Target Talk: Carmelo Johnson
Matt Dossett spoke with 2027 prospect Carmelo Johnson!
It probably does not come as a surprise that head man for MT football, Coach Mason, covets versatility at the high school level. Carmelo Johnson is a 2027 prospect who has offensive and defensive skills in his wheelhouse. Johnson took to X and social media on May 16, announcing his offer from the Blue Raiders.
Johnson was quick to point out his versatility on offense at the wide receiver spot.
“At the wideout position, I’m very quick, a great route runner, also very physical,” he said.
Johnson indicated that he had “At least 500 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns.”
He went on to mention that he has had to share the sugar at the wideout spot for his high school.
“I’ve been playing along side two of the top receivers in the state Lyrick Fulks and Kyron Marshall,” he said.
Johnson reiterated a couple of times to me that, despite having experience on the offensive side of the ball, as a receiver, he is being targeted by the MTSU staff to be a defensive back.
“I’m also a defensive back,” he said.
“I really think that’s what I’m getting recruited for more.”
Even though Johnson said that he is being targeted to play in the defensive backfield for MTSU, he has not played DB for his high school since his sophomore season.
When he did play in the secondary his sophomore year, he accumulated 34 tackles, three interceptions, four pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
Johnson initially said that MTSU was his lone offer at the moment, but that there are a couple teams in his ear at this juncture.
When I interviewed him, he initially said: “That’s my only one so far,” he said.
Hours later, Johnson was offered by Arkansas Tech. That means Johnson is standing pat with two official offers. Again, there are others in contact with him.
“I been connected to schools like Southern Arkansas, Vanderbilt coach reached out,” he said.
Johnson said that multiple schools want him to attend their Summer camps, and he said that he is chomping at the bit to go out compete, with the goal of earning offers.
“Top D2 and D1 schools been reaching out and inviting me to camps,” he said.
Cameron O’Neil is the director of player personnel and recruiting for the Blue Raiders. A constant theme for MTSU has been O’Neil recruiting and dishing out offers for the Blue Raiders.
Johnson is a guy who O’Neil reached out to.
When asked who offered him, Johnson said: “Coach O’Neil reached out.”
“Personally I think coach O’Neal a cool and real individual,” he said.
“He was very direct in the conversation very real and also he comes from the same state I come from, so he will understand me more.”
“I’m just thankful he gave me this opportunity,” Johnson said.
Johnson confirmed that he does have plans for visits this Summer, and he does indeed have intentions to visit Murfreesboro and the Middle Tennessee State campus.
When asked about his visit plans to MT, he said: “Sometime in June, if I’m not mistaken.”
He went on to say that there are certain boxes he is looking to check off when it comes to his visit.
“I’m looking forward to seeing a place that looks comfortable and like home,” he said.
All the other materialistic things don’t really excite me, but it would be a blessing as well.”
Most recruits out there have a dream school that they grew up rooting for.
“I grew up rooting for the Sooners,” he said.
“But I currently don’t have that offer, but it really doesn’t bother me because I’m willing to go anywhere I get an opportunity from.”
Johnson said that despite being six-feet tall and 155 pounds, it “Doesn’t really affect my game.”
Great article!