Interview: Highly Multitalented 4-Star 2017 ATH Tyler Johnson is an Arizona Beast

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Sometimes fate, nature, or a lucky college coach unleashes an athletic beast onto the unsuspecting world leaving the opposition no choice but to bend to said player’s will with all watching to see how the gridiron marvel can be stopped. All the superlatives and over the top praise may seem a bit much but Highland High School 2017 athlete Tyler Johnson appears to be that deserving rare breed talent.

There are very few high school players who can line up at wide receiver, defensive end, running back, kick returner, and punt returner, just to name a few. There are even fewer who can do it really well. Johnson is the definition of “athlete” on recruiting boards capable of being an impact player at the next level as a wide out, tight end, defensive end, or linebacker… maybe even a few other positions too.

The Hawks have tried to utilize their 6-4, 252 pound, play making machine to the best of their abilities at the high school level. In 10 games during his junior season, Johnson had 202 yards rushing off 24 carries with six touchdowns and added 20 receptions covering 462 yards with five more scores. He also had 11 tackles, two sacks, and four tackles for a loss. In four games played through some nagging injuries this season, Johnson has five carries for 21 yards and three receptions for 151 yards with two touchdowns.

College coaches that have taken the time to scout the Gilbert area native have come away equally impressed. To date, 17 colleges have dropped offers including Alabama, Michigan, USC, Florida, Pitt, Louisville, Missouri, UCLA, Washington, Tennessee, Arizona State, Arizona, Michigan State, and Nebraska. The recruiting rush is still on for Johnson even after he named the Sun Devils his leader on Sept. 20.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Johnson to go over the first part of his senior season and get the inside scoop on his recruiting process.

Interview

Tyler, your reel shows you all over the field. How many different positions do you play?

“Wide receiver, running back, defensive end, punt returner, kick returner, I played cornerback a couple of times last year, and I’ve lined up at quarterback.”

Of all the positions, which is your best?

“Lately I’ve been going back and forth between wide receiver and defensive end, but now I’m thinking more wide receiver. That’s a tough one.”

What are your strengths on the field as a wide receiver?

“I can get in my route, get off the jam, and I can go up for it. All the normal receiver stuff. I’ve got good hands, footwork, speed, agility, and I can jump and get the ball if needed. When I look at my film, I think I have all that stuff. Some stuff I need to improve on.”

Same question but at defensive end.

“I bring speed off the edge. I know not to get tangled up one-on-one with a guy. I can get rid of him or get to the hole he is trying to keep me from. I have good vision. I can reroute myself to get to the ball. Being physical is the No. 1 thing with my size.”

You mentioned there are still things you want to improve upon, what are you still working on for the 2016 football season?

“At receiver right now, I’m working on my footwork and better route running.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2016?

“I’m fine with it. The beginning of the season I had some hamstring problems but I was still scoring and getting in the backfield. I hurt my neck in one of the games and keep getting nagging injuries. My play on the field is satisfying to me.”

I count that you have 17 offers, is that accurate?

“I believe so. My latest was from Kansas.”

Which schools are recruiting you right now maybe a little harder than the others?

“Missouri, Pitt, Michigan State, and ASU (Arizona State).”

Which position are most schools recruiting you to play?

“ASU and Michigan State at defensive end, Pitt is for tight end, Missouri and UNC (North Carolina) is at defensive end.”

Are there any schools showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“No.”

Have you taken any visits yet or have any setup for the near future?

“I’m taking one to Missouri soon. I’m setting up a Michigan State visit. I am going to Pitt. With UNC, we are still talking. With ASU, I’m waiting until January for that official visit.”

What do you look for when you take visits to a school?

“The coaching staff, how the staff gets a long, and do they have the two majors that I am interested in. Location, I do not care about that. And depending on the depth chart, how many are in that position? I don’t want to redshirt. I want to get in over the summer earn a starting spot or a second-string spot my freshman year.”

Which majors are you interested pursuing potentially?

“Fire science and criminal justice.”

Last question, what type of feedback have you received from these colleges?

“They like that I play physical, I get the job done, and that I am no ordinary high school player. Stuff like that.”

I agree. Tyler, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: AZCentral.com; No. 87 Tyler Johnson hauls in TD pass vs. Hamilton.

Photo credit: eastvalleytribune.com; No. 87 Tyler Johnson eludes a tackler.

Photo credit: eastvalleytribune.com; No. 87 Tyler Johnson makes acrobatic catch.