California 4-Star CB/RB Greg Johnson Talks Verbal Commitment to Arizona Wildcats

Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA

While college coaches were doing their best to land 4-star recruit Greg Johnson, the Los Angeles area talent already had his eyes set on one program. Twenty-five different teams had offered Johnson with hopes of building a relationship over time that would lead to a commitment but all of that was cut short on Tuesday, March 1, when Johnson verbally committed to the University of Arizona.

Johnson worked his way into 4-star status doing just about everything possible on a California high school gridiron during the 2015 season. He lined up at running back rushing for 1,108 yards off 83 carries with 11 touchdowns and caught 28 passes for 422 yards with six additional scores. He even completed 8 of 15 passes completing one for a score. In the third phase of the game he added 422 kick return yards and 47 on punt returns.

Where a lot of colleges see Johnson growing into a next level standout is at cornerback. Johnson had 42 tackles, three tackles for a loss, picked off four passes, and broke up six passes during his junior season.

Some of the teams offering the 5’11”, 185 pound, athlete included UCLA, USC, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Florida, Notre Dame, Mississippi State, Michigan, Cal, Washington, and Arizona State.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Johnson after his commitment to get the inside scoop on why he picked Arizona over all the others.

Interview

Greg, first, congratulations on your commitment to Arizona.

“Thank you.”

What influenced you to commit when you did?

“Mostly the coaching staff there. Coach Donte (Williams – cornerbacks coach), we would talk a lot before I had offers. He’s a good person and a good coach. I believe the coaching staff is a good fit for me along with the campus and everything else at Arizona.”

How did the decision come about for you?

“I talked to my family first about it. They felt like it was a good decision to make.”

Who did you commit to on staff?

“First I told Coach Donte, then called Coach Rich Rod (head coach Rich Rodriquez), and then I posted it on Twitter.”

What was the reaction of the coaches when you committed?

“Coach Donte was fired up about it so was Coach Rich Rod.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I was excited about it. I felt relieved about it. I felt better focused. I was ready to get some work in after that. Made me want to work harder.”

What position is Arizona recruiting you to play?

“They mostly want me to play corner and little bit of offense.”

It might be too early, but have you started thinking about being an enrollee or finishing out your senior year fully at Hawkins?

“I have not thought about that yet. I’m going to finish off this year, continue to work hard, and see what happens.”

Do you still plan to take your visits during your senior season?

“I really don’t know. As of right now I am 100 percent committed to Arizona and that’s how it’ll go.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Yeah, I want to make our class the best recruiting class ever. I’ve already started talking to guys.”

Who have you reached out to already?

“Mostly my teammates here at Hawkins. I don’t want to rush them into something they don’t want to do. The decision is up to them.”

How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?

“I’ll tell them the coaches there are good people. They care about football but other than that it is about life. They will help guide us on the right path. Personally, I feel like they have told me the truth throughout the process and I think others will see that when they talk to them.”

Enough about recruiting. How did the Nike Opening Los Angeles regional camp go for you?

“I feel like it went well. I made some mistakes here and there. I want to get more work in and fix some things. I need to fix my stance and footwork.”

Are you going to the Rivals camp in Los Angeles?

“Yeah, on March 12.”

Are you participating in any spring sports for Hawkins?

“I’m running track.”

Which events?

“I’m not sure yet. Maybe the 200 and relays, the 4×4 and 4×1.”

Greg, again, congratulations on your commitment to Arizona and good luck with your track season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; Greg Johnson at the Nike Opening regional in Los Angeles.