Johnson ends his recruitment

Fort Scott, Kansas defensive lineman Alexis Johnson knew when he was in Knoxville 10 days ago that he wanted to be a Vol. He just needed a little time to make sure.

After a weekend trip to NC State and canceling a trip to Louisville this weekend, Johnson did what he almost did when he was on campus and that's commit to the Vols.

"I knew where I wanted to go so it was time to do it," Johnson said. "I knew it when I was here. I wanted to be sure so I did some more thinking and talking with my parent and coaches. I called coach Strip (Steve Stripling) tonight and told him I was coming."

Johnson is 6-4, 290 pounds. He's a mid-term enrollee and he has 3 years to play 2 years on Rocky Top. Johnson visited NC State last week and was impressed with the Wolfpack but admitted his trip to Raleigh helped solidify what he was feeling and that was orange.

"Tennessee has everything," Johnson said. "I really like the coaches. They have it all when it comes to facilities. They have a great situation for me to come in and play and I like coach Strip. He's one of the best defensive line coaches in the country and that was important for me. Tennessee was like putting on that baseball glove that just feels right. They are a perfect fit."

Johnson's phone call to the Vols Tuesday night put plenty of smiles on everyone's faces and ended his recruitment.

"The coaches were really excited," Johnson said. "Coach Strip was pretty fired up. They like my versatility and they like how mobile I am at 290 pounds. They seem me primarily inside as a 3 technique lineman, but I can play anywhere along the defensive front.

"I've cancelled all my trips and will not visit anywhere else."

Rivals.com ranks Johnson as a 4-star prospect.