Johnson talks Gopher offer

Minnesota has shown some interest in Bradford Academy (Mich.) defensive end Tamarion Johnson since the start of the last contact period and last week received a visit from area recruiter Rob Reeves. The Gophers ended any ambiguity surrounding defensive end recruiting by offering Johnson last night. Head coach Tracy Claeys extended the offer.

“I was really happy about [the scholarship],” he told Gopher Illustrated. "I’m really excited about it. My head coach told me like last night that coach was coming, but I didn’t know it was the head coach or not. It was cool to see.”

The high two star had a good first impression of Claeys.

“We talked about setting up an official, and what it would be like to go to Minnesota, and what his plans for me would be for the next three to four years. I liked him for real.”

So where does Minnesota stand with Johnson now?

“They’re in my top three,” he said. “Miami (OH) and Purdue are the other schools I’m considering.”

The 6’5”, 215 pound weakside end will be a tougher flip than fans originally thought because he picked up a Purdue offer yesterday, as well.

“I’ve only been talking to Purdue for a couple days, since this weekend. I just know that they want me to come in and compete for a spot. I like everything I’ve heard.”

Both programs will obviously try to host him for a visit before Signing Day on Wednesday.

“I don’t know where I’m going to visit that final schools. Both schools want to get me up on a visit. I’m not really leaning one way or another right now. I’m right in the middle.”