One to Watch Interview with 2022 Roosevelt DB Chris Johnson
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Much like large swaths of the rest of the country, California is behind on the 2020 gridiron with all ready to make up for lost time in a hurry. One of those players ready to make his mark during his junior season to get college coaches up to speed is Elanor Roosevelt corner/nickel Chris Johnson. His 2019 campaign was one of learning and growth supported by an all-out offseason grind. With the 7v7 season in full swing on the west coast, the 5-11, 170-pound, defender has been balling out with Rharebreed drawing some early interest from programs like Utah.
In an RNG first-look interview, Johnson headed over to the Lab to talk some football.
Interview
Chris, preparing for the 2020 California high school football season, have you been playing 7v7 this winter?
Yes, with Rharebreed.
At which positions are you lining up with Rharebreed?
Cornerback and nickel.
How is the 7v7 going overall?
It is going pretty well. For me, I have been doing really well.
Given this opportunity to play against other top competitors, which areas of your cover skills are you constantly working on in practice and during tournaments?
Mostly I am working on my press man technique. I work on footwork, my hips, and getting in and out of my breaks.
Getting to go up against all the very talented receivers California has to offer on the 7v7 circuit, where are you seeing the improvements in skills over your sophomore season?
The differences from a year ago is my confidence and I am faster and stronger.
Throughout the offseason, what are some of the drills and exercise plans you’ve been doing to boost your speed and athleticism?
For my speed I train with Rharebreed and with Coach Rob. Coach Rob has me on the treadmills, running with sleds behind us, and lifting weights.
What are some of the drills Coach Rob has you doing to boost your athleticism and footwork?
Coach Rob has us doing a lot of drills where we work on footwork and hips; that is the bread and butter for our drills.
When the 2020 season gets going on the California gridirons, where all might we see you play?
I am not too sure about playing both sides, but for sure I will be on defense and special teams.
What defenses will the team execute once the season gets going?
We are a four-man front mostly, we play a lot of man, press, and off man.
What are some of the other coverages you will be running?
We have a couple different packages that includes Cover 2 or Cover 3.
Pushing beyond the adversity of the offseason, how have these obstacles helped define your love and appreciation of the game?
Not being able to play, is taking a toll on a lot of people. It makes you think more about the game because it is not always a given to play.
Last question. Are you playing any other varsity sports for Roosevelt this year?
I may run track this year. I worked out with the track team last year, but did not run in any of the meets.
Chris, I appreciate your time today. Keep up the hard offseason grind.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Johnson family; Chris Johnson