Versatile DB/WR from Georgia commits to USC football program

Just days before the 2024 USC football season kicks off, the 2025 Trojan recruiting class grew with the addition of 3-star DB/WR James Johnson. The Georgia native committed to the Trojans despite the fact that he's never taken an official visit to the USC campus. He told On3 that the coaching staff at USC made the difference for him.

“They offered me last year and for a while now, the coaches have been reaching out every day and recruiting me harder than anyone,” Johnson said. “The communication with coach D'Anton Lynn and coach Doug Belk has been great. They have been reaching out every day and showing a lot of love. That helped me make my decision.”

According to 247Sports.com, Johnson is a three-star recruit. He's the No. 996 player in the nation and the No. 153 WR in his class. However, the plan is apparently for him to play defensive back for the Trojans.

Johnson has over 40 offers including ones from the likes of Georgia, Colorado, Florida State, Duke, LSU, Miami, Missouri, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and others. However, he's decided to call USC home.

“They have that energy. Both coach Lynn and coach Belk are great guys and they always have that positive energy. They are good coaches, they are fun to talk to and I like them a lot.

“I have talked with coach Lincoln Riley too. He is a cool coach and it is exciting to think about playing for him at USC.”

The Trojans now have 18 players committed for the class of 2025. Overall, the class is ranked No. 14 nationally and fourth in the Big Ten. Though Johnson is just the third-lowest-ranked recruit in the class, he is a solid addition who could eventually be a factor in the USC secondary.