Interview: Great Foundation Set for 5-Offer 3-Star 2023 QB Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2020 California high school football season was over in a blink of an eye this spring, but the limited campaign proved fruitful for those who took advantage. One who did not let the opportunity pass him by was Class of 2023 Notre Dame High School quarterback Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson.
During the Knights’ five-game season, Johnson worked through a run-first offense completing 36 passes for 423 yards with three scores tossed. The 6-4, 205-pound, field general showcased the arm and technique capturing the admiration of college scouts. Those talents have been on further display at Florida State, LSU, and Cal Bears camps hauling in five scholarship offers along the way.
With a full season ahead to help turn the interested into vested offers, Johnson stopped by the RNG Lab to update us on his workouts and college camp performances.
Interview
Javance, this spring you got that opportunity to take over the Knights offense. With that five-game experience, what were some of the lessons learned that will help you lead the team to a successful 2021 season this fall?
My leadership. Starting as a sophomore is kind of hard especially at a new program and not really knowing all the players. By leading them and showing my character, that will help us this year.
What style of offense were you guys executing?
We ran the ball a lot. This season I think we will be more of a passing team. We are a Spread offense; we will mix it up.
What have you been working on with your mechanics this summer preparing for a full season?
Mainly my lower half. A couple of months ago I was getting too wide. That was messing with my upper half. I am keeping my feet under me to stay on top of the ball.
How have you pushed your knowledge of the game forward?
By watching film of our practices and tournaments. I am going in early with my offensive coordinator to get extra work in on the board.
Have you been working with a QB coach?
Not this month, I’ve been traveling a lot, but during the spring I was working with Coach Danny Hernandez.
Working with Coach Danny, what were you guys doing?
The same things, my lower half, getting my hips through, keeping my arm on top and not dragging my elbow.
With the work put in, where are you seeing the improvements?
Like I was saying, getting on the board with my offensive coordinator is helping a lot, knowing where I am going with the ball. My accuracy has gotten a lot better.
Have you been to any national camps this spring or summer?
Yes, I went to a Rivals camp. I was invited to the Under Armour camp but couldn’t go.
How did the Rivals camp go for you?
It went well. I know all the other quarterbacks. It was good to see everyone, going out there and competing all the top players in the region.
Have you been to any college camps?
Yes, I went to an FSU camp in the beginning of June, Sunday I went to a Cal camp, and I have been to an LSU camp.
The LSU camp, was that out here or in Baton Rouge?
I went to Baton Rouge
What were you able to showcase with your talents at the LSU camp?
I was showing how strong my arm is, my timing, and my anticipation on throws even with receivers I have not worked with before.
What feedback did you receive from the LSU coaches at the camp?
Coach (Jake) Peetz (OC) was watching the quarterbacks. One thing he was telling me was to bring my hip through. Sometimes I leave it back not using all my power.
The Cal camp, how did that go?
It went well. There were a lot of guys there. I got a lot of reps. It was good. I have been talking to them for a minute.
Have you visited any programs this summer?
Yes, I have visited FSU, Arizona State, Cal, Washington, LSU, and Bama.
Alabama, tell me about that visit.
It was great. It was great seeing how they operate and the things people don’t see behind the scenes.
Do you have any other visits upcoming?
Yes, one more to BYU at the end of July. The dead period is coming up.
How many offers are you holding now?
I have five.
Tupou’ata-Johnson’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, BYU, Florida State, San Jose State, and Toledo
Which programs are now showing interest?
Cal and Washington.
Javance, it was great putting together what I was seeing in the 7v7 tournament with you during the interview today. I appreciate your time.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Tupou’ata-Johnson family; Javance Tupou’ata-Johnson