TCU flips 4-star WR Quentin Johnston away from Texas pledge
TCU made a big-time recruiting splash on Monday night.
The Horned Frogs flipped 4-star wide receiver Quentin Johnston away from his commitment to the University of Texas.
The Temple High product announced the news on his social media account, writing: “Most definitely the hardest decision of my life ... but all in all I’m doing what I feel is best for me. I will be signing with TCU on Wednesday.”
Johnston becomes TCU’s highest-rated recruit in the 2020 class and the second-highest rated prospect ever to commit in the Gary Patterson era, according to 247Sports rankings.
Johnston had been committed to the Longhorns since August. But Texas is in the midst of an offensive coaching staff overhaul as it’s yet to hire an offensive coordinator and fired receivers coach Drew Mehringer earlier this month.
Johnston becomes the fourth 4-star prospect in TCU’s 2020 class, according to 247Sports. He joins Athens offensive tackle Garrett Hayes, Cox High (Virginia Beach, Virginia) cornerback Keontae Jenkins and John Ehret (Marrero, Louisiana) High defensive tackle Patrick Jenkins.
Recruits are able to sign their letters of intent starting Wednesday through Friday as part of the early signing period. After that, the traditional signing period starts Feb. 5, the first Wednesday of February.
Johnston is a significant get for the Horned Frogs, who are looking to replenish their receiving corps with Jalen Reagor declaring for the NFL Draft. At 6-foot-4, 180 pounds, Johnston has the frame to become a big target in TCU’s offense.
TCU wide receiver coach Malcolm Kelly played the key role in securing Johnston’s commitment.
Johnston is ranked as the No. 69 overall prospect in the 247SportsComposite ranking, and the No. 9 player in the state of Texas. He drew interest from other schools such as Oklahoma, Baylor, Houston, Duke, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, Arizona and Notre Dame.
“Johnston is one of the top receivers in the nation for a reason,” Horned Frog Blitz publisher and recruiting expert Jeremy Clark said. “Rankings-wise, he becomes the Frogs’ top recruit and he becomes the second-highest recruit to ever commit to the Frogs in the Patterson era.
“Johnston is long at 6-foot-4 and has incredible leaping ability. He’s extremely talented on the basketball court as well. This kid could remind TCU fans of another former Frog that had the ability to out-jump defenders for vertical balls — Josh Doctson.”
With Johnston’s commitment, TCU’s class is now ranked No. 29 in the country and No. 3 in the Big 12, according to 247Sports.
This story was originally published December 16, 2019 at 10:25 PM.
