Interview: 20-Offer 2023 Texas CB Jamel Johnson Hitting Offseason Workouts Hard
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Beyond the stat sheet, the 2020 season for sophomore Jamel Johnson was a grade-A success. The 6-1, 175-pound, cover corner was a wet blanket on 5A Texas receivers shadowing every move. The Seguin High School standout produced an estimated stat line of 80 tackles with a forced fumble and two interceptions while pulling down 10 passes for 100 yards. The play on the field has drawn 20 scholarship offers to Johnson’s front doorstep. With workouts this winter and spring in high gear, Johnson is pulling triple duty between working on his technique, playing in 7v7 tournaments, and running track for the Cougars.
In an RNG update interview, Johnson covers ground on his offseason workouts with insight on his ever-expanding recruiting options.
*Click link for Nov. 2020 RNG interview with Jamel Johnson
Interview
Jamel, we mixed it up about halfway through the 2020 season. Let’s update everyone on the year you put on tape. How did it go for you in the Cougars’ secondary?
Good. We had an excellent year, but we could have done better.n
You were covering everyone possible at corner and at nickel; when the season ended what did you feel were the strengths to your game as a cover corner?
I am a man-to-man corner. I will press and I am physical.
Going into the offseason, what are your goals as you prepare for the 2021 schedule?
My goals are to get bigger, faster, and keep my technique.
With your technique, what are you working on this spring?
I am working on my off-man.
And for your speed work, what are you doing to push forward there?
Cones, drills, running with the parachute, and I’m in track right now.
Has your track season started?
Yes, sir.
How many meets have your competed in so far?
Three.
Which events are you running?
The 4×1, 4×2, and 200.
What is your best time in the 200 so far?
A 22.5.
What goal have you set for the 200 this season?
A low 22.
Are you also participating in 7v7 tournaments? If so, with which team?
Yes, sir, I am. I am playing with True Buzz Athletics.
Where have you gone for some of the tournaments?
We went to Miami, Phoenix, and to local tournaments.
How is it going playing other top talents outside your district?
Easy. Not to be cocky, but I feel like I am one of the best out there.
Nice. Have you attended any national camps yet or do you have any coming up?
I just went to the Under Armour camp in Dallas.
Did they allow you guys to do one on ones there?
Yes, sir.
How did that go for you?
It was good. I only had one ball caught on me.
Let’s close updating recruiting. How many offers do you have now?
I have 20 offers.
Very cool. Which programs were the last couple to offer you?
Miami, Houston, Baylor, and Virginia Tech.
Johnson’s Offer Sheet: Alabama, Arkansas, Baylor, Colorado, Houston, Illinois State, Kansas, Kansas State, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Oklahoma, Penn State, SMU, Texas, Texas A&M, Tulsa, USC, and Virginia Tech
When visits open up this summer, which programs might you go see?
All of them, all that have offered. I’d also like to see Ohio State, Clemson, Florida State, Auburn, Georgia and any others.
Jamel, thanks for taking time to update us today. Wishing you success with your track and 7v7 seasons.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Johnson family; Jamel Johnson