Interview: 2019 All-Purpose RB DeMarcus Johnson is Setting Up for a Breakout Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Class of 2019 running back DeMarcus Johnson had a breakthrough junior season with Redondo Union High School setting up what should be a tremendous senior year. If the previous productivity on the field and offseason workouts are a foreshadowing of events, Johnson is set for breakout year in 2018.
Tucked away in California’s Bay League, Johnson helped bring awareness to the Sea Hawks squad as an all-purpose back paired with senior dual-threat Jack Alexander. Johnson proved to get the tough yards when needed carrying the rock 147 times for a team-high 821 yards with six trips into the end zone. Out of the backfield, the 5-10, 190-pound, athlete kept the chains moving and put more points on the board pulling in 21 passes for 184 yards with three additional scores.
After earning first team All-League honors, Mountain West and Pac-12 Conference programs are checking in on Johnson. With three camps completed, and at least five more left on the schedule, Johnson has a great opportunity to push his name further up the list on college recruiting boards up and down the west coast heading into a big senior year. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down for quick conversation gaining insight on his overall skills, offseason workouts, and growing recruiting interests.
Interview
Demarcus, you were able to display your all-purpose abilities out of the backfield during your junior season, what do you consider the overall strengths of your game?
“I believe my main strength is my versatility. I can play anywhere. I am agile and elusive, as the season progressed, my vision got better, and my football IQ got better – that helped a lot.”
Was there an area of your game that was a weakness early in the year but by the end of the year had become a strength?
“My speed. I did a lot of speed work during the season and participated in track after the season.”
Which parts of your skillset are you working on this offseason?
“My speed and getting bigger in the weight room. I’m doing a lot of footwork drills.”
Where are you seeing the biggest gains in your skillset this spring?
“My feet. I am non-stop running and I am constantly doing footwork drills. I am getting my body ready to take on a pounding this season.”
How did spring practices go with the Sea Hawks?
“During spring practices, we separated into two teams Red and White, that helped to get more reps for everyone. We started putting in our playbook and preparing for the summer. We did a lot of conditioning.”
Will the coaches utilize you the same as last year or is there a new wrinkle or two coming up during your senior year?
“Now that Jack Alexander (2018 quarterback – Dartmouth) is gone, I will take on more of the load. I will play receiver, safety, and linebacker and get more reps at running back. You may even see me at QB in the Wildcat… hopefully.”
Have you been to any camps this offseason?
“I went to three recently: USC, Redlands, and UNLV.”
How did the UNLV camp go?
“I won all my battles and won all my one-on-ones.”
How did the USC camp go?
“That was more drill based. I learned about more drills that I can do at home to better my game.”
Do you have any upcoming camps planned?
“I was invited to Utah State, Washington State, Oregon State, Cornell, and Montana State – we’ll see how it goes.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“Utah State, Washington State, Oregon State, Cornell, Dixie State, Montana State, Montana, UNLV, and San Diego State.”
Did any of those schools showing interest come by Redondo Union this spring to meet with you or watch you during practice?
“Yes, sir. Oregon State and Montana State, UNLV will be coming down this week or next week.”
Have you taken any unofficial visits yet?
“Yes, sir. I have been to UCLA, Cal, San Jose State, and UNLV.”
Do you have any planned visits upcoming?
“I have unofficial visits planned to Cornell and Washington State.”
How is everything going in the classroom?
“My GPA is a 3.5.”
Have you taken the ACT and/or the SAT yet?
“Yes. On the ACT, I scored a 26.”
Fantastic. Are you playing other sports for the Sea Hawks besides football and track?
“Football, track, and I plan on playing basketball next season.”
Which events in track did you compete?
“The 100, 200, and 4×1.”
Which was your best event?
“The 100; I improved a lot. This was my first year running track. I started off running an 11.7, my best was an 11.29.”
If a college coach reads this interview and wants to start recruiting you, what type of student-athlete are they pursuing?
“They are pursuing a hard-working student-athlete, one who is willing to do anything to get on the field.”
DeMarcus, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming camps and visits.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: recruitingnewsguru.com; DeMarcus Johnson at Redondo Union