Interview: SEC and Big 12 Programs to See 4-Star 2023 Washington QB Gabarri Johnson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The shortened 2020 season in the state of Washington did not stop Class of 2023 quarterback Gabarri Johnson from putting on a show. The 6-1, 195-pound, four-star recruit attacked defenses to the tune of 252.5 yards passing per game connecting on 96 passes for 1,515 yards with 18 touchdowns. When called upon to show his dual-threat abilities, Lincoln’s leader rushed for 129 yards with another score put on the board earning League Offensive Skill Player of the Year.
With the achievements on the field, college coaches have rewarded the Tacoma product with six offers. The plan is to add onto the list this summer competing at SEC and Big 12 college camps.
In an RNG first-look interview, Johnson goes in-depth on his growing skills as a quarterback with a look at his recruiting process.
Interview
Gabarri, before we get into all the great things you do against Washington defenses with your arm, let’s talk about your running skills as a dual-threat. Not only do you have some ankle breaking kind of moves, but you run with poise like a well-seasoned running back. How has that part of your game been developed?
It was developed at a younger age. When I was younger, I used to run more than throw. Now I am going into reading defenses and throwing more than running.
Your arm strength allows you to do a lot, especially throw on the run to your right. Did you play baseball growing up to help develop that arm strength and throwing on the run ability?
It is just natural. I never played baseball. My dad and uncle did, they were good at it. I have always played football and basketball.
During the 2020 season, which areas of your game as a passer took the biggest steps forward?
It was probably reading a defense. Before, I was out there playing, seeing the routes and throwing it. This season I got into knowing coverages, and that made everything easy. I could anticipate my passes this year.
Your passes have no problems finding the end zone. In which game did you turn in your top overall performance during your sophomore run?
The Lakes game (won 22-21). We had a good drive the last two minutes that won us the game.
What have you been working on with your mechanics this spring?
My footwork with my quarterback trainer. We mostly do pocket movement, out of the pocket, and all types of footwork stuff.
How have you been pushing your knowledge of the game forward since the season ended?
Knowing what I want to do pre-snap. In the past, sometimes it was all post-snap reads. Now, I have an idea of what I want to do pre-snap.
Are there any camps you may go compete at this summer?
Yes. Coming up I am going on June 1st to an Alabama camp, then Auburn, and Georgia. The week after that I am going to Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas A&M. After that, I am going to the local schools on the west coast.
Ahead of all these big camps, which programs are showing interest?
It is kind of dead for me right now. I think most of the coaches want to see me in person. I will be at a lot of camps this offseason.
How many offers have been given to you?
Six.
Which programs were the last couple to drop offers?
The last ones were Oregon State and Arizona State.
Johnson’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Florida Atlantic, Oregon, Oregon State, Utah, and Washington State
Are you taking any visits this summer?
Hopefully with the camps, I will be able to visit while I am there.
Gabarri, I appreciate your time today. Good luck at all the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Johnson family; Gabarri Johnson