Hard-hitting LB Desmond Johnson signs with Pittsburgh

MIAMI, Fla. — Three-star rated 2026 linebacker Desmond Johnson, from Miami Northwestern, sticks with his commitment to Pittsburgh and signed with the Panthers on Wednesday morning.

“It’s just a great home,” Johnson said after signing. “It felt like home, so I just stuck with Pitt. Everything always went great. They treated me great, my family great. That’s where I will be.”

Johnson, who took an official visit to Pitt in the offseason, did not get to visit Pitt during the season, but Johnson canceled visits to Georgia Tech and Missouri out of loyalty to Pitt. The six-foot-one backer also wanted to focus solely on football and helping his team win back-to-back state titles.

“I was just worried about our games. We had a lot of games to get through. Now we’re looking to get through the semi-state finals. We’re ready to get to states again and win.”

Head coach Pat Narduzzi and defensive coordinator Randy Bates have put together a style of defense that accentuates Johnson’s play style.

“Coach Narduzzi is a really good coach. He’s big on brotherhood. Pitt has a very aggressive defense. They blitz a lot, so I fit well with the defense. That defense is perfect for me.”

Johnson’s decision to sign with Pitt was heavily influenced by Northwestern/Pitt alumni Calijah Kancey and Torrie Cox. Johnson promises to bring effort and intelligence to Western Pennsylvania.

“I’m going to bring aggressiveness and smarts to the game. I’m bringing my one hundred and ten percent.”