One of the more under recruited players in Illinois 2024 has finally saw a scholarship offer for himself. That player is Malachi Johnson of Rockford Guilford High School. The 6’2” guard had a breakout grassroots season with Greater Purpose Athletics where he was one of the top guards on the NY2LA Association. 

The offer for Johnson came from Franklin Pierce University, a division two program in New Hampshire of the Northeast 10 Conference. The offer comes after the programs has been recruiting him over the past six months. “I like the area it’s in and the commitment to sports the school has,” Johnson responded on what he likes about Franklin Pierce. 

In addition to this offer, Johnson is receiving interest from numerous programs on all levels. Among the lengthy list of school’s interested in him are Benedictine, Bowling Green, Chattanooga, Dominican, Indianapolis, Rockhurst, St. Norbert, among others. 

For his future school, Johnson is looking for a few different aspects on and off the court. “A school that will not only help me grow as a basketball player but as a man. A family atmosphere that will make me feel like I’ve lived in the area my whole life. A school that will push me to be the best I can be regardless of if its basketball or not.”

Right now, in his senior season the guard is averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game to help lead Rockford Guilford out to a 9-2 record. For his commitment, Johnson is in no hurry to pick his future school. “I want to commit when I feel the time is right. I don’t want to rush anything because you never know what might happen any given time.”