Notre Dame Recruiting: Irish in 4-Star DJ Johnson’s Top 2

Notre Dame needs corners in the class of 2018 after coming up short in 2017 and losing Kalon Gervin’s commitment earlier last month  On Monday they took a step closer to landing their first when in-state 4-star CB DJ Johnson announced that Notre Dame and Iowa were in his Top 2.

Johnson a 6-0, 170 lbs corner from Indianapolis announced that the Irish and Hawkeyes were in his top two after recently visiting both programs.

https://twitter.com/DjJohnson1127/status/879459566756483072

Notre Dame just offered Johnson last month, but they have made up a lot of ground in a short period of time.  Johnson was on campus earlier this month for the Irish Invasion and things have been trending very nicely for the Irish ever since.  Iowa had a head start by offering in February, but Notre Dame has closed ground fast here.

Johnson also holds offers from Duke, Syracuse, Minnesota, and Purdue.  Penn State has reportedly been showing interest recently as well.

Notre Dame got off to a strong start at the cornerback position when Kalon Gervin originally committed, but his decommitment sent Notre Dame back to square one last month.  After striking out at the position in 2017 due to late defections, Notre Dame needs corners in this class.  Johnson would be a good start.

247Sports ranks Johnson as a 4-star prospect in their composite rankings as well as their own.  Rivals is the only major service to list him as a 3-star.

Unlike a year ago when Notre Dame had a talented cornerback in their own backyard – Russ Yeast – that they waited until the last minute to recruit, the Irish have turned up the heat in their pursuit of Johnson.

This is far from a slam dunk for Notre Dame though.  Johnson just visited Iowa this past weekend and the Hawkeyes left an impression.

Johnson told Hawkeye Nation that he would still be taking visits over the summer.

“I think I’ll be on a couple more here soon. I’ll looking to see Cincinnati, Duke, Michigan state, Penn State and Ohio state,” he said. “I’m not sure when I’ll commit, but I think possibly by the end of this summer.”

If Notre Dame could end the summer with Johnson and wide receiver Kevin Austin – who many think could be nearing a decision soon as well – Notre Dame will be in really good shape heading into the season.