Colorado landed commitment No. 3 of the 2019 class as Highlands Ranch (Colo.) offensive lineman Austin Johnson chose the Buffaloes over early offers from Colorado State and Arizona State.

"A couple of the reasons why I picked the Buffs was being close to home and family," Johnson told CUSportsNation.com. "And I like what they're doing up in Boulder."

All three of Colorado's 2019 commitments are from in-state prospects, and that's something that Johnson appreciates.

"That was definitely another thing, knowing that Ty Evans and Joshia Davis are committed there and knowing I can be a part of a wonderful recruiting class up at CU," Johnson said. "It shows that they care about the talent we have in-state."

Johnson also will have the opportunity to play with his good friend, high school teammate, and 2018 CU signee Ray Robinson once again.

"I talked to him a little bit about it and we were both pretty excited about it," said Johnson. "We're glad we can play a few more years together."

Colorado offensive line coach Klayton Adams recruited "Big Spicy," and Johnson is looking forward to being coached under him at CU in 2019.

"He came down to the school a week ago and we message here and there. I like him a lot; he's a good coach," Johnson said. "I worked with him last year at a camp, and I like how he coaches the game of football."

Johnson is likely to play at one of the interior offensive line spots at Colorado.