Interview: Rising 2023 Sequin CB Jamel Johnson is Holding Down Top 5A Texas Receivers
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Winning high school football games against Texas 5A competition is a task easier said than done. The competition level is fierce, among the best in the nation with four- and three-star recruits filling the various rosters. As Spread offenses are becoming more explosive and fine-tuned, opposing defenses are forced to up their game. At Sequin High School, Class of 2023 corner/defensive back Jamel Johnson has stepped up his game taking on the opposition’s top receiver game after game.
Capable of going out on the island, down as a nickel, or hanging back at safety, Johnson can do it all. The 6-1, 175-pound, defender has compiled an estimated 20 stops with one interception while pitching in on offense securing 10 passes in the 80 to 100-yard range crossing into the end zone twice. The growth in his game coupled with the athletic abilities has brought offers in from Arkansas, Illinois State, Kansas, and SMU already.
With the Cougars tracking through their regular season preparing for a postseason run, Johnson stopped by the RNG Lab for a first look talking about his sophomore campaign and early recruiting process.
Interview
Jamel, there is an enthusiasm you bring to the field that come through for all to see. What do you love about playing football that gets you fired up to compete at such a high level?
I love the game and I love contact. Football is fun, I love playing it and I am competitive.
It appears that your defensive coordinator has you doing a lot of unique things in the secondary from playing deep to covering a wideout, and some inside receivers. From game to game, how are you being utilized within the Cougars’ scheme?
It depends on the other team. Against Aledo, they had an LSU commit who is fast and explosive. My coaches wanted me on him throughout the game; I held him to one catch for 25 yards. If they don’t have a top receiver, my coaches have me playing safety to make plays.
Regardless of where you may line up, what are some of the coverages you guys are executing?
Our defensive coordinator likes running man. Most games we are in man doing the trail technique. We like to show we are the best defensive backs in our district playing man all the time.
With the challenges of taking on Texas 5A teams, how has your skills as a defensive back grown during the 2020 season?
It has grown a lot. As a freshman, I was more physical with my style of play. I am using more technique this year not relying on being as physical. I am using both. My technique is steadily growing.
Which areas of your defensive game are you constantly working on in practice?
My technique and eyes. I have great ball awareness, but I have to learn how to turn my head better. I am always working on my ball skills.
On the other side of the field your speed truly pops, especially on go-routes. How fast are you?
My fastest 40 is a 4.5.
How are your talents being showcased on offense?
They were using my speed and quickness. I am very fast, and I can get open.
Please update me on how everything is working in your district with football. I see the last game played was on Nov. 6 against Burleson a 35-21 win for you guys. Is the five-game schedule it?
In our district, one of our games was cancelled because of the virus. They closed the playoffs; we know who is going in. We have three games left, not two games.
Just to make clear, they have announced the teams that have made the playoffs and you guys are in?
Yes. We made the four seed.
Are you going to play any other varsity sports this year?
Yes, sir. I will run track.
Which events?
The 4×1, 200, long and high jump, and maybe 4×2.
Going into recruiting, how many offers do you have?
Four.
Which program was first to offer you?
Kansas.
Which was the last?
The last program to offer was Arkansas.
As an underclassman you may not fully know this, but which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
Notre Dame.
When visits start up again next year, which schools would you like to go see?
I want to see LSU, Texas, and OU (Oklahoma).
Jamel, I appreciate your time today. Wishing you and the Cougars success the rest of the way until we talk again.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: HMS Elite Photography/Johnson family; Jamel Johnson