By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

May 13, 2009

Defensive end/linebacker Javarie Johnson from Washington D.C., Dunbar, was not originally scheduled to attend the NIKE Football Training Camp at Penn State on May 2. 

Johnson worked out at the Under Armour Combine in Baltimore the night before.  He left that combine a little early and headed north to State College.  Johnson arrived in time to work out at the NFTC and had an impressive showing.

The 6-foot-3 and 208-pound Johnson ran well and definitely passed the “look test.”  He went through drills enthusiastically and made a number of outstanding plays.

Johnson plays outside linebacker for Dunbar.  He may need to gain some weight, put his hand down and play a rush defensive end position in college.  But he has a long frame that looks like he could easily go in the 240-pound plus range in a couple years.

Johnson has scholarship offers from Maryland, West Virginia, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Syracuse, Pitt, North Carolina State and New Mexico.  He says he is looking at all of those schools as well as others, including Penn State.

“That’s one of the reasons I went up there,” Johnson said.  “Coach (Larry) Johnson is recruiting me.  It was good there.”

Johnson said he does not have any favorites at this point, but has a good idea what he is looking for in a college.

“I’m looking for a place that will make me better as a player and as a person,” Johnson said.  “Penn State and all the schools that have offered me are good schools.”