Four-star DB, In-State WVU Target Isaiah Johnson Moves to California

West Virginia University is still in the mix to land 247Sports four-star defensive back Isaiah Johnson, but any potential trips to see him play as a senior just got significantly longer.

Johnson was a standout at West Virginia Class AA state power Bluefield. Emphasis on the word was. The now former Bluefield Beaver has relocated with his family to California and recently spoke to Southern California’s 247Sports affiliate site about the move.

According to Johnson, when he missed most of his junior season in 2019 with an injury there were rumors being spread about him by Bluefield coaches that did not paint him in a flattering light. He was upset about the rumors, so his family relocated to get him away from the school.

“I didn’t feel like the high school I was at in West Virginia was treating me well,” Johnson told 247Sports. “I mean, the coaches at the school told colleges that my teammates didn’t like me and a lot of crazy stuff.”

That news likely does not bode well for WVU. The Mountaineers were among Johnson’s top eight schools in early June, along with USC, Louisiana State, Georgia, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Texas and Tennessee. Johnson, listed at an even 6-foot and 182 pounds, previously lived in Atlanta prior to his time in West Virginia. Prior to his move, the 247Sports composite ratings had Johnson listed as the seventh-best cornerback in the country and the top Class of 2021 recruit in West Virginia just ahead of Spring Valley offensive tackle Wyatt Milam — who has pledged to play for the Mountaineers.