Recruiting Report: Marcus Johnson (2020)
Columbus South’s 6’3” wing Marcus Johnson (2020) is one of the most electrifying athletes in Ohio’s sophomore class.
His leaping ability and physicality are two of his most noticeable traits. However, Johnson’s coast-to-coast speed also puts a ton of pressure on the defense. And he’s starting to learn how to facilitate once he draws that defensive attention.
For All Ohio Red EYBL this summer, Johnson’s role is a blend of those strengths.
“My big part of it is playing defense and getting stops and creating things for my teammates,” Johnson said. “Defense turns into my offense, and when I get that going my motor gets going.”
This weekend at the Pitt Jam Fest, Johnson’s All Ohio Red team made it to the final four of the top bracket, losing by just 10 to the eventual champion NY Rens EYBL in the semis.
The opportunity to play on the EYBL circuit with Ohio’s Nike affiliate is one that Johnson is enthusiastic about. The primary benefit of the circuit is the amount of coaches Johnson will play in front of every game. At the moment, he has an offer from Maryland Eastern Shore, but they haven’t spoken to Johnson in a while.
“The last time we talked is when I got offered and that was the only time … I was trying to take [a visit], so I could build a better relationship with them. But, they haven’t talked to me, nor my coach or my parents,” Johnson said.
Plenty of opportunities should be on the horizon for Johnson however. Currently, he tells us Toledo and Michigan have interest.
“Not talking to [anyone], but Toledo is looking at me through school ball. And my [high school] coach says Michigan may want me to come take a visit sometime soon,” Johnson said.
Johnson carries somewhere between a 3.0-3.2 GPA and is awaiting the score on his first ACT attempt. He also has a budding interest in architecture because of his passion for drawing and preference to be hands-on.
In order to improve as a prospect, Johnson is working with a trainer this summer to improve as a perimeter threat.
“I’m not going to be as tall as I want to be, from what the doctors tell me. So, I got to work on guard things,” Johnson said.
Specifically, he’s focused on improving his handle and outside shooting ability. If he’s able to improve in those areas, Johnson’s stock as a prospect will fly through the charts.