Chiefs' Xavier Johnson commits to S. Alabama

Chamberlain rising senior TB Xavier Johnson, a 1,700-yard rusher in 2011, has committed to South Alabama, new Chiefs coach D.J. Mayo confirmed Saturday evening.

Johnson (5-foot-10, 185 pounds) also had offers from UMass, Middle Tennessee, Ohio, Toledo and Florida A&M. He couldn't immediately be reached for comment Saturday, but confirmed his commitment Saturday night via Twitter.

"I feel blessed and grateful that South Alabama Jaguars will let me play for them," Johnson tweeted. "I'm a Jaguar now."

Endowed with strength, sleekness and a natural lower-body lean, Johnson ran for 1,736 yards (third among Hillsborough County ball carriers) and 16 TDs on 231 carries last season. Last spring, he qualified for the Class 3A state track meet in the 200 meters.

Should he follow through with his commitment and sign with the Jaguars in February, he'd join a USA roster that features former Guy Toph Award winner C.J. Bennett (Alonso) and former Plant TB T.J. Glover.

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