Gabarri Johnson, top 2023 high school quarterback prospect in Washington, commits to Missouri Tigers
Just like his former teammate did two years go, four-star Lincoln High School quarterback Gabarri Johnson decided to announce a college decision on Mother's Day.
And just like Julien Simon did choosing something out of state - USC - Johnson is going a similar route.
Johnson gave the University of Missouri a verbal pledge Sunday over Washington and Utah, announcing that decision on social media.
"When today came about, I knew it was Mother's Day," Johnson said. "She (Johnson's mom) was excited and got a little teary-eyed."
It capped a hectic offseason courtship by Missouri, which hosted the Abes' junior and his grandparents last weekend on a visit to Columbia, then flew quarterbacks coach Bush Hamdan out to Tacoma on Thursday to watch the teenager in a private morning workout.
Johnson attributed his growing relationship with Hamdan as a big reason he gave the Tigers the nod.
And yet, Johnson's out-of-the-blue announcement caught Lincoln coach Masaki Matsumoto a little off guard Sunday.
"One of my coaches texted me and said that Gabarri committed," Matsumoto said. "I had no idea. But the last month or so, they have contacted me, and been in contact with him.
"They probably showed him a lot of love."
A true dual threat, Johnson finished his first full season as the starter last fall with 2,402 passing yards and 30 touchdowns, adding 648 yards and 14 scores on the ground as the 3A Pierce County League player of the year.
Johnson is the fourth Missouri commitment in the 2023 class - and only quarterback so far. The Tigers signed Georgia prep signal caller Sam Horn last December as part of this year's class.
"I like the fit," said Brandon Huffman, 247Sports.com's national recruiting editor. "I knew he wanted to challenge himself at the highest level, and the SEC (Southeastern Conference) is that."
Johnson said it is a "good relief off of my shoulders" in making this decision before his senior season.
"Now I am just focused on the next step - winning that state championship," Johnson said.
(Featured file photo by Vince Miller)
