Purdue landed one of its top in-state targets Thursday when Fort Wayne Snider defensive tackle Lawrence Johnson announced his commitment to the Boilermakers.
"It's close to home and I think getting to play close to home is a pretty nice situation," Johnson said. "And I did it now because I just felt comfortable with the decision. Why wait if you know what your decision is going to be?"
The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder is the second of the Boilermaker coaching staff's first wave of in-state priorities to commit, joining Indianapolis defensive back Elijah Ball.
He's Purdue's 13th commitment overall, all of which have come in the span of less than three weeks.
It might be considered a particularly important one, and not just because of Purdue's desire to strike more blows in Indiana in recruiting.
It comes at a position of need. Purdue is thin on the interior of the defensive line as it stands now and is very much in the market for potential early contributors for next season and beyond.
"They said I'll have a chance to compete for a starting spot right away," Johnson said, "and that was important to me, too."
He will come in the door physically equipped. Though he admits conditioning will be an emphasis for him long-term, Johnson is all of the 300-plus pounds he's listed at, but uncommonly quick for being that big.
"(Purdue) said they love my ability to move at 305," Johnson said. "I run down the ball and get to the quarterback quickly for being 305."
Johnson chose Purdue over offers from Western Michigan, Bowling Green, Ball State and others after he'd drawn interest throughout the spring from Michigan State, Penn State and such programs.
For more on Johnson as a player, see the video interview embedded above.
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