Johnson stays home, commits to Mississippi State
Dillon Johnson gave Oregon a long look. Missouri was a true finalist. Arkansas was the leader not long ago.
But in the end, the four-star athlete stayed home and committed to Mississippi State.
"The more I thought about it, the more it was Mississippi State for me," said Johnson. "I told coach Joe Moorhead Sunday and he started crying. That is how much it meant to him.
"He wanted me. He recruited me so hard. He has been FaceTiming me every day and he has made me feel so important to him. He is my guy and I can't wait to play for him. He has put a lot of time and work into recruiting me and it felt great to commit to him."
This wasn't an easy decision for Johnson. He has a lot of strong relationships and a lot of schools were on his radar, but once he took time to really think things out, he knew Starkville was where he wanted to be.
"I have been going to Mississippi State games all my life, so I know a lot about them. Since being recruited by them, I have been there four times. I was back for Big Dawg Camp at the end of May and I loved it.
"I looked at a lot of different situations and the way they stayed on me, the way I feel when I am there and the chance I have to play running back there pushed them to the top.
"Some schools were up and down recruiting me, but not Mississippi State. I really thought about it recently and it hit me that Mississippi State is where my next home is. That is where I need to be."
Johnson said his recruitment is over and that he is thinking now about what can happen under Moorhead down the road.
"I am so excited about my decision and seeing what the future holds for me and the other guys at Mississippi State," said Johnson. "I think we are going to make something big happen."