Johnson Will Go to USC

El Toro High School’s Rob Johnson, among the top high school quarterbacks in the Southland, has made an oral commitment to attend USC and is expected to sign a national letter of intent with the Trojans Feb. 6.

Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound senior, was the top-rated quarterback in Orange County last fall, passing for 2,207 yards and 25 touchdowns while completing 71% of his passes in 10 regular-season games.

An all-county wide receiver as a junior, Johnson became the first player in 32 years to make the team at different positions. He was Orange County athlete of the year for 1989-90 after earning all-league honors in football, baseball and basketball.

A right-handed pitcher, Johnson said he would play both football and baseball at USC.

“I was recruited by some great schools, but the situation at USC was best for me,” Johnson said. “I like the (football) coaching staff, the quarterback situation; their offense is similar to El Toro’s, and the baseball facilities are great.”

Johnson’s older brother, Bret, and current USC quarterback Todd Marinovich played for rival schools at El Toro and Capistrano Valley in 1986-87. Bret played two seasons at UCLA before transferring to Michigan State, where he will be eligible next season.