D.C. defensive end eyeing Auburn visit

Defensive end Tyree Johnson, a four-star recruit from St. John’s College High in Washington, D.C., has been committed to Texas A&M since August.

He’s confident in his commitment to Aggies, but he’s also curious about other schools.

“I feel very good about A&M, but I want to visit other places just to be sure,” Johnson said.

Johnson visited Rutgers last weekend and will visit Maryland on Friday. A visit to Auburn in January is a possibility, especially now that the Tigers have offered.

“Auburn offered me Saturday,” Johnson said. “It felt great. It was awesome getting the offer because Calvin (Ashley) is committed there.”

Johnson and Ashley, who is a long-time Auburn commit, are teammates at St. John’s College High. Ashley, however, isn’t the reason Johnson has interest in Auburn.

“Cam Newton went to Auburn and he is my favorite player,” Johnson said.

Johnson has never visited Auburn, but hopes to get the chance before Signing Day. He is scheduled to meet with coaches from Auburn on Thursday and possibly set a visit.

“I haven’t been there, but I sure would like to,” Johnson said. “Auburn plays in the SEC, and I know they have a great defense and their scheme fits the kind of d-end I am.”

Johnson has a visit scheduled to Texas A&M Jan. 20-22. He’d like to schedule one to Auburn either Jan. 13-15 or Jan. 27-29. Johnson also is considering visiting Michigan State.

“I just want to see other schools to be sure I made the right decision (with A&M),” Johnson said.

Rivals ranks Johnson, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 240 pounds, the No. 23 weakside defensive end in the 2017 class and No. 3 player in D.C.