2018 Arkansas WR Trajen Johnson Updates Season and Talks Set Official Visits
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
More goes into a “simple” pass play on the football field than what meets the eye. Even in a short form from quarterback to receiver, the breakdown can get complicated with so many potential variables effecting a given route. When the complicated is made to look easy, something special is happening. The connection between Pulaski Academy seniors, quarterback Layne Hatcher and receiver Trajen Johnson, in 2017 is making the difficult look easy.
Arkansas high school football fans have long been aware of Hatcher and Johnson (6-2, 190). The duo has helped bring consecutive 5A state titles to the Little Rock program tallying three straight. With the way the Bruins are looking after the first three games of the season, falling short of a fourth consecutive seems highly improbable.
The Bruins opened the season with vengeance traveling to Sand Springs (OK) to face Page High School. The Sandites could not slow the Bruins down falling 59-21. Against Page, the Hatcher to Johnson connection was good for nine receptions covering 103 yards with a score. Memphis’ Ridgeway tried their best but was humbled to a 56-20 final. Bossier City’s Parkway High School made the long trip north for an ESPNU televised showdown against PA but met an all-too familiar fate walking away with a 62-21 loss. After three key out of state showdowns, Johnson has secured 17 receptions for 160 yards with three touchdowns. The national respect took a big bump as well seeing the Bruins go from a No. 27 national ranking to No. 17.
College scouts are enjoying the work Johnson is putting into the game while displaying his 4.4 speed. From sharp route running to explosion out of his cuts, the improvement in his game from his 43 reception- 943 yard- and 14 touchdown- All-Conference season a year ago is showing. To date, 11 schools have offered Johnson with the list including Navy, Army, Air Force, Columbia, Southeast Missouri State, Dartmouth, Pennsylvania, Cornell, Harvard, Yale, and Georgetown. By season’s end, the list could grow to include the interested squads like Texas, Cincinnati, Southern Illinois, Central Arkansas, Samford, Princeton, and Oklahoma State among others.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Johnson covering his season to date and his expanding recruiting attention.
Interview
Trajen, congratulations on the big win against Parkway on Friday night.
“Thank you.”
How did the game go for you personally?
“It was really cool to play later in the night. We went to school that day and then we went to a movie to push the day back from our normal schedule. When we got on the field it was business as usual.”
What movie did you guys go see?
“American Assassin. It was really good with a lot of action.”
What was it like for you getting a chance to play on national television?
“That was a lot of fun. We had a broadcast on Facebook Live with Bleacher Report last year, that helped us prepare for this year. Playing on ESPNU was a different experience with so much national attention. It was fun.”
Did you get any responses from college coaches due to your game?
“I know some of the coaches that are recruiting me watched the game, I’m not sure on any other coaches.”
Through the first three games of the season, the Bruins are looking like beasts on offense. What are you guys doing well to make the offense so prolific?
“Defense and offense goes hand in hand. With our defense, they are getting a lot stops and three and outs getting the ball back to the offense. Our offense has only stopped on three possessions with first group this season. We expect to score a touchdown every time we take the field.”
How has your game grown from last year to this year?
“I think one of the major things that has grown is my leadership. I feel like I am leading more this year. This is my third year starting. I am helping all the younger guys, helping mold them into what the offense is supposed to look like. Layne (Hatcher) is starting in his third year too. A lot of the guys on the line, all of us have a lot of experience. We can do what the system was made to do.”
Are you doing anything differently with your game to game approach that is helping on the field?
“Game to game, I am attacking it the same. I am trying to take everything in this year. This is my last year – this is my senior year and final year playing with the guys.”
Has there been a defender on the field that has been a fun challenge for you this season? If so, how did that showdown help you become an even better receiver?
“Yeah, against Parkway – Israel Mukuamu (4-star safety). That was fun seeing what a Florida State commitment looks like. I was able to compare myself to him.”
The out of state games are over, which in-state matchups are you excited to play?
“The one game everyone is looking forward to is Little Rock Christian. They are our cross-city rivalry game but we end up blowing them out every year.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered?
“I am hearing from UCA (Central Arkansas) and Arkansas State. I was at the UCA game yesterday (Saturday, Sept. 16). Grambling is also very interested.”
How did your UCA visit go?
“It went really well. I went up there with some teammates; Brett Lynch (receiver), Layne Hatcher, and Brooks Walton (linebacker). I talked to the coaching staff. It went really well.”
Have you had a chance to take any other visits this season?
“This early in the season, I have not. Early on in the season, I wanted to stay the course focusing on our season. Now that the season is underway, I feel comfortable visiting more campuses.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes, sir. I am planning on going to Columbia this weekend. I have a visit with Pennsylvania on Nov. 4. I am looking forward to as well. I think I may go to West Point and Navy as well.”
What has you excited about visiting Columbia this Saturday?
“I am really excited. My only basketball offer is from Johns Hopkins. I am excited about seeing the program and the game day atmosphere. I am looking forward to talking to the coaches and breaking down film with their receivers coach, Coach (Rick) Ulrich. I want to see how the guys interact with each other day to day there as well.”
Since you have 11 offers and are starting to take official visits, do you have a commitment date in mind?
“One of the main things I will do before I commit is take all my visits. I want to see all the campuses and see what each one has to offer and go from there. One of the main things that is interesting to me is the potential to be a dual-sport athlete in college.”
Last question, the Bruins get Fair on Friday night. What challenges does that game bring for you and the Bruins?
“With Fair, it is all about staying focused. With teams like that, you have to go out and execute your game plan. We cannot have a letdown. Some call it the “Alabama effect.” The letdown after a big game. Sometimes you see a team drop off the following week after a big game. We have to stay the course to get the win.”
Trajen, thanks for your time today. Good luck with the Fair game and your visit to Columbia.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: wholehogsports.com; No. 1 Trajen Johnson celebrates a touchdown with Luke Jones
Photo credit: twitter; No. 1 Trajen Johnson team captain vs. Sand Springs