3-Star Grayson EDGE Ravon Johnson Commits To The Citadel

The Citadel landed a massive commitment on Saturday afternoon as 3-star edge rusher Ravon Johnson announced his commitment to the Bulldogs.

https://twitter.com/Ravon815/status/1619517149739122688

Johnson is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound edge rusher out of Loganville, GA. He is the No. 129 EDGE and No. 146 player in the state of Georgia according to the 247Sports composite rankings. Johnson transferred to Grayson after playing his junior season at Meadowcreek. As a junior, Johnson collected 31 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. He earned Georgia Region 7-AAAAAAA second-team honors. 

Ravon chose the Bulldogs over offers from multiple FBS programs including East Carolina, Marshall, Minnesota, West Virginia, and UAB. Johnson initially committed to Georgia State, but decommitted at the end of November and reopened his recruitment. 

Johnson is the 2nd highest rated commitment in school history and is one of the Top-25 highest-ranked prospects to commit to a FCS program this offseason. Ravon Johnson spoke with Zach McKinnell of The Bluebloods about his recruitment and why the 3-star prospect will take his talents to The Citadel.

“The Citadel was different for me because it was the best official visit I ever went on,” said Johnson about what separated The Citadel in his recruitment. “Every other college I went to was the same thing every time, but The Citadel was just different. They show real love and care about you more. It’s more than just football to them… It’s about growing as an individual and life after football.”

The top quality of Johnson’s game is his ability to rush the passer. He does an excellent job of using his athleticism to win the matchup on the edge. Ravon expressed his excitement about his skillset translating to the next level. 

“The strongest aspect of my game is my pass rush ability and getting to the quarterback. It’s going to take more than one person to block me on the way to the quarterback. Teams are going to be in trouble if they leave me on an island one-on-one.”

 The Citadel plan to utilize Johnson was an edge rusher with the ability to drop back into coverage in an outside linebacker role. His immediate connection with new defensive coordinator Raleigh Jackson played a large part in his decision. He also feels as if this scheme will fit his skillset better than the three-man front he ran at Grayson.

“Coach Jackson played an important part in my recruitment. I had 15 D-1 offers, but the transfer portal hit me hard. But then Coach Jackson and I connected and I look up to him. I love their defensive scheme. They are going to run a four-man front this year and that is the most fun scheme to run in my opinion. I feel like I am the best pass rusher going into that conference (SoCon) and I am going to have a big freshman season.” 

The Citadel will open the 2023 season on the road against Georgia Southern on September 2.