Defensive Tackle Tayquon Johnson commits to Clemson

Tayquon Johnson (6’3, 295) of Williamsport, MD has just committed to the Clemson Tigers. With Johnson’s commitment, Clemson adds its 12th commit of the 2019 class, but more importantly its first lineman on either side of the ball. This commitment will help continue the momentum the Tigers currently have on the recruiting trail, and might not be the last one before camps begin this summer.

This recruitment went very under the radar, but Johnson first visited Clemson back in April before returning with his family this past weekend. While Johnson is currently unrated by a few recruiting services, he has legitimate offers from Alabama, Georgia, Penn State, and Texas A&M among others. As far as the recruiting industry is concerned, he is still fairly “undiscovered” at this point (though a public Clemson commitment will surely change that), and part of that may be due to the fact that he has not attended any camps. In my opinion this is a very good take for Clemson, and someone who I see ending up as a bluechip-caliber prospect.

WHAT CLEMSON GETS

Despite playing against lackluster competition at times, it’s impossible to miss someone of Johnson’s size moving so well. While the talented lineman has everything you want in a prospect size-wise, he will need to improve his leverage and technique. Johnson will most likely play 3-technique in college (though he could end up playing 1 or 0 as well), as he possesses a great explosion off the ball, with quickness to match. He uses this explosion and quickness to shed blocks and shoot gaps before wreaking havoc in an opponent’s backfield. To go along with block shedding, Johnson also holds up well against the run.

An added bonus of Tayquon Johnson is that he wrestles for his high school’s Varsity team. Not just a Football player, he also earned the title of 1st team all-state in his second sport as well. Recognizing this athleticism, his high school even has him carry the ball on some occasions despite his size. Ultimately, if Tayquon Johnson can improve his leverage and technique while adjusting to a stiffer competition level, there’s no reason that he can’t be a contributor or more at Clemson.