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One day after landing a big local talent, the Vanderbilt Commodores added another. Camron Johnson, a four-star wide receiver from nearby Brentwood, gave his verbal commitment to Derek Mason Friday afternoon.
Johnson becomes the second-highest rated prospect in the class of 2018, behind linebacker Alston Orji. If he makes it to campus, the 6’1 target will be the biggest receiving prospect to ever don the black and gold. He turned down offers from programs like Auburn, LSU, Ole Miss, and Tennessee to join a suddenly-surging Vanderbilt roster.
He made his commitment official via Twitter.
There's no place like home! #Dynamite18 #AnchorDown ⚓️ pic.twitter.com/44q6mDEedJ
— Camron Johnson (@camjohnson_23) June 16, 2017
His announcement marked Vanderbilt’s fourth commitment in just a three day span. He joins tight ends Ben Bresnahan and Gavin Schoenwald as well as kicker Javan Rice as future Commodores.
Johnson’s big-time speed and athleticism should give Vanderbilt the kind of receiving weapon they’ve lacked early in the Derek Mason era. The rangy wideout lacks ideal size, but he explodes out of his routes to create separation and make big gains downfield. He has the hands to be a security-blanket type player, and his shiftiness also makes him difficult to wrangle in the open field. He’ll be useful on special teams, receiver screens, and bombs downfield alike.
The idea of Johnson teaming with blossoming talents like Kalija Lipscomb and Jared Pinkney should make Kyle Shurmur and the rest of the Vanderbilt quarterback depth chart pretty happy. Here’s how Vandy’s class of 2018 currently shapes up.
Vanderbilt Football Class of 2018
Player | Position | Hometown | 247 Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Player | Position | Hometown | 247 Rating |
Alston Orji | LB | Rockwall, TX | **** |
Camron Johnson | WR | Brentwood, TN | **** |
Tre Douglas | CB | McDonough, GA | *** |
Allan Walters | QB | Hightstown, NJ | *** |
Daniel Dawkins | C | Hightstown, NJ | *** |
Gavin Schoenwald | TE/ATH | Brentwood, TN | *** |
Ben Bresnahan | TE | Cumming, GA | *** |
Miles Jones | ATH | Ft. Lauderdale, FL | *** |
Wyatt Smock | OL | Louisville, KY | *** |
Javan Rice | K | Miami, FL | NA |