SHARONVILLE, Ohio — St. Xavier offensive tackle Paris Johnson - rated the nation’s No. 1 player at his position in the 2020 class - has decided to transfer to Princeton for his senior season.
Johnson is rated the nation’s No. 7 player overall (regardless of position) in the 2020 class by 247Sports and the top tackle. He is rated the state’s No. 1 player overall in the 2020 class.
Johnson, listed at 6 feet 7 and 287 pounds in the 2018 season, was named a MaxPreps High School Junior All-American in January. In December 2018, he was named a Division I first-team all-state selection.
St. Xavier coach Steve Specht told WCPO this week the high school worked with Johnson for three years academically and athletically and offers its support for his future.
“We wish continued success for Paris in whatever endeavor he chooses to go,” Specht said.
Johnson plans to finish the current school year at St. X.
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Johnson verbally committed to Ohio State in June 2018 when Urban Meyer was still the head coach, but he is considering other opportunities, including Georgia and LSU, according to 247Sports.
Johnson plans to graduate early and enroll in a college in January.
Johnson committed to the 2020 All-American Bowl(previously the U.S. Army All-American Bowl) in March 2018. He’s also committed to the 2020 Polynesian Bowl.
Johnson will join a Princeton team that has two highly-sought college recruits in the 2020 class with defensive end Darrion Henry and linebacker Jaheim Thomas.
Henry is rated the state’s No. 2 player overall in the 2020 class and the nation’s No. 4 strong-side defensive end by 247Sports. Henry named his top six schoolsthis week including UC, Kentucky, Ohio State, Tennessee, Georgia and LSU.
Thomas is rated the state’s No. 4 player overall by the 247Sports Composite and the nation’s No. 21 outside linebacker.
Princeton (3-7 in 2018) opens the season at Milford Aug. 30. The Vikings are seeking their first postseason appearance since 2007.
St. Xavier (5-6 in 2018) opens the season against visiting Brownsburg (Ind.) in the “Cincy-Indy Football Challenge" Aug. 30 at Ballaban Field.
St. X made the postseason for the 10th consecutive year in 2018. The Bombers lost to Colerain in the first roundof the playoffs. Colerain (14-1) was the Division I state runner-up.
