Hokie Spotlight: Tyler Johnson

BLACKSBURG – Guard Tyler Johnson has brought a youthful spark to Hokies men’s basketball in only his first year on the team. The Orlando, Florida native’s two-way playmaking ability has been a highlight for a team that, under head coach Mike Young, is making strides at the turn of the new year. A monster on the glass, it’s no secret that Johnson has already found success as a Hokie. 

Johnson first started his basketball career logging minutes at Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, Florida. As a Pioneer, Johnson was incredibly successful in four years with the program, earning All-Metro and Orlando Sentinel All-Central Florida First Team recognition as a junior and senior. A consensus three-star recruit, Johnson was recognized as the No. 17-ranked player in the state of Florida and No. 36-ranked player in the nation at the small forward position according to 247Sports. The blossoming talent also tallied minutes in the Nike EYBL circuit as a member of the Florida Rebels before landing in Blacksburg this fall. 

Through 19 games this season, Johnson’s impact has reverberated across the team in more ways than one. The freshman currently averages 6.3 points and 5.3 rebounds a game on 45.8% shooting in 22.6 minutes per contest. What makes Johnson such an asset, however, is his rebounding ability. Described as a ball-hawk on the glass in the Guard Position Preview, the guard’s 100 total rebounds rank second on the team, trailing only Tobi Lawal. Against Cal on Jan. 11, Johnson’s 12 rebounds (nine defensive) were a team high, the third time the freshman has led the team on the boards this season (Nov. 11, 10 against Winthrop; Dec. 7, six against then-No. 18 Pitt).  

Speaking to the media on Jan. 17, head coach Mike Young sang the praises on his first-year guard. Alongside discussion on the 79-76 victory against NC State, a win that marked Young’s 100th victory with the Hokies, Young made sure to emphasize Johnson’s contributions.  

“He’s tenacious and hard-nosed,” said Young. “He’s getting more and more comfortable and coming into his own. [Johnson is] a good ball player, one we hope is in a Hokie uniform for years to come.” 

Johnson and the Hokies see the court next against Clemson on Jan. 25 at 5 p.m. ET. The ACC clash, which marks this season’s Shoes 4 Hope game, will feature Virginia Tech coaches in shoes designed by pediatric patients from Carilion Children’s Hospital. Saturday evening’s matchup will be the third time the Hokies have hosted the event in partnership with the Coaches vs. Cancer nationwide initiative. While tickets for the weekend contest are sold out, fans interested in seeing the Hokies compete should visit SeatGeek, the official fan-to-fan ticket marketplace of Virginia Tech Athletics.