Posted on Sat, Jan. 05, 2008

Wearing a black jersey with his familiar No. 7 for the East, Pompano Beach Blanche Ely cornerback Patrick Johnson took center stage during the final minutes of Saturday's U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.

Johnson, considered the nation's top-ranked cornerback and rivals.com's third-ranked player in the country, appeared with his mother on a nationally televised segment on NBC.

With hats from Florida, Florida State and Louisiana State lined up on a table in front of him, Johnson wasted little time in picking up the purple, LSU Tigers hat and sliding it onto his head.

''My decision on where I want to spend the next couple of years of my life -- LSU,'' Johnson said.

Johnson, who was named the USA Today's National Defensive Player of the Year for 2007, said the decision came down to comfort.

''I just feel more comfortable with [LSU coach] Les Miles,'' he said.

The oral commitment to LSU is the second Johnson (6-1, 195 pounds) made since the summer. Originally, he gave what he termed a ''firm'' oral commitment to the University of Miami before the season. Since then, he decided to take visits elsewhere and recently decommitted from the Hurricanes.

With the Tigers, Johnson joins one of the nation's top programs. LSU competes against Ohio State on Monday night for the national championship.

Signing day is Feb. 6, and all commitments are nonbinding.

Johnson recorded five interceptions and made 60 tackles for Blanche Ely this season. He also played quarterback, running back, receiver, safety and served as the team's punter. He intercepted seven passes as a junior.