth commitment for the Gamecocks, the third from South Carolina.



That is great news.

[NastyNash]

GOOD TO HEAR

[gamecock3252]

Thats nice keep them big boyes in state just at the right school. i do not think i need to explain myself lol...

[KCSuge]

I'd like to see him add maybe 10 to 15 pounds. Good pick up for us.

[LeeSC]

Nice to see guys already commiting for the 2008 season. It shows that SOS is building a program where guys want to get on board early.

Welcome T.J.! Time to be an ambasador to the program and let other young men know what a great place South Carolina is!

[ewjake]

great pick up for us, he will be a solid lineman, welcome TJ

[ewjake]

Sounds like a big'un. Any pics to post of him? I can't get to many sports sites here at work.

http://vmedia.rivals.com/IMAGES/PROSPECT/PHOTO/TJJOHNSON3_21200.JPG

[ewjake]

last one

http://media.scout.com/Media/Image/41/412875.jpg

[ewjake]

Ok sorry now this the last one I promise
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/1017/F293721.JPG

[COCKED and LOADED]

Thanks for the pics. He looks like he could add 15 - 20 pounds easy. He doesn't look soft or flabby. Looks like a great pick up for us.

[11Chickens]

:happycoc: I know Aynor is happy! T.J., represent the Horry county well!

[atrain3067]

:happycoc: I know Aynor is happy! T.J., represent the Horry county well!

Yes we are, and yes he will.

[atrain3067]

Just wanted to let everyone know how our commit T.J. was doing. Had a good game last night even though Aynor didn't. He was a wall over there at LT. He also played some on defense and had a few stops..."here and there". Also got a chance to talk with his family. He is solid on USC, and looks to be a good one down the road for the Cocks.

His Rivals.com profile: http://southcarolina.rivals.com/viewprospect.asp?sport=1&pr_key=62463

[roosterrizk1]

Spoke to a friend who is a local HS Coach and according to him we got a steal in Johnson. He stated that TJ has been the most impressive OLineman for the South Squad. Mentioned his footwork and athletic ability and said he looked to be physical. According to him TJ has looked better than Freeman or Page which is suprising. He said in his mind there is no doubt he is the best OLineman on the South squad. Can't never have to many big uglies and glad to hear we got us a good one......!!! I will try to get some more scoop on our Carolina Recruits next time.

[PC_Gamecock]

I am impressed by that 3.8 GPA!

[ConwayGamecock]

Sounds like another good talent evaluation by our recruiters. Was it coach Hunt that recruited Johnson?

[Gamecockfanatic4]

Ok sorry now this the last one I promise
http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/1017/F293721.JPG
sweet pic who is #4 though?

[Will4144]

64 - TJ Johnson
55 - Dalton Freeman
70 - Kenneth Page
1 - Charles Whitlock
4 - Jonathan Willard

[Gamecockfanatic4]

64 - TJ Johnson
55 - Dalton Freeman
70 - Kenneth Page
1 - Charles Whitlock
4 - Jonathan Willard
ah Williad no wonder why would I recognize a guy headed to Clemson

[Will4144]

ah Williad no wonder why would I recognize a guy headed to Clemson

I expect three of those to be Gamecocks. The other two will be Taters.

[Gamecockfanatic4]

I expect three of those to be Gamecocks. The other two will be Taters.
I agree but I still hold out a tiny bit of hope that we can turn of of your expected tigers into a Gamecock

[roosterrizk1]

55 & 4 are Taters.....

[ConwayGamecock]

Jonhson looks much bigger than Freeman, especially in the shoulder area (wider). He even looks slightly bigger than Page! That is a hoss!

[roosterrizk1]

I noticed that to Conway. I saw Freeman as a Junior against Pendleton in the playoffs and to be quite honest he wasn't as dominating as I expected. He is a big kid but I expected him to reek havoc against our small O Front but it never happened. Anyhow, the word from a OLine Coach who has been at the Shrine Bowl Practices has told me that TJ is the best we have out there. Being he Coaches OLine and has no affiliation with USC - he is a Penn St Grad - I take his educated advice very seriously. He said that TJ is a " hoss " and by far the best OLineman on the South Squad. I guess once again it goes back to our Staff being able to evaluate players under the radar better than the Recruiting geeks....

[donbgamecock]

Jonhson looks much bigger than Freeman, especially in the shoulder area (wider). He even looks slightly bigger than Page! That is a hoss!

It is an illusion. Page doesn't have any shoulder pads on but I agree about Dalton. Dalton's neck doesn't look like a lineman either. Maybe he has more to grow than we think. You have to remember though that these kind of observations really don't mean a dern thing about performance.

Go Cocks!

[roosterrizk1]

I would say a Coach who played College Football for Penn St and Coaches OLineman for a living would be a pretty good person to evaluate OLineman. As far as looking at these guys, its quite clear that TJ is much thicker than Freeman, they are standing side by side. Yeh, TJ 's pads may be bigger but you can't hide their size....

Just for the record Freeman does have pads on - there just smaller...

[donbgamecock]

As far as looking at these guys, its quite clear that TJ is much thicker than Freeman, they are standing side by side. Yeh, TJ 's pads may be bigger but you can't hide their size....

Just for the record Freeman does have pads on - there just smaller...

Roost, I agree. I didn't state that Freeman didn't have pads. My comment was directed at Page. Also, I agree that Freeman is a big guy. He just doesn't have that typical lineman thick neck lineman develop when using their head to move people in the dirction they want them to go.

Go Cocks!

[roosterrizk1]

Gotcha man, my bad...Page is a " biggun " .... and your right, no pads...Yeah, I saw Dalton against Pendleton and they had him at NG. To be honest, not impressed at all. My Daughter's Boyfriend played OLine - this year and last - for Pendleton and he was not impressed - and he was the one blocking Freeman. While Jarred - my Daughter's Boyfriend did make All Region in 2A this year - he got a push on this kid during last years playoff game. Jarred is only 5'9" 160lbs. My take is that we got the best one of those three already committed. Not sure how Freeman and Page would stack up against each other but neither match TJ's ability from what I hear...

[Will4144]

I agree but I still hold out a tiny bit of hope that we can turn of of your expected tigers into a Gamecock

I'm holding that same hope.


In that picture, T.J. Johnson does look to be in the best shape of the three linemen. Kenneth's belly is hanging over the sides and Dalton is just a shrimp beside T.J. I still really want Kenneth, but I'm having my doubts about him being as good as T.J. as this point.

[ConwayGamecock]

It is an illusion. Page doesn't have any shoulder pads on but I agree about Dalton. Dalton's neck doesn't look like a lineman either. Maybe he has more to grow than we think. You have to remember though that these kind of observations really don't mean a dern thing about performance.

Go Cocks!

Perhaps you're right, upper-body wise. Plus, Page has his arms behind his back, which may also distort his shoulder and torso width.

But look at their lower body development. Page's legs show no real muscle definition whatsoever. Johnson's legs look like he spends his days doing power-squats from dawn to dusk. Check out those quads! Of course, some athletes have God-given ability that doesn't need weight-room help, but it sure looks like T.J. has spent time working on his leg strength and (hopefully) foot quickness.

What I'm most anxious to see is how well Johnson acclimates himself to SEC-calibre size, strength and speed. Aynor is a small school, and plays in our districts' smallest level (A). It may be a shock to him, but if he's playing as well as he seems to be against the best of our state's A, AA, AAA, & AAAA talent, then I guess I should stop worrying....

[ConwayGamecock]

Did anybody hear about T.J. breaking his ankle in the 2nd quarter of the Shrine Bowl game? Says he will be out for at least 6 weeks. Hopefully he will be able to return in time for spring practice, as I thought he was an early enrollee (??)

[ewjake]

Did anybody hear about T.J. breaking his ankle in the 2nd quarter of the Shrine Bowl game? Says he will be out for at least 6 weeks. Hopefully he will be able to return in time for spring practice, as I thought he was an early enrollee (??)


yep I was listening when it happened and I said to myself we cannot have this bad of luck, but I was wrong. not sure about Jan. enroll

[Will4144]

No big deal. The big guy isn't expected to contribute next year anyway. Any OL we bring in this year will most likely redshirt.

[usc1]

Perhaps you're right, upper-body wise. Plus, Page has his arms behind his back, which may also distort his shoulder and torso width.

But look at their lower body development. Page's legs show no real muscle definition whatsoever. Johnson's legs look like he spends his days doing power-squats from dawn to dusk. Check out those quads! Of course, some athletes have God-given ability that doesn't need weight-room help, but it sure looks like T.J. has spent time working on his leg strength and (hopefully) foot quickness.

What I'm most anxious to see is how well Johnson acclimates himself to SEC-calibre size, strength and speed. Aynor is a small school, and plays in our districts' smallest level (A). It may be a shock to him, but if he's playing as well as he seems to be against the best of our state's A, AA, AAA, & AAAA talent, then I guess I should stop worrying....

I can tell you that Kenneth Page is extremely athletic and almost never gets tired. He's got quick feet for a big man and is a smart guy which is what we need more of on our O-line. He's also the strongest person at A.C. Flora. Given that, I don't think Kenneth is going to be that great of a lineman. He doesnt have that mean streak that you look for and in my opinion doesnt have the talent to be an All-SEC performer. But time will tell.

[donbgamecock]

I can tell you that Kenneth Page is extremely athletic and almost never gets tired. He's got quick feet for a big man and is a smart guy which is what we need more of on our O-line. He's also the strongest person at A.C. Flora. Given that, I don't think Kenneth is going to be that great of a lineman. He doesnt have that mean streak that you look for and in my opinion doesnt have the talent to be an All-SEC performer. But time will tell.

The thing about playing the line that makes a difference is two fold. It is physical yes, but it is also very mental. You have to have enough moves up your sleeve to be able to counter the other persons moves and be smart enough to interpret what the other person is going to do before they do it. It is a game that you need to outsmart your opponent. You also have to have a strong will to be the best on every play. Page may not need to excel so much in high school, but if he doesn't learn to get the mean streak in college and play as hard as he possibly can on every play, it will be easy to tell. I will reserve judgement about how well he will play until I see him at the next level.

Go Cocks!

[Will4144]

I can tell you that Kenneth Page is extremely athletic and almost never gets tired. He's got quick feet for a big man and is a smart guy which is what we need more of on our O-line. He's also the strongest person at A.C. Flora. Given that, I don't think Kenneth is going to be that great of a lineman. He doesnt have that mean streak that you look for and in my opinion doesnt have the talent to be an All-SEC performer. But time will tell.

I've heard this before about Kenneth Page, but I don't know if I believe it. I think our coaches that are recruiting him and have watched him play can tell. In any case, as Don stated, offensive line is more about being smart and countering the moves. The OL don't always need a "mean streak". He's not trying to get past the defensive linemen. Anyway he can keep them from the QB is fine with me whether he chooses to run over them or just overpower them and keep them running in place. "Mean streak" and the drive to win are two different things. If he has the latter, he'll be just fine.

[roosterrizk1]

I can remember when a certain HS Coach that Coached Jamon Meredith at Hillcrest HS told me that Jamon would never make it because he DID NOT have that mean streak....? I can say that I would take as many Jamon Meredith's as I could get.

[Gamecockfanatic4]

December 19, 2007

USC Commitment Has Surgery

By Phil Kornblut
USC commitment OL T.J. Johnson (6-4 275) of Aynor had surgery Wednesday in Conway for an injury he suffered in the first half ot the Shrine Bowl. Johnson broke the distal fibula in his left leg. "I was blocking and someone came in from the side and rolled over it," Johnson said. "I had surgery today (Wednesday). It went real well. The put screws and a plate in it. The doctors said there's a 100% success rate. I'll have hard cast on for four weeks and then have rehab." Johnson has set his official visit with USC for January 18th.

http://www.goupstate.com/article/20071219/PSPORTS02/986399678/-1/psports

[atrain3067]

T.J.'s a tough kid. He'll be a good one for us.

[Will4144]

I expect him to redshirt his freshmen season anyway. This surgery won't effect anything. Glad to hear it went well.

[roosterrizk1]

According to Rivals, TJ is the 11th rated Center Prospect in the Country ....Still 3 Star ...

[Will4144]

According to Rivals, TJ is the 11th rated Center Prospect in the Country ....Still 3 Star ...

Looks like he's going to be one heckuva OL at whichever position he ends up.

[ChuckyCock]

Glad to hear he is doing ok. Get well soon TJ, we can't wait to see you in the G&B!

[FinchMcCrunkNasty]

Ran into TJ on his official visit Saturday night...he was with Jeremy Burgess and TJ my friends is a freakin monster. glad to know he is on the good guys side.

[smoovecock]

Ran into TJ on his official visit Saturday night...he was with Jeremy Burgess and TJ my friends is a freakin monster. glad to know he is on the good guys side....I thought Jeremy graduated....

[roosterrizk1]

Going to work as a Grad Asst ....