The rapport Middle Tennessee men's basketball coaches developed with Nigel Johnson as a prep standout at Wooddale High School in Memphis paid off two years later when the highly-regarded guard signed a scholarship agreement with the Blue Raiders odds Wednesday.

Johnson, a freshman at Tallahassee Community College, became the third player to sign with Middle Tennessee, joining guard Demetrius Green (Daytona Beach Community College), and center Jay Ivey (Owensboro Catholic High School).

Johnson, who carries a 3.36 grade point average, will have three years to play for Middle Tennessee after earning his associate degree in one year. Johnson said the Blue Raiders were high on his list coming out of Wooddale High School but when things didn't work out in the recruiting process he opted to attend Tallahassee for one year rather than pursue other scholarship offers.

"Middle Tennessee recruited me in high school and that's where I wanted to go but things didn't quite work out," Johnson said. "I just figured I would go to Tallahassee for a year and then go to a good school so I'm excited to be going to Middle Tennessee now. It's a good fit for me and it's not too far from (Memphis) so my family can see me play. It's a good program and they are doing exciting things. I'm excited to be part of it."

Middle Tennessee Head Men's Basketball Coach Kermit Davis said the Blue Raiders are getting a quality player and person, who has the tools to make a difference in the program.

"Nigel is a talented, solid guard that can play all three guard positions," Davis said. "He's very unselfish. He's a great shooter, has great character, and he will fit in with our team very well for three years. You are getting a talented player and a guy with great character who has played for two outstanding coaches (Eddie Barnes at Tallahassee and Thomas Johnson at Wooddale), which has really helped his progress.