DT Johnson decides the time is now

After taking a week to let his first Power-5 offer sink in, a Minnesota prep defensive tackle decided it was time to make a decision and put his recruiting process in the rearview mirror by making a commitment to Cyclone head coach Paul Rhoads Monday night.

Savage Prior Lake's Jamahl Johnson took an unofficial visit to Iowa State for the Iowa game and took in a lot of the pre-game festivities. He also picked up his first Power-5 offer and just second overall. The 6-foot-1, 319-pound Johnson decided it was time to accept that offer, instead of dragging out the process any longer.

"I was going to do it yesterday, but I called Coach Rhoads today," said Johnson. "We were recapping the last game. I told him I wanted to be a Cyclone and he was as excited as ever. I felt like it was a great fit for me. They were honest in the recruiting process and they stayed true to their word on when they were going to offer. I'm excited to be a Cyclone."

Upon his return from Ames, Johnson had expressed that he'd like to take some more time before committing and wanted to make an official visit to his other offer school South Dakota soon. But that timetable apparently accelerated over the past week.

"I felt like I needed to commit," he said. "The recruiting process, homework and football - I was just stressed out for the most part. This was the greatest fit for me. When I called up there I also talked to Coach Eggen, who has played a big role in my recruitment. He has big things for me when I get down there. Hopefully I can play as soon as I can when I get down there."

Johnson sees himself as a similar interior defensive lineman to current starter Demond Tucker, and would like to eventually make a huge impact in that spot.

"I'd love to play the three-tech tackle for Iowa State," Johnson said. "I feel it is a great fit for me. Tucker is actually shorter than me, but I see myself playing the same position as him and wreaking havoc in the backfield."