BOILING SPRINGS – Gardner-Webb football announced on Wednesday that high school All-America receiver AJ Johnson had signed with the Runnin' Bulldogs.
 
Johnson played his senior season at Western (Fla.) High in Davie, Fla., and was selected for the prestigious Under Armour All-America game midway through the 2021 campaign. The 6-foot-3, 195-pounder is the highest-rated recruit to sign with Gardner-Webb during the modern recruiting era, earning a four-star rating heading into his senior season from 247Sports.com, Rivals.com and ESPN.com. 
 
He was rated as the nation's No. 20 receiver prospect in the Class of 2022 by Rivals.com and as one of the top-200 overall prospects in the class.
 
"Our coaching staff's goal going into the late spring was to add difference makers to this recruiting class, and AJ Johnson fits the bill very, very well," said head coach Tre Lamb. "He is also a tremendous young man off the field and is impressive in how he carries himself. AJ is a terrific addition to our football and university family."
 
Johnson originally committed to LSU after earning All-State honors as a junior at perennial power Isidore Newman (La.) High in New Orleans. Rated as the No. 8 prospect in the city, Johnson caught 40 passes for 558 yards and six touchdowns in 2020 and led the Greenies to a 9-1 record.
 
Johnson, who runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and has a 42-inch vertical leap, joins a very strong and impactful 2022 recruiting class for Gardner-Webb. 
 
He also joins an explosive, veteran offense that returns senior quarterback Bailey Fisher (5-11, 207), All-America candidate running back Narii Gaither (5-10, 177, Sr.) and All-Big South linemen Gabe Thompson (6-3, 301, Jr.), Clayton Frady (6-5, 295, Jr.) and Travis Polson (6-3, 280, Jr.). All-Big South tight end Deland Thomas (6-4, 238, Jr.) is also back for another season with the 'Dogs.
 
Gardner-Webb opens its 2022 season on September 3 at home against Division II foe Limestone (ESPN+).