Georgia 2024 DT Jeremey Johnson continues dominating ways
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is an old adage that continues to hold true, “don’t poke the bear”, and that sentiment is well represented out of Lilburn’s (Ga.) Parkview High School. In the defensive trenches a year ago, Jeremy Johnson II was a non-stop force against the run and the pass. When the Panthers opened their 2023 season notching a 43-24 win against Kell, Johnson was once again that dominating presence shutting down the opposition.
Johnson got busy during his junior season compiling 60 stops with 17 tackles for a loss, 7.5 sacks, 15 QB hurries with two passes batted down and a forced fumble. The collection of meaningful stats added up in a hurry on Friday registering seven tackles, two sacks, four tackles for a loss, and two quarterback hurries.
“Our first game went really well,” Johnson said. “We came out a little shaky then we got hot, but we fell asleep in the third quarter and then got it going again in the fourth quarter. My teammates and I, we play well together.”
On his own performance, Johnson stated, “I feel I did a great job getting off the ball; I feel that is the most important part of being a defensive tackle. I did a great job of understanding their concepts, I played very smart. I feel that I am a smart player.”
After camping at Furman, Wofford, Tennessee-Chattanooga, Austin Peay, Gardner Webb, and Carson-Newman, six offers have been handed over to the senior talent from squads including Tusculum, University of the South, and UVA-Wise.
Jeremy Johnson II at Auburn.hnson
Johnson ran down the list of teams reaching out, “Austin Peay, Western Carolina, Memphis, and UT-Chat are showing interest. I talk to Morehouse a lot, I talk to Western Carolina and Austin Peay a lot, and UVA-Wise.”
Offseason visits were taken to Auburn, Georgia Tech, Austin Peay, Western Carolina, and Tennessee-Chattanooga. More trips are coming up this fall.
“I am planning on going to Western Carolina on Sept. 9, and I definitely want go to Autin Peay and Memphis,” Johnson stated. “I was supposed to visit Memphis in the spring but couldn’t.”
Western Carolina has a lot going for them from Johnson’s perspective.
“I love – purple is my favorite color; I love their uniforms,” Johnson said. “I love their facilities, and I have a great relationship with their d-line coach, coach (Brian) Cochran. We talk about so much that I forget we are on the phone talking about football. I like the environment there; I feel that I could live there. It feels like home.”
The Governors have made a positive impression on Johnson.
“I love the coaching staff at Austin Peay,” Johnson shared. “I love their energy, and the culture. I have never been to a place like that.”
The style of play is a draw for Johnson to the River City.
“Memphis, I really like the culture there,” Johnson stated. “I love watching them play, and I watch their practices on YouTube. Coach (Kyle) Pope (DL) is a cool guy.”
Johnson shared a message for college coaches, “The school that I do commit to, I promise I will be the hardest worker on your team.”
Back on the field, Johnson has goals set for himself and the Panthers.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but we’ve played together since Youth League,” Johnson said. “We’ve played together since we were 8 years old. We won a lot of championships; I want one more. I feel that we have the guys to do it.
“For me, I want to be the defensive player of the year for the state of Georgia. There are a lot of talented players in this state, it is a big task, but that is what I want to do this year.”
The work ethic and dedication to the game shows off the field in the weight room. Johnson reports a squat max of 630 pounds, a bench max at 380, and a hang clean of 305.