Interview: Big 2020 ATH Johnathan Kaelin is Quietly Tearing It Up for Golden Valley
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are a lot of fantastic overall athletes in California who are top impact players for their individual squads but there are very few who are as transformational on the field as Johnathan Kaelin. Kaelin was a true do-everything athlete during his junior season for Golden Valley High School in 2018. On offense, he carried the rock 43 times for 302 yards with nine trips into the end zone and shinned even brighter at receiver pulling down 35 passes for 526 yards with six more scores going up. Playing free safety, he tallied 45 stops, 26 solo, with two tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles and knocked away a pass. And in the third phase of the game, he took eight kicks back for 133 yards and one punt for 14. Being there are so many fantastic athletes in the Golden State, college coaches by and large are missing out on the 6-4, 225-pound, game changing athlete who is Johnathan Kaelin.
In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with Kaelin covering all that he does on the field with an overview on his recruiting process thus far.
Interview
Johnathan, before we get into all that you do well on the field, I have to ask about the game against the team with the green jersey and yellow pants. After watching your game reel, I am guessing that was one of your top offensive game from the 2018 season. How many scores did you have in that game?
“Yes, it was. I scored three times.”
From the tape, it looks like you scored about six. The Grizzlies offense is largely centered around getting you the ball out of the backfield and on the outside as a receiver. What are some of the plays you run as a tailback?
“Inside the red zone, we run dive plays to ground and pound. At the 50 or beyond, we run jet sweeps to use my speed.”
What are some of your favorite routes to run as a receiver?
“My favorites are digs, slants, and posts. Anything really.”
How did your offensive game improve last season as a wideout?
“I started catching better last season. When I caught the ball, I fought for more yards and I was getting more yards after the catch. I was getting off the line better last season as well.”
You also bang heads on defense as a free safety. How did that part of your game evolve during your junior year?
“I was reading the plays faster, reacting faster, and making tackles. My coverage improved a lot. When I work on my coverages, I read the QB so I know to stay in my zone or go pick up another man. For example, in Cover 2 on a post, I have to pick that up.”
How did spring ball with the team go?
“It went very well.”
Are you keeping all the same roles during your senior year?
“Pretty much the same but I will be at more positions. I will be at linebacker, free and strong safety, corner, running back, receiver, and some at quarterback.”
I take it we will see you in the Wildcat this year?
“Yes.”
I like it. What have you been working on this offseason?
“I have been working on my hands, my reads, my speed.”
Did you play 7v7 with a travel team this spring?
“Yes. I played with Formula for Speed.”
How did playing and training with Formula for Speed help take your overall game to another level?
“They worked on my footwork, my hands, and they make sure we have our stamina up for the season. They have us ready for competition.”
Did you get to compete at any camps?
“Yes. I competed at a USC camp.”
Tell me about your USC performance.
“It went very well. At that camp, I went as a receiver, I caught everything that was thrown to me. College coaches were asking me to run different routes to see what I could do.”
Which schools are showing interest?
“I am receiving interest from Arizona State and Nevada.”
Over the offseason, did you go on any unofficial visits?
“Yes. I visited Utah, BYU, and ASU.”
How did the Utah trip go?
“It went well. I like the campus and their coaching staff.”
And the BYU visit?
“The same. I like their inside field and their coaching staff.”
And finally, tell me about the ASU.
“That went very well. They showed the most interest in me of the visits.”
Do you have any planned visits coming up?
“Yes. I am going to Nevada next week.”
What has you excited about visiting Nevada?
“The coaches really want me to visit. I like it out in Nevada. I know a lot of people who go to school there.”
Last question. What goals have you set for yourself over the 2019 season?
“My goal is to ball out, gain more yards than last season, break the school record for touchdowns, and hit the weight room hard.”
Johnathan, it was great going over your skills on the field and recruiting today. Thanks for your time and good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credits: Kaelin family and Formula for Speed; Johnathan Kaelin