Hurst L.D. Bell defensive lineman announces his commitment to the TCU Horned Frogs
The TCU Horned Frogs and head coach Sonny Dykes have added another player to their class of 2024 recruiting class.
Hurst L.D. Bell defensive lineman Tristan Johnson announced his commitment to TCU on Saturday. He first announced the decision to his Blue Raider teammates before posting it on Twitter.
The Star-Telegram caught up with Johnson for an exclusive interview prior to the announcement.
“TCU has a great program,” Johnson said. “They’re a winning program. They have a great coaching staff.”
Johnson was previously committed to UTSA but re-opened his commitment on Thursday.
Johnson leads the Blue Raiders with eight sacks this season. He’s caused two fumbles and has tallied 42 total tackles.
At 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, Johnson said he plays physical but also quick. He said one of his specialties is hustling to the ball.
Johnson said he valued TCU’s location, given it’s only 15 minutes from his home.
“Having that opportunity to play at a high level,” Johnson said. “My parents can come to the games easily. My high school coaches can come to the games easily. It was such a great opportunity. Such a blessing to have.”
Johnson said said he got to see “what TCU is about” by talking to coaches and walking around campus. He specifically mentioned the strength and conditioning program as one of the reasons he was intrigued.
“I was really impressed by the strength and conditioning staff,” Johnson said. “I saw that last year, there weren’t many soft tissue injuries that kept guys out.”
Johnson said his relationship with TCU defensive line coach JaMarkus McFarland made an impact on his decision.
“He’s a really great coach,” Johnson said. “He was really straightforward with me. ... Even back during the summer camps he talked to me. He invited me back to a private mini camp that they held. Being able to go there and learn more about him as a coach was great.”
Johnson said he always knew Dykes is a “great head coach” but talking to him made him realize just how great he is. He also said he’s familiar with defensive coordinator Joe Gillespie’s system because Bell runs a three man front.
“Being able to play under them is a blessing,” Johnson said.
Johnson also mentioned academics being a strong factor and said he plans to study Kinesiology to learn how to become a strength coach.
Johnson is the 18th class of 2024 player to commit to the Horned Frogs. He’s the third player from District 3-6A. He joins two players from North Crowley: defensive lineman Sterlin Brooks and athlete Julian Knox.
This story was originally published October 21, 2023 at 12:37 PM.
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