Kamhariyan “Mhari” Johnson Announces He’s Shutting Down His Recruitment After Conversation With Coach Freddie Roach and Family

Kamhariyan “Mhari” Johnson, one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, has made a bombshell announcement that could shift the recruiting landscape entirely. The highly touted defensive standout revealed on social media that he’s shutting down his recruitment process — and he did it in dramatic, emphatic fashion.

“HUGE NEWS!! After a conversation with Coach Freddie Roach, my family, & my trainer Coach L…I’m shutting my recruitment down!” Johnson wrote. That declaration quickly reverberated throughout the college football world, generating buzz among fanbases and prompting reactions from analysts, coaches, and fellow recruits alike. It’s a move that suggests clarity, confidence, and commitment from a young man whose recruiting journey was starting to heat up across multiple national programs.

For those unfamiliar, Mhari Johnson isn’t just any recruit. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end from Georgia has been on the radar of nearly every major SEC and ACC program since he first stepped foot on a high school football field. Known for his explosive first step, relentless motor, and uncanny ability to disrupt plays before they begin, Johnson quickly emerged as a can’t-miss talent. Schools from Alabama to Ohio State had him circled on their boards, and for good reason. But now, Johnson has made it abundantly clear that the recruiting circus is over for him.

While Johnson has yet to officially name his school of choice in this announcement, his mention of Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach in the same breath as his decision is no coincidence. Roach, widely regarded as one of the top recruiters and developers of talent in college football, has made a habit of landing elite prospects who not only shine on Saturdays but go on to become Sunday players. His fingerprints are all over Alabama’s recent defensive success, and it appears his ability to connect on a personal level is continuing to yield results.

The bond between a recruit and a position coach often plays a massive role in these types of decisions. For Johnson, the trust and understanding he found with Roach may have tipped the scales. Conversations with coaches can often be filled with platitudes and promises, but Johnson’s wording suggests this one was different — a defining moment, not just a sales pitch. Combine that with feedback and counsel from his family and his personal trainer, Coach L, and it’s evident that this decision was grounded in conviction, not impulse.

Johnson has always been mature beyond his years. Even as a freshman, his focus and discipline stood out. Teammates and coaches alike praise his work ethic and attitude, and he’s made it clear throughout his recruitment that he values development and culture over hype and headlines. That level-headedness is likely a major reason why he’s decided to shut things down early — to eliminate distractions and fully commit to growing both on and off the field.

Recruiting insiders had noted in recent weeks that Johnson appeared to be narrowing his options. Despite a flurry of late interest from programs that hadn’t previously been in the mix, Johnson stayed consistent. He visited several schools unofficially this spring but kept things close to the vest. Those close to the situation say the Alabama visit, and especially his time spent with Coach Roach and the Crimson Tide’s defensive staff, made a lasting impression. Not just the facilities or the trophies, but the feeling of being understood — as a person, not just a player.

It’s easy for young prospects to get swept up in the attention and the allure of national recruiting coverage. Johnson, however, showed he’s cut from a different cloth. This move not only reflects maturity, it sends a strong message: he’s all in on the next chapter, and he wants to get to work.

Reaction to the announcement was swift and widespread. Twitter, Instagram, and recruiting forums lit up with speculation and celebration. Alabama fans, in particular, seem confident that this declaration means Johnson is heading to Tuscaloosa, even if he hasn’t dropped the official commitment graphic just yet. Other fanbases expressed both respect and disappointment, knowing that one of the elite edge prospects in the country is no longer an option.

Recruiting experts universally rank Johnson among the top defensive linemen in the nation, with many projecting him as a future first-round NFL Draft pick if he continues his trajectory. He’s a rare blend of size, speed, technique, and football IQ. But what separates him most might be his intangibles — leadership, resilience, and a relentless desire to improve.

This announcement is also a major win for whichever program ultimately lands him. Not only are they getting a future cornerstone of their defensive front, but they’re also adding a tone-setter for the locker room. Players like Johnson elevate everyone around them, and they attract other elite talent. Don’t be surprised if other top-tier prospects begin to lean toward wherever Johnson has silently pledged his allegiance.

Interestingly, this decision may also change the recruiting landscape for several other programs. Schools that had Johnson atop their boards will now need to pivot quickly. Some may double down on other top defensive ends, while others may revisit their approach or allocate more resources to future classes. In a world where one elite recruit can create a domino effect, Johnson’s decision has the potential to influence dozens of others.

There’s also the element of timing. Shutting things down this early in the summer gives Johnson a massive advantage heading into his senior year. He can focus on his final high school season without distractions, fully immerse himself in his team’s goals, and take on a leadership role without the looming cloud of recruitment questions. That clarity is rare and invaluable.

Johnson’s commitment also highlights the importance of trust in recruiting. Trust between a coach and a player. Trust between a family and a program. Trust between a young man and his inner circle. When those pieces align, the result is a decision that feels right — and that’s clearly what happened here.

While fans will naturally hunger for the official commitment ceremony, hat table, or photo shoot, the truth is that Johnson’s tweet may be all the confirmation that matters. The essence of recruiting isn’t always in the theatrics; sometimes it’s in a quiet moment of understanding and unity, followed by a clear statement of purpose. And in those terms, Johnson’s message rang loud and clear.

This also speaks volumes about the influence of Coach Freddie Roach. He’s built a reputation not just for developing NFL-ready talent, but for forging relationships that endure beyond the football field. His players speak about him with reverence, not just as a coach, but as a mentor and guide. The fact that Johnson specifically cited Roach in his announcement speaks to that impact.

As for Johnson’s future, it looks as bright as any in the 2025 class. His physical gifts are obvious, but what makes him truly special is his mindset. He approaches the game with the seriousness of a veteran and the hunger of someone still chasing greatness. Wherever he ends up, that program is getting a leader. A disruptor. A young man determined to leave his mark.

In today’s college football world, the recruiting trail can be chaotic. NIL deals, social media buzz, coaching changes — it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But Mhari Johnson just showed that it’s possible to navigate that maze with poise, purpose, and clarity.

He didn’t need to play games. He didn’t need to drag it out. He made his choice, informed by conversation, grounded in trust, and fueled by a deep sense of who he is and where he wants to go.

And now, with the recruiting process in the rearview mirror, Kamhariyan “Mhari” Johnson is locked in.

All eyes will now turn to where he’ll make it official, but one thing is certain: the recruiting battle is over — and someone just won big.