BREAKING | 2021 CB JoJo Johnson Commits To Notre Dame
When he was offered a scholarship to Notre Dame on Sunday night, JoJo Johnson was pretty sure the Irish had his recruitment “locked.”
Today, the 2021 Indiana cornerback proved it, locking in his verbal commitment to Notre Dame.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pounder gives the Irish 24 total commits in the Class of 2021 and joins Ryan Barnes, Phillip Riley and Chance Tucker to give Notre Dame a quartet of corners.
He had been committed to Cincinnati before backing off that pledge last month. He chose the Irish after seriously considering Michigan State, Iowa and Purdue.
The Merrillville High School standout landed the offer from the Irish during a virtual visit with Notre Dame assistants Mike Mickens and Brian Polian.
“I was excited,” Johnson said. “It’s one of the best schools in the country. It’s a very prestigious academic school and it’s only like an hour from my house.”
He has a relationship with Mickens that stretches way back.
“Even before he went to Notre Dame, when he was at Cincinnati, he’s always been recruiting me,” Johnson said of the first-year Irish cornerbacks coach. “We always talk. I have a good relationship with Coach Mickens.”
Johnson made a pair of trips to South Bend last fall and also camped with Notre Dame, so he’s not going into this decision blind.
With the early signing period coming next month, Johnson is relieved to have the recruiting process behind him.
“You can’t take it for granted because a lot of kids don’t have the opportunity, but it’s very stressful,” he said. “But I’m very happy to have it over with this opportunity.”
Johnson believes he’ll bring speed, toughness, a high football IQ and good hands from his days playing wide receiver.
As for Notre Dame, he has a good understanding of what the school and program can offer him.
“Give me a very good education that I can use to get a good job after football and some very good coaches, a lot of great coaches and the opportunity to play for a national championship.”