Pitt FB Recruiting
‘I Fit Into the Plan Real Good:’ LB Desmond Johnson Details Pitt Commitment
For Miami Northwestern linebacker Desmond Johnson, taking an official visit to Pitt provided an opportunity to see why several players from the Miami area have taken their talents to Pittsburgh.
One former Pitt player turned All-American and first-round NFL draft pick that went to the same high school drew inspiration for Johnson to become interested in the Panthers.
That connection, coupled with the development and success of producing defensive players in the league led to a commitment to Pitt.
“Pitt produces a lot of players like Calijah Kancey — he came straight from Northwestern. I met Aaron Donald, too. They’ve produced a lot of players on the last five years,” Johnson told Pittsburgh Sports Now.
While on his official visit, Johnson felt the connection that so many from his hometown did in the past, including his host.
“Just the brotherhood that they had at Pitt. Everybody was really genuine, down to Earth people. The players — Jeremiah (Marcelin) was my host. He showed me around. He showed me that I could lock in at Pitt and work on my craft,” Johnson said.
“The No. 1 thing was when I was hanging out with the players, talking football,” he added. “We went out to eat. We went to the Steelers stadium. That was also a plus. We close to an NFL team everyday, so it make it feel like dreams can come true.”
Pitt commit Desmond Johnson on his official visit.
While the players made the biggest impression, linebacker coach Ryan Manalac was also instrumental in landing the three-star prospect that had offers from Michigan, Florida State, N.C. State, Louisville, SMU, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, Wake Forest, UCF and others.
“It was great. He called me everyday; check up on me everyday to make sure I’m good. He real cool. He taught me a couple of things that I can put into my game,” Johnson said.
Johnson sees the vision of playing under Manalac, especially when he compares his impact to others. Johnson is one that thrives on speed and physicality while standings at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds. He may be a bit undersized as a linebacker for other programs, but Pitt looks for that and has seen players like Kyle Louis (6-foot, 225 pound) excel in the defense.
“It showed me that I can keep my speed. They project a linebacker to be 6-3, 280 and Kyle Louis is not that big and he balling too. It’s a real aggressive defense and that’s what I’m about. I think I fit into the plan real good,” Johnson said.
Johnson was a key part of a Northwestern defense that won the Class 3A state title. He recorded 83 tackles (48 solo), seven sacks, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one pass breakup in 10 games.
