Fayette’s Johnson chooses Clemson

Basketball standout Noel Johnson of Fayette County High, who withdrew from a commitment with Southern Cal, accepted a scholarship offer Friday from Clemson.

The 6-foot-7 Johnson also considered UNLV, Charlotte, LSU and Xavier after USC granted him a release from his letter-of-intent. The Trojans are being investigated by the NCAA.

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Jason Getz / jgetz@ajc.com

Johnson (32) originally committed to Southern Cal but withdrew when the NCAA announced it was investigating the school.

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Johnson told the AJC that, besides academics, he was drawn to Clemson by its “winning tradition.” At the same time, he said, “They seem to die at the end of the season. I’m trying to be that missing piece.”

He also was recruited at one time by Georgia Tech and more recently by Georgia’s coach Mark Fox, who was hired in April.

Johnson is ranked No. 53 nationally by Rivals.com among just-graduated high school seniors and 56th by Scout.com.