ASU Football: Local 4-star Tyler Johnson makes it official, signs with Sun Devils

As big a part as any in Arizona State’s strong local recruiting class, tight end Tyler Johnson signed his national letter of intent and sent it on a short trip to Tempe making his commitment back in December official.

At 6-foot-4, 245 pounds, Johnson had his choice of schools. Alas, he chose ASU over Alabama, Florida State, USC, UCLA and Michigan State, where his father played football. Every recruiting service other than ESPN had him ranked as a top-30 tight end in his class, with 247Sports having him highest at No. 6 at the position. ESPN rated him the No. 21 athlete in the class.

Johnson’s senior season at Highland High School (Gilbert, Arizona) was impacted by injuries. He suffered a neck injury and a concussion but still tallied five catches for 172 yards and two touchdowns in seven games, according to MaxPreps. He also played defensive end and racked up four sacks.

As a junior, Johnson racked up 20 catches for 462 yards and five touchdowns as well as six touchdowns rushing. He also contributed on punt and kickoff returns, but he’ll likely find his way as either a tight end or defensive end as a Sun Devil.

When Johnson originally committed in December, then-ASU offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey expressed his joy with a Denzel Washington GIF, and when someone breaks out a Denzel GIF, you know they truly want to accurately convey a specific emotion.

With Kody Kohl graduated, junior Jay Jay Wilson will likely start at tight end, and ASU returns Koron Crump and adds Dougladson Subtyl on the edge. Nonetheless, Johnson’s versatility could help him find his way onto the field soon.