One of the top defensive linemen in the nation, Sterling Johnson recently committed to Clemson in May. Prep Force caught up with him recently to look back on his recruiting process.

Q: What is it like committing early and turning your focus to other parts of the game?
A: “It’s pretty good. It allows me to focus more on high school football.”

Q: Do you still plan on taking any officials besides Clemson?
A: “No, I don’t”

Q: On 247Sports.com, there are many experts that had you predicted for Tennessee. Why is it that no one saw Clemson coming?
A: “I had always liked Clemson. My first offer was Clemson and I thought my first offer would be a smaller school, so that was a surprise.”

Q: Where do you think Coach Swinney has this program going in the future?
A: “Honestly I see Clemson winning the national championship in the next 3-5 years. I think they will make the playoff next year as a dark horse.”

Q: What makes Dabo (Swinney) such an effective recruiter?
A: “He’s not an obnoxious guy. He’s a realistic guy.”

Johnson also said in the interview that he “originally wanted to commit to Tennessee”, but stated the Vols wouldn’t accept the commitment right away. From there, he wound up on a visit to Clemson that would help the Tigers seal the deal.

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