Interview: 4-Star 2023 Oklahoma WR Jacobe Johnson is a Standout Two-Sport Athlete
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For college coaches that harp about wanting to recruit a two-sport athlete, Jacobe Johnson is one of the best in his two sports in the 2023 class. On the gridiron, the 6-4, 183-pound, receiver and defensive back gives opposing 6A Oklahoma squads fits, especially on the outside during the 2020 season. On the hardwood, Johnson fills up the stat column for Mustang High School averaging 20 points a game. His play on the field has brought nine D-I offers with three coming on the basketball court. All three of the programs that have offered him in basketball (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, and TCU) are as a two-sport athlete.
In an RNG stylized interview, Johnson goes in-depth with his play in both sports while covering his recruiting process on the field and hardwood.
Interview
Jacobe, your abilities on the hardwood translate onto the gridiron as a receiver. Being that standout two-sport athlete, how has basketball helped you with your football skills?
My dad always told me that football will help basketball and vice versa. Basketball is more of a challenging sport to me. I take basketball to heart, and I love both sports. In basketball, you work on quickness, footwork, and strength, and that carries over to being a receiver. You have to have quick feet off the line, explosiveness – so many things translate over… high-pointing the ball.
I noticed your body control, how you get bumped when going up for a shot in the paint and how you hold yourself as a receiver getting hit with the ball in the air. You have made those skills translate well.
Thank you.
What offensive scheme were the Broncos running during the 2020 season?
It was a weird offense. It was more of an offense for running backs. We had Dom Dunn. With him, it was a running offense. For me, I had to keep coming on and off the field depending on the play, but they got me the ball.
Which routes were you running?
My favorite routes, because I am bigger than most defensive backs, I like posts and fades. I had a separate coach that would give me hand signals on each play for my routes. If we needed a big catch or play, they had me run a fade or post, or a corner in the slot. I’d do a move where I would outrun the defensive back, make one cut like on a post. Nothing crazy, but something simple like a slant.
How did your overall game improve on that side of the ball?
My freshman year, I came in playing defense only; I have my defensive film last year. This year I was mostly on offense and very little on defense. Next year I will dominate on both sides of the ball.
You also got to showcase your speed and field vision on special teams taking back kicks. When the 2021 season gets going, where all might we see you on the field?
I’ll be playing kick returner, receiver, and corner or safety. I am not sure yet which position I will be playing on defense yet.
You said you wanted to dominate on both sides, are you excited about getting back on defense again?
I am. I like playing defense. When you make a big play, I like that feeling you get. Basketball is the same way after you make a big play. That feeling is different. I love it.
A quick turn to basketball. How did your season on the hardwood go?
It went pretty good. We were a lot better this year. Last year, no one knew each other. This year we were all friends and coming together as a team. We fell short ahead of state but overall we did well.
What are your strengths as a basketball player?
I don’t have limits. I can go into the post, midrange, or go with the deep ball, and I can get to the basket any time I want. There are no limits to my game. I do need to work, I can always get better, especially in the post.
Do you remember your averages from the season?
Yes, sir. I averaged 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 to 3 assists a game.
Now that basketball is over, what are you working on with your fundamentals in football?
I am on a 7v7 team; talking to my DB coach, the main thing for me is my eyes. Looking back at quarterback is the worst thing you can do; I have everything else down I just need to work on my eyes. When I get started with 7v7, I will work on that. Receiver wise, I will go do me. My dad has been training me since I was younger. Playing defensive back, I started that last year.
Which 7v7 team are you playing for this spring?
I am playing with Coach Marshall at I-4 Sports. We are really good. We have some great quarterbacks and great players.
When is your first tournament?
In two or three weeks.
Are you going to any camps this spring or summer?
There are some college camps invites and a Rivals camp invite I have received. But my coaches told me I don’t need to go to camps, but I do like to compete with other players.
Last part. Let’s get into recruiting. Which programs are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Because I am Class of 2023, they are not able to contact me so I am not sure. There are so many coaches following me on Twitter, but I don’t know if they are actually interested. If they were able to call me, I’d know. I’m not sure who is interested. There are a lot of head coaches following me. I know Clemson is showing interest.
How many offers do you have now?
Nine.
Johnson’s Offer Sheet: Baylor, Iowa State, Memphis, Michigan, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, TCU, and Texas Tech
Which program was the last to offer?
TCU was my last offer.
Do you have any basketball offers?
Yes, I have three D-I offers; OU (Oklahoma), OSU (Oklahoma State), and TCU (Texas Christian). I have some D-II offers too.
Just to make sure, which of your offers are two-sports offers?
OU, OSU, and TCU are two-sport offers.
Nice. When visits get going again this summer, where might you visit?
First place I’m going is to OU. They have been keeping in touch with me. I want to go to OSU and see their campus; I have never been there before. TCU is another visit I want to take. I have been to TCU before but I want to go again. TCU is a nice place. Michigan, I want to check them out along with Memphis, Iowa State, Arkansas, and Clemson.
Jacobe, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you great success with your 7v7 season and with the upcoming visits you will be taking.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Johnson family; Jacobe Johnson