Clemson signs Johnson

CLEMSON — Southern Cal’s loss has become Clemson’s big gain.

Tuesday, Clemson and coach Oliver Purnell officially completed the best recruiting class in Purnell’s Tiger tenure by signing 6-foot-6 Fayette County (Ga.) swingman Noel Johnson to a scholarship.

Johnson, a consensus top-60 national recruit, committed to Clemson late last week after being released from his scholarship by Southern Cal. Johnson had signed with USC, but was released from his letter of intent after coach Tim Floyd resigned abruptly in the wake of an NCAA investigation into the program.

Johnson averaged 21 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game as a senior. He originally chose USC over Georgia Tech and Louisville, and Clemson beat out LSU this time around for his services.

His addition strengthens Clemson’s outside shooting and shooting guard spot, an area of potential weakness following K.C. Rivers’ graduation and Terrence Oglesby’s decision to forgo his final two years of college eligibility and play in Europe.

“We are pleased to be adding Noel to an outstanding recruiting class,” Purnell said in a statement. With the loss of K.C. Rivers and Terrence Oglesby, he helps us fill a need at the wing position. He comes from an outstanding high school program and AAU program. I believe he has tremendous upside.”

Johnson is expected to compete for playing time immediately with incoming freshman Donte Hill, sophomore Tanner Smith and potentially sophomore Andre Young at shooting guard.

He was rated as the No.30 overall prospect by ESPNU, No. 48 by PrepStars, No. 53 by Rivals.com and No.56 by Scout.com.

Clemson’s class was already a top-25 class before Johnson’s addition. It includes McDonald’s All-America Milton Jennings, a 6-9 forward from Summerville, Devin Booker, a 6-8 forward from Union County and younger brother of Clemson senior Trevor Booker, and Hill, a 6-5 guard from Virginia Beach, Va.