Cincere Johnson and his Glenville High School team kicked off their season with a 6-0 victory over Upper Arlington last Friday.
“We had a shutout, so that’s always great,” says Johnson, a highly regarded linebacker in the Class of 2026.
“I had 14 tackles, three tackles for loss. I did pretty well.”
Johnson feels he’s made strides in several areas that will benefit him throughout the season.
“Running sideline to sideline, reading plays faster, shutting down the run game, and controlling the line of scrimmage,” he explains.
Johnson is attracting interest from top programs, including Notre Dame and Texas A&M, both of which have extended offers. There was talk of him possibly visiting College Station this Saturday, but that’s not happening.
“We play Olentangy Liberty in Columbus on Friday,” Johnson says. “I’m not sure which games I’ll be able to attend this week…probably none, to be honest.”
However, Johnson plans to watch the Irish and Aggies face off in primetime, focusing on both teams closely.
“I’m interested in the defense, the concepts, and just the overall teams,” he says. “They both have strong programs, so I’ll be looking at that aspect, how they’re coached, their habits, and so on.”
Johnson visited South Bend multiple times this offseason and stays in regular contact with Notre Dame assistant Al Washington, Assistant General Manager Carter Auman, and other staff members.
“I talk to Coach Washington a lot,” he says. “I’m in constant communication with Carter and the rest of the guys. It’s great to stay connected.”
“They give me daily motivation, share more about the program, and keep me updated on how things are looking for the week, all while encouraging me to have a great season.”
Johnson hopes to return to South Bend for a game this fall, though nothing is scheduled yet.
“Whenever it fits into my schedule,” he says. “We have a tough schedule and travel a lot, so we don’t get back home until Saturday. I know college games are on Saturdays.”
“It really depends on when it fits. I’m aiming to attend games during our home game stretches. But right now, with all the travel, it’s hard to plan.”
Johnson’s offer list includes Michigan State, Purdue, Wisconsin, Missouri, Florida State, Kentucky, Cincinnati, and several others.
“I’m looking to narrow things down by the end of this year,” he says. “Heading into my senior year, I want to make a commitment around that time. I’ll start narrowing my options soon, but for now, I’m keeping my eyes open.”
Johnson is seeking “the right place for me.”
“Somewhere I feel comfortable spending the next four or five years, with a great coaching staff, strong team, and a place where I can thrive both academically and athletically, and grow as a person and player,” he says.
Notre Dame has been positioning itself as that school for months.
“Notre Dame is a prestigious program, both academically and athletically, so that checks a lot of boxes,” he says.
“It’s also a great football program. They have a strong team every year, and they’re looking to have a great one this year too.”
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