2018 PG Xavier Johnson Talks NC State Offer

Yesterday we informed you that 2018 PG Xavier Johnson had received an offer from Mark Gottfried and NC State. Last night, we caught up with Xavier to talk about the offer and learn more about his recruitment.

This was Xavier’s first high major offer, and it’s not because of his talent level. Mark Gottfried and his staff simply beat everyone else to the punch.

“NC State was actually the first high major to contact me on the very first day they were allowed to call players in the 2018 class. From there, they have stayed in contact with me and watched my games. That led up to an offer when I sat down with Coach Gottfried and Coach Heath.” said Johnson.

This quote tells you that Johnson is a priority in the 2018 class for Gottfried. The fact that he was one of the first calls on the first day is telling and means they seriously see something in this kid.

The connection here is that Johnson’s high school coach at Bishop O’Connell in Arlington, Va, Joe Wooten, has a good relationship with NC State assistant coach Heath Schroyer. Wooten tipped off Schroyer early that he may have a big time talent emerging. That got NC State in the mix.

When asked what Johnson knows and likes about NC state, he said this:

“So far I feel like I’m a wanted player from them and that they will develop me more and more to become great. They said that is was a phenomenal academic school and that’s important to me too.”

Remember that Xavier is still only a 2018 prospect so he still has a lot of time to decide, but NC State being in early will certainly win them points for believing in him before many others did. As time goes by there is going to be a lot of interest in Johnson and a lot of big names schools involved.

Xavier told us he’s talking to the coaches to try to find a time to come visit Raleigh. We’ll keep you updated on the situation.