The USC football program needs a big boost after the departure of Caleb Williams from their system. An area where they could use more help in would be at the wide receiver position. While there are a lot of good pass catchers in the 2025 recruiting class, Kelshaun Johnson stands as one of the best. This is why he got offers from Lincoln Riley and the Trojans along with Mike Elko’s Texas A&M football squad.
Recruitment season means that there are going to be big programs feeling happy while others are left sad because they missed out on a prospect. In the case of Kelshaun Johnson, the Texas A&M football fans were ecstatic because they landed an elite wide receiver, per Hayes Fawcett of On 3 Sports. Mike Elko does great in developing these types of players. This means that he will surely grow a lot with the Aggies come his debut with the squad in the 2025 season.
On the flip side, the same cannot be said for the USC football program and Lincoln Riley. They missed out on a great playmaker who can play the slot, run far routes, and even salvage broken schemes. The Trojans were not the only ones who lost this recruitment battle. Alongside them, Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns, the SMU Mustangs, and Arkansas Razorbacks were also front runners that failed to get Johnson.It was a big decision that Johnson had to make since every young football player’s dream is to make it to the NFL. He posits that there was just something that Mike Elko’s program that he could not resist.
Why did Kelshaun Johnson pick Texas A&M football over other programs like USC football?
Elko knows how to impress recruits who come and visit the Texas A&M football facilities. It was exactly that charm mixed with the vibe that the team gave off which landed them Johnson, per Chad Johnson of On 3 Sports.
“When I first got there, it felt like home. The whole staff treated me, my mom, and my sister like we belonged there. They really cared for not only me but also my mom and my sister,” Johnson declared.
Texas A&M got themselves a four-star recruit. He is ranked as the 30th-best player in the state of Texas and has a lot of athleticism to give in college. Johnson is also the 196th-ranked player in the nation and 21st among all wide receivers.
“What I like about him is how he carries himself. When he was talking to me, I could tell that he genuinely cared for me. He knows what my goal is in life, to get to the next level. When I go there, he is going to push me to the maximum. That’s what I’m looking for in a coach. I want a coach who is going to give me their all and I am going to give them my all to get to the next level,” he declared.
The future is bright for Texas A&M football and Johnson, especially with how well they complement each other.
Kelshaun Johnson’s decision to commit to Texas A&M football over other programs, including USC football, was influenced by several key factors that resonated deeply with him and his family. One significant factor was the welcoming atmosphere and personal connection he felt during his visit to Texas A&M. According to Chad Johnson of On 3 Sports, the Texas A&M coaching staff and facilities left a lasting impression on Kelshaun and his family, making them feel at home from the moment they arrived. This sense of belonging and the genuine care shown towards him, his mother, and his sister played a crucial role in his decision-making process.
Johnson’s comments reflect the impact of the personal touch and the supportive environment created by the Texas A&M staff. He emphasized feeling valued not just as a player, but as a person with aspirations beyond college football. This aligns with his desire for a coach who not only understands his goals of reaching the NFL but is also committed to pushing him to achieve his maximum potential. This personal approach stood out compared to other programs that were vying for his talents.
Moreover, Texas A&M’s reputation for player development under coach Mike Elko was another compelling factor. Elko’s track record in nurturing talent and preparing players for success at the collegiate level, as well as beyond, appealed to Johnson’s aspirations. The prospect of growth and improvement under a coach known for maximizing the potential of his players was a significant draw for him.
In contrast, the USC football program, led by Lincoln Riley, was unable to secure Johnson’s commitment despite their strong interest. Riley’s reputation as a coach and USC’s historical prestige in college football were not enough to sway Johnson away from Texas A&M. This highlights the competitive nature of college football recruiting, where personal connections and developmental programs often play pivotal roles in a recruit’s decision-making process.
Additionally, Johnson’s decision-making process involved evaluating each program’s fit for his skills and ambitions. Texas A&M’s approach to utilizing his athleticism and potential as a wide receiver, combined with their strategic plans for his development, aligned closely with his own career goals. This strategic alignment was a crucial factor that influenced his choice over other schools like USC, Texas, SMU, and Arkansas, which were also in contention for his commitment.
Furthermore, the allure of Texas A&M’s facilities and campus environment cannot be overlooked. The quality of the facilities and the overall vibe of the campus contributed to Johnson’s positive experience during his visit. This, coupled with the supportive community he encountered, reinforced his decision to choose Texas A&M.
Looking ahead, Johnson’s commitment to Texas A&M positions him as a key player in the team’s future successes. As a four-star recruit with notable rankings in both state and national levels, his athleticism and potential add depth and strength to the Texas A&M football program. This mutual benefit—where Johnson’s talents meet Texas A&M’s developmental programs and competitive ambitions—sets the stage for a promising collegiate career.
In conclusion, Kelshaun Johnson’s decision to commit to Texas A&M football over USC and other programs was influenced by a combination of factors. These included the welcoming and supportive atmosphere created by the Texas A&M coaching staff, the program’s proven track record in player development under Mike Elko, and the strategic fit between his skills and the team’s needs. While USC and other programs offered their own merits, Texas A&M’s holistic approach and alignment with Johnson’s personal and professional aspirations ultimately tipped the scales in their favor. This decision underscores the importance of personal connection, developmental programs, and strategic fit in the highly competitive landscape of college football recruiting.
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