RECRUITING: Cheyenne’s Johnson joins teammates in Big Sky country

Another Cheyenne athlete is headed to the Big Sky Conference.

Only this time, it’s a football player.

Desert Shields senior receiver/defensive back Xavian Johnson gave an oral commitment Wednesday to Weber State.

Two of his basketball teammates, guard Chris McCall (Montana State) and post player Jaylen Henry (Eastern Washington) signed with Big Sky schools in November.

Johnson made an official visit to Weber State the weekend of Jan. 8. He said he felt an immediate comfort factor with the Wildcats’ coaching staff.

“Mostly, it was the relationship with the coaches,” he said. “I felt real comfortable.”

Weber State was the only school to offer Johnson a scholarship but he also received interest from Arizona State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Oregon State and Portland State.

Johnson said Weber State recruited him as a receiver, cornerback and return specialist.

The 5-foot-11-inch, 175-pound Johnson had 25 receptions for 264 yards and four touchdowns, and carried 51 times for 211 yards and two TDs this season.

As a defensive back, he had 50 tackles and eight pass deflections.

Players are not bound by oral commitments. Signing day is Feb. 3.

With football recruiting behind him, the Desert Shields guard can focus his energy on basketball.

“I’m excited now,” he said. “I don’t really have anything to worry about.”

SPECIALISTS DECIDE — Green Valley senior punter Scott Arn accepted an invitation to walk-on at Richmond, and Silverado senior kicker Brandon Romano signed with NAIA Northwestern College (Iowa).

VISITS PLANNED — Silverado senior linebacker Kyle Anderson said he’ll visit Northern Arizona this weekend. He also has an offer from Weber State.

Del Sol senior receiver/defensive back Evan Weinstock said he’ll visit Colorado for track this weekend. He visited Brown for football last weekend.