Inside elite LB Cincere Johnson's top three schools

On3’s No. 3 linebacker Cincere Johnson has his top three schools. As Hayes Fawcett first reported, the Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville blue-chipper is still considering Alabama, Ohio State and Penn State.

“When I was younger, these three schools were my dream schools growing up,” Johnson told On3. “Watching Reuben Foster at Alabama. Coach (Dan) Connor the linebackers coach played at Penn State. Watching Ohio State and Troy Smith and Ted Ginn Jr. and (James) Laurinaitis.

“To be in this position one day is a blessing.”

Beginning next weekend, Johnson will start his official visits. He’ll be at Penn State on May 16. Alabama is set for May 30. Ohio State will come June 13. A decision won’t be far after.

“On one of these OVs I’ll see something that will set me off and allow me to make the best decision for the next three to four years.”

On3 ranks Johnson as the No. 1 recruit in Ohio and No. 40 prospect in the country regardless of position. The Buckeyes have been on him since he was in the eighth grade.

“That program feels like home,” Johnson said. “Just being able to go there, I’ve been in the facility so many times and know a lot of people and the coaches like the back of my hand.

“Ohio State is a great program that just won a National Championship. It’s a program that is based around brotherhood. Watching (Glenville grad) Arvell (Reese) get developed from high school to now shows the time they take to develop people. Ohio State is an amazing program and it’s a major school and in anyone’s eyes that’s undeniable.”

Alabama has always been one of the front-runners battling Ohio State.

“Alabama is a great program,” Johnson said. “Just a rich history behind things they’ve done. I’ve also gained a great relationship with Coach Kane (Wommack), Coach Chuck (Morrell) and Coach (Kalen) DeBoer). Alabama has a rich history. That program, everything about it, it’s a major school. You can’t deny it. The thing they’ve done with linebackers, their portfolio is unmatched.”

Penn State has been trending up with Johnson.

“I’m very familiar with Coach (Jim) Knowles and Coach (James) Franklin,” Johnson said. “The things they’ve been able to put on paper with Chop Robinson and Abdul Carter and Tony Rojas and the background of producing linebackers is amazing.”

Before trimming to three, Johnson also strongly considered the likes of Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma and USC.