Arizona football recruiting: 3-star LB Issaiah Johnson recaps Tucson trip; talks commitment timetable

The Arizona Wildcats’ 2018 recruiting cycle is in full swing now. Last weekend they hosted 50 to 80 recruits. A couple of weeks ago the ‘Cats hosted a smaller amount of recruits, however, handed out three offers.

One of those offers was given to Issaiah Johnson.

The 6-foot-3, 215 pound linebacker from Los Alamitos High School (Los Alamitos, CA) came out of his visit high on the Wildcats.

“It was good. I had a great time,” he said of his trip to Tucson.

“Meeting the whole defensive staff,” Johnson continued about what stood out to him.

Johnson and some other players had a good talk with Rich Rodriguez that ended in an offer.

“Me and some other athletes were sitting down talking to Coach Rodriguez,” recounted Johnson. “Towards the end of the conversation he said he just wanted to let us know that we had an offer to play at the U of A.”

Johnson still talks to the Arizona coaching staff, speaking to new LBs coach Scott Boone the most. With the overall experience offered on Johnson’s visit and his communication with the staff, the Wildcats have his attention.

“High!” he said of his interest level in Arizona. “(I like) how straight up they are and how they (use their) freshmen. I could be one of those freshmen to play.”

When it comes to his recruitment, Johnson is up to four offers. Colorado State, Dartmouth, and San Jose State are the other three schools that have offered him to this point. Besides his visit to Tucson, Johnson is looking to see some other campuses.

“Yes I plan to (take other visits),” he said. “But I just don’t know where yet.”

As of right now Johnson does not have a favorite school and has not set a commitment date. He is, however, very certain about what he is looking for when it comes to a school.

“I want to make sure they have my academic interest,” he stated. “I want to feel comfortable there.”

Johnson has solid skills at linebacker and has great upside. He brings an aggressiveness that is desired at linebacker and isn't afraid to hit people. He attacks the offensive line without hesitation which causes him to be an extremely disruptive force. He is also able to drop back in coverage, which is an additional bonus. Of note his lateral speed is also an attribute that stands out.

During his junior season with the Griffins he racked up 140 tackles, 8.0 TFL, 6.0 sacks, and an interception. His highlights can be found here.