College coaches are using genetics as a recruiting cheat sheet lately.
Miami Hurricanes’ coach Mark Richt is one of a few.
In February, Richt extended an offer to eighth grade quarterback Max Johnson from Bogart, Ga., according to the Palm Beach Post.
Johnson isn’t just an above average middle school quarterback at Prince Avenue Christian School, he’s also the former Georgia coach’s nephew.
Johnson’s mother is Richt’s sister Nikki Johnson and Johnson’s father is former NFL and FSU quarterback Brad Johnson. Brad and Richt spent time together at FSU from 1990-1991 while Richt was the offensive coordinator.
Below are Johnson’s eighth grade football highlights.
Max isn't the only seventh-grade quarterback receive an offer from Richt. Marietta High School quarterback Harrison Bailey was also offered by Richt in February, according to Bailey's announcement on Twitter.
Richt isn’t the only coach pouncing on middle school football players who have notable parents.
Florida Atlantic coach Lane Kiffin offered a scholarship to the 13-year-old son of Southern California offensive coordinator Tee Martin on Monday morning, according to Fox Sports’ Bruce Feldman.
Martin was the quarterback during Tennessee’s 1998 National Championship win and played briefly with the Oakland Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Seventh grader Kaden Martin plays quarterback for Adams Middle School in Redondo Beach, Calif. in addition to pitching for his middle school baseball team.