Runnin’ Utes Secure Big Commitment From Alta High Star For 2024 Class
Nov 2, 2023, 1:12 PM | Updated: 2:15 pm
SALT LAKE CITY – The Runnin’ Utes under head coach Craig Smith have been hard at work improving their roster and they took a big step Thursday afternoon landing the commitment of one of Alta High’s biggest stars for the 2024 signing class.
Jaxon Johnson made it official he is planning on being a Ute in front of friends, family, and classmates at 1:00 p.m. MT at Alta High.
The composite three-star power forward narrowed things down to BYU, USC, Stanford and Utah, ultimately choosing Smith and the Utes as his collegiate home after serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
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More About Future Runnin’ Ute Jaxon Johnson
Johnson currently stands at 6’8″ and 195 lbs. and is credited as a good passer for his size by 247 Sports along with a good feel for the game.
Johnson is credited with nice touch on the ball from deep range.
The scouting report on Johnson says he will need to build up his frame for the next level which is something he can certainly accomplish under Smith and the Utes.
Johnson has a .9196 composite rating which is good for a three-star ranking.
Nationally, he is the 144th best overall player nationally, the 32nd best power forward, and the No. 4 basketball player out of the state of Utah.
Jaxon Johnson Discusses Why He Chose Utah
After making his announcement, Johnson gave a few minutes to the media to discuss his decision process and what tipped Craig Smith and the Utes over the edge.
“I just think Craig Smith’s resume- he’s turned programs around,” Johnson said. “He plays a fun brand of basketball and I feel like I fit that style perfect. I’m excited to join and go to the Big 12.”
Johnson did grow up a Utah fan but was very adamant that logos and sentimentality didn’t go into the decision. It was purely about where he felt he fit best and that happened to be with the hometown team.
“I grew up a big Utah fan, but in this decision, logos and colors had no impact,” Johnson said. “This is just 100% where I feel I fit best.”
Utah Basketball Off To A Good Start After Exhibition Game
In his third season with the Utes, head coach Craig Smith has worked hard to continue improving Utah’s roster in hopes of returning the program to its former glory. It appears Smith has some pieces in place to take another step forward in the coming season.
Utah did start slow shooting, but eventually got things cooking toward midway of the first half and never looked back beating the Griffins 84- 61.
Michelle Bodkin is the Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of both the Crimson Corner Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and The Saturday Show (Saturday from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.) on The KSL Sports Zone. Follow her on X, Instagram, and Threads: @BodkinKSLsports
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