In fewer than three seasons at LSU, junior cornerback Patrick Peterson has become a superstar and potential Heisman Trophy candidate. LSU hopes that talent runs in the family.
Wide receiver Avery Johnson, Peterson’s younger brother, verbally committed to LSU on Sept. 1 and became the Tigers’ first commitment from the class of 2012. The Pompano Beach, Fla., native made his decision less than one month into his junior year of high school.
“That’s where I want to be,” Johnson said. “I want to be a part of that great football team. When I go there, we’re going to win national championships. I see it already.”
At 6 feet 2 inches and 185 pounds, Johnson has all the attributes to become a top wide receiver for the Tigers, said Shea Dixon, managing editor of TigerSportsDigest.com. Johnson may even rank among the top high school recruits by the end of his senior year.
“For a kid his age, who is already as physically developed and talented as he is, he can already move forward and start looking at some stuff that kids wouldn’t look to until they get to college,” Dixon said.
Peterson did offer some brotherly advice for Johnson on the recruiting process but ultimately left the choice up to him.
“I didn’t want to tell him exactly where to go,” Peterson said. “I wanted him to be happy with his decision, and I believe he made a great decision. He’s a big time player. I can’t wait to see him in the purple and gold.”
Peterson also advised Johnson to stick with his commitment. Peterson committed to the University of Miami before finally selecting LSU, but Johnson left no doubt in his choice.
“I’m solid,” Johnson said. “I’m locked in with LSU. No matter how many college coaches talk to me, I’m with LSU.”    
Johnson spent his freshman year in Baton Rouge playing for Redemptorist High School during Peterson’s freshman year of college. That year, LSU started to take notice of Johnson.
“I used to go to all the games,” Johnson said. “I had access to everything. I fell in love with the place. It’s a great place to play football. It’s a great place to be.”
Once his family moved back to Florida before his sophomore season, Johnson excelled for Blanche-Ely High School and accounted for 705 yards and seven touchdowns.
During the summer, Johnson played for the South Florida Express, a traveling seven-on-seven team that won the Badger Sports Elite 7-on-7 National Championship in July. Johnson gained valuable experience and national recognition playing with top recruits like Teddy Bridgewater, Ryan Shazier and Jeremy Cash.
“It helped put him on the map,” Dixon said. “The kids that were on that team were just amazing. All these national names that people paid attention to, and for the first time you get to see and hear about guys like Avery Johnson.”
Johnson also built friendships with his Express teammates — friendships that could be equally beneficial for LSU. Johnson has worked hard recruiting friend and teammate Abraham “Nacho” Garcia, an elite offensive lineman from Davie, Fla., and believes he too will be donning the purple and gold in two years.
“I got him,” Johnson said. “He’s not ready to commit yet, but I got him.”
Johnson credits his brother for helping him develop into an elite receiver. Whenever the two get a chance, they practice and compete against each other.
But who has the upper hand?
“Out of five passes,” Johnson said, “I’ll probably catch about two  of them.”
Peterson agrees.
“I definitely win that battle, but he’s a great receiver. I can’t wait to see him play collegiate football,” Peterson said.
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Contact Hunter Paniagua at [email protected]