Four-star Cincere Johnson commits to Buckeyes: "You go to Ohio State to win and get developed"

Cleveland (Ohio) Glenville four-star linebacker Cincere Johnson announced his commitment to Ohio State on Thursday. He did it during a live broadcast on the On3 Recruits YouTube page. 

Tabbed by the On3 Industry as the nation’s No. 4 linebacker, Johnson chose the Buckeyes over Alabama and Penn State. He becomes the latest from his high school to choose OSU and looks to put his name alongside the likes of Troy Smith, Ted Ginn Jr., Marshon Lattimore and Donte Whitner.

“It’s special,” Johnson said. “To be part of the Glenville pipeline and join an amazing program and legacy and history and brotherhood and try and leave my mark is special.”

Ohio State had everything Cincere Johnson was looking for

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Johnson becomes part of an Ohio State class that the On3 Industry ranked No. 4 nationally. He is the nation’s No. 70 prospect regardless of position.

The Buckeyes checked all the important boxes for Johnson.

“What makes Ohio State stand out for me beyond the organization is the development,” Johnson said. “The amount of experience the coaching staff has in the league. They have 80 years from every coach in every aspect.

“You go to Ohio State to win and get developed. It’s a special place.”

Johnson took his official visit this past weekend. He was able to commit to head coach Ryan Day, linebackers coach James Laurinaitis in person.

“The team they’re still building off of the National Championship,” Johnson said. “They’re not stopping. They’re not satisfied.”

Buckeyes were always considered the leader

Johnson has always raved about Ohio State and it was going to be up to the Crimson Tide and Nittany Lions among others to change that. Following his official visit to Alabama two weekends ago he knew Columbus was going to be the place for him.

“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.”

Johnson is coming off a terrific junior season where he racked up 205 tackles with 41 stops for loss, 8.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. On3 is higher on Johnson than the industry, tabbing him the No. 1 player in the state, No. 3 linebacker in the country and No. 39 prospect overall.