Interview: Breakout Season for 2017 WR/SS Mateen Johnson Paying Off on Recruiting Trail

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

If ever there was a time to shine, having a standout senior season is the best for high school football players. Do-everything athlete Mateen Johnson made an off-season move from Calabasas to Newbury Park High School finding a payoff with a big senior season that has caught the eye of college recruiters.

Johnson was one of many very-very talented skill position athletes at Calabasas High School during his junior season. Finding time on the field against upperclassmen like four-star 2016 defensive back Marquel Dismuke (Nebraska) and three-star defensive back Isaiah Hayes (Arizona) was tough. Add in five-star 2017 cornerback Darnay Holmes (uncommitted) and four-star wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. (Nebraska), that made it even more challenging, especially with the guys playing on both sides of the ball. Johnson still found a way to impress 2017 four-star quarterback Tristan Gebbia (Nebraska) to give him some opportunities snagging six passes for 75 yards finding the end zone twice.

The talent level at Newbury Park is also very high with 2017 Oklahoma quarterback commit Cameron Rising slinging the ball around the yard with guys like 2017 athlete Josh Madison along with senior three-star running back Chris Brooks and senior defensive back Marques Evans (Boise State) on the roster. Johnson, once again, found his niche proving to be an explosive player on both sides of the ball coming up with 19 receptions for 364 yards with five touchdowns with stats posted through nine games. His team-leading 19.2 yards per reception shows what he can do with the ball once in his hands. His 365 kickoff return yards on 16 attempts with a 91-yard touchdown return helps paint the picture.

Johnson excelled on defense, his first season playing on the other side of the ball, adding 24 tackles to his resume along with an eye popping six interceptions while knocking away four other pass attempts.

Newbury Park ran their record to 7-4 before exiting the California playoffs on Nov. 11 with a loss to Edison. The time on the field, playing in all three phases of the game, has brought recruiting interest his way with a spike expected to come as college coaches switch from the 2016 season to filling their roster for future teams.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Johnson at the end of his senior season to get an overview on his time on the field in 2016 and an update on his recruiting process to date.

Interview

Mateen, how did the season go for you this year?

“I feel like it went really well. I went out with a bang my senior year. I hoped we would get past the first round but stuff happens.”

Where all did you line up on the field this year?

“I lined up at every receiver position, safety, and some defensive end in there and as our kick returner.”

How did your game improve this season at wide receiver?

“I feel like I was faster than the DBs I went against. I was able to elevate and go up for balls. My hands have improved, over the off-season I did a lot of vision exercises to help improve that part of my game. My route running, I made sure I ran nice crisp routes to leave the DBs behind.”

How did your game on defense at safety improve?

“At safety, this is my first year playing defense. It was pretty hard at first but I got a hang of it. I was able to help my team.”

As a receiver, who was the toughest corner or safety you went up against this season?

“The best corners I went up against were Darnay Holmes and Nasir Bright, both at Calabasas. They are aggressive DBs. They made me better with hand movement and getting off press release.”

Was the Calabasas game a fun game for you going up against your old teammates?

“Competing against them, they are my friends but I was focused on the game. I was trying to get the win.”

Which schools are showing the most interest in you right now?

“I’ve been talking to Colorado State, San Jose State, and Wyoming. My coach has been talking to Washington State about me, but I have not talked directly to them.”

Do you have any planned visits coming up?

“I’m thinking about visiting SDSU (San Diego State) and San Jose State.”

When you start looking at the various schools trying to decide which university would be the best fit for you, what are the things that are most important to you?

“I’m looking for a team that is well coached and a school with a really good environment me for me to learn. A great education is important. That is about it.”

Mateen, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your recruiting going forward.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: LA Daily News; No. 9 Mateen Johnson hauls in a pass.

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 9 Mateen Johnson goes up high for a pass.

Photo credit: LA Daily News; No. 9 Mateen Johnson at safety.