Auburn OT commit Tyler Johnson: 'Coach Freeze is going to turn Auburn around'
Tyler Johnson committed to Auburn on Saturday, and the big offensive tackle from Natchitoches (La.) Central didn’t hesitate when asked why.
“Why not, you know,” Johnson said. “It’s SEC ball – the highest college football you can play. Probably (Saturday) night I knew this was going to be the place.”
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Johnson committed to Auburn during an official visit and soon after receiving an offer. His quick decision was the result of his trust in the new coaching staff, specifically new head coach Hugh Freeze and offensive line coach Jake Thornton.
“I can really trust this staff,” he said. “I believe they’re going to do something big over here at Auburn University. That’s why I came over and visited. Coach Freeze is going to turn Auburn around. He’s very serious about business. Coming to Auburn, he’s going to turn it around.
“I believe (Thornton) is going to do good, too.”
Johnson done with recruiting
Johnson already knew Thornton from when the coach was at Ole Miss. He also already knew offensive line assistant coach Joe Bernardi.
“I talked to (Thornton) a couple of times and he was trying to get me to Ole Miss,” Johnson said. “I think (Thornton and Bernardi) will be good (at Auburn).”
Johnson doesn’t plan to take any other visits. He’ll sign on Dec. 21, the first day of the three-day early signing period and enroll at Auburn in January.
Getting on campus as soon as possible is important to Johnson, whom Auburn is recruiting to play left tackle.
“(It’s important) to prove I can play,” he said.
Johnson, who is 6-foot-7 and 288 pounds, is ranked the No. 45 offensive tackle in the class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally-weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He also ranks the No. 30 overall recruit in Louisiana.
