ACC trip on tap for Johnson

There are three distinct levels in Shaquille Johnson's recruitment. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound guard from Jacksonville (Fla.) Robert E. Lee High School isn't trying to figure out what level is best but rather what fit is the best for him.

The three-star prospect has already made official visits to Tulane and Jacksonville and he will head to Blacksburg this weekend for his third trip of the fall period.

Johnson said he enjoyed his time in New Orleans and got a lot out of the trip at Tulane.

"Everything was good down there. The business program was nice and the coaches are all nice guys there," Johnson said. "So, it was good."

Jacksonville head coach Cliff Warren has shadowed the local product since taking over the job nearly two years ago. Johnson said he had a chance to see more of JU's campus than before.

"I haven't seen their campus before so I wanted to get to their business department because that is what I want to major in. I got to see that. They have a good business school. It was a good class environment," Johnson said. "I got to meet the president and the athletic director. I think they are going to turn the program around. They did it last year but they are trying to go deep and keep going on up."

This weekend is a big one for Johnson as well as Virginia Tech. The senior will be joined by at least nine other prospects. The Hokies are high on his list, Johnson said.

"They were one of the first schools to contact to me. They have been there from the beginning. I know they aren't one of those that try to jump in just now," he said. "I like their program and they had a great run last year."

Penn State and Minnesota are also being considered and could potentially receive an official visit from Johnson, he said.

"I want to make sure I fit well with that team and I want to be an impact player. I don't want to be just another player on that team," Johnson said. "Plus, academics are going to be important. I want to have something to fall back on in case something happens."

Now the question is finding the right fit for him, Johnson says.

"The conference doesn't really mean anything to me because if you look at, (the non high-majors) play a tough non-conference schedule," he said. "They will play really good teams. I feel like if you have the talent, then (the NBA) will find you. The draft always has guys from all kinds of schools and divisions. One of the top guards from the draft last year was from a mid-major and that was Rodney Stuckey. There are a lot of people in the league like that. I think it's about talent. If you have talent, you're going to get there no matter what conference you go to."