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Four-Star Corner Donovan Johnson Commits To Nittany Lions

Penn State added a second cornerback to its 2017 recruiting class Tuesday night in four-star Detroit standout Donovan Johnson.

James Franklin’s Nittany Lions beat out Virginia Tech for his commitment. Johnson is considered the nation’s 34th-overall cornerback and the seventh-ranked prospect out of talent-rich Michigan this cycle, according to the 247Sports Composite. He joins three-star Fairburn, Ga., native D.J. Brown as Terry Smith’s second corner pledge, with four-star and long-time target Lamont Wade ready to announce on Saturday.

Johnson recently wrapped up his high school career with an MHSAA Division 1 State Championship for Motor City powerhouse Cass Tech, avenging last year’s loss in the title game. Safeties coach and Detroit local Tim Banks headed up the 5-foot-10, 176-pounder’s recruitment. Johnson took his official visit to University Park this past weekend.

He’s high school teammates with five-star receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones. The duo will play in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. ET. Johnson is the lone Nittany Lion commit scheduled to suit up in San Antonio.

He clocked the third fastest 40-yard dash at Nike’s The Opening talent showcase last summer, posting a lightning-quick time of 4.35 seconds. Only Darnay Holmes and Salvon Ahmed ran faster with a pair of 4.32s. Johnson is Penn State’s 17th verbal in a growing Class of 2017, which just saw four-star receiver KJ Hamler hop on board. The Nittany Lions jump two spots to No. 15 in the nation and remain third in the Big Ten, according to 247Sports.

You can check out his Hudl highlight reel right here.

Welcome to Penn State, Donovan!

 

 

 

 

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About the Author

Ethan Kasales

Ethan’s a senior journalism major who grew up in Lemont, a few minutes from campus. When he’s not covering Penn State sports, you can usually find him golfing or teaching snowboarding at Tussey Mountain. Feel free to email him at [email protected].

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