The Recruiting Guy

Arkansas LB target is a tackling machine

Linebacker Thomas Johnston.

An Arkansas linebacker target had another big game on Friday.

Thomas Johnston, 6-2, 220, 4.78 seconds in the 40-yard dash, of Spanish Fort (Ala.) High School, recorded 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, a sack and a pass break up in a 38-10 victory over Gulf Shores Friday night.

Johnston, who ESPN rates as the No. 18 inside linebacker in the nation, has combined for 290 tackles, 29 tackles for loss, 5 sacks and 4 interceptions the last two seasons. He needs more than 140 tackles this season to become the Alabama all time leading tackler in state history.

He has about 18 scholarship offers from schools like Arkansas, Auburn, Clemson, Oregon, Iowa, LSU, Louisville and North Carolina State. He, his father and family friend and former Hog cornerback Dean Peevy visited the Hogs in June. He plans to make an official visit to Fayetteville for the Ole Miss game on Oct. 15.