Interview: College Coaches are Sleeping on 2018 Florida RB Jordan Johnson as he Flies Past Opposition
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
If the proving grounds for high school football recruiting are ultimately settled on the gridiron, Class of 2018 running back Jordan Johnson is more than getting it done. Yet despite two years’ worth of high productivity against some of the top talent in the nation, Johnson remains largely under the radar.
Florida 8A competition was in for a shock during the 2015 season seeing a sophomore run rough over everyone. Johnson helped elevate Plantation High School to an 8-3 season rushing for a county leading 1,800 yards with 17 touchdowns. Before his junior season, Johnson transferred schools finding the same kind of success with American Heritage High School. In a crowded backfield full of top talent, the 5-10, 190 pound, playmaker led the Patriots with 853 yards on the ground off 143 totes with nine trips to the end zone. While the stat line may not be mind-blowing, it is worth noting that head coach Pat Surtain had four different players carry the rock 67 times or more in 2016.
A couple of teams are starting to show interest in the back that helped American Heritage to a 14-0 run in 2016 capturing a Florida 5A state championship. Surprisingly, that first offer has not dropped yet for Johnson.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the overlooked recruiting gems in the 2018 class covering his high school varsity experience to date while getting an overview on his recruiting process.
Interview
Jordan, you had a big sophomore season on the field especially with the stat line. How did your junior season go as a follow up with a different team?
“It went great. At first it was rocky because we had five backs. We were sharing the ball to start the season. Towards the end of the season I put my head down and kept going. Miles Jones (2018 RB) and I were the duo towards the end of the season that took turns carrying the ball and into the playoffs. It was a great season.”
How did you pick up your momentum from the beginning of the season to the end helping your game get better?
“I started hitting the holes better and hitting them cleaner. I was reading some of the holes to quickly. I got better and better at setting my blocks and hitting the hole as the season went along. The coaches saw my improvement and kept giving me opportunities.”
How would you describe yourself as a running back?
“I am balanced and an all-around back. I can catch and I can run.”
What are you going to work on this off-season?
“My cuts and my speed. There are some holes I see and then I make the cut but I am not hitting them just right. My goal is to get bigger. I want to get to 200 pounds by the start of the season. I want to get my bench up to around 300 too.”
Did you run a 40-yard dash last summer?
“I ran one with my trainer, Mike Smith. I ran a 4.6.”
Have you earned any postseason honors for your play on the field?
“I was first team All-County in 2015 and second team All-County in 2016. I will be All-State this year.”
I know it is early but, have you set any goals for yourself for the 2017 season?
“During my sophomore year I had five touchdowns in one game. I want to top that and get at least 18 touchdowns for the season. Really I just want to get better as a player and as a student as my senior year goes on.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“UConn, Pitt, and Georgia State.”
Do you know which camps you might attend this off-season?
“I want to go to the Nike Opening camp and maybe the Rivals camp.”
What is your cumulative GPA?
“I have a 2.9. I am close to being at a 3.0. Really close. At the end of the year I should have a 3.1.”
Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?
“No. I’m taking both coming up this spring.”
Are you competing in any other sports for American Heritage?
“Wrestling. During my sophomore year I went to state. This year I am looking to place in state. After wrestling season, I will focus on weight lifting and track. I want to work on my stride and I want to get faster. Plus, I like competition.”
Jordan, thanks for your time today and good luck with your track and wrestling seasons.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Miami Herald; No. 24 Jordan Johnson dives into the end zone (2016).
Photo credit: CBS Miami; No. 24 Jordan Johnson flies down the sidelines (2016).
Photo credit: Sun Sentinel; No. 24 Jordan Johnson vs Jesuit (2016).