Interview: 2019 Arkansas WR Jordan Johnson is a Next Level Talent Beyond the Stat Line

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

In any sport, stats are the measuring stick of one’s productivity, but stats are not always the end-all be-all when it comes to scouting talent. It happens on football teams across the country and at all levels, phenomenal players can get lost in a shuffle due to lack of opportunities or just a wrong fit in a certain scheme; easy to say that is what happened to 2019 Arkansas receiver Jordan Johnson.

Johnson’s senior stats will not overwhelm or convince others of his next level worthiness, but his game reel may present a different look. At the end of the 2018 season, Johnson pulled in nine passes for 120 yards with one score for Jacksonville High School, but the low stats are not indicative of what he can do on the field. Johnson is ideally sized at 6-3, 185-pounds, is fast and extremely athletic. Unlike a lot of receivers, he will go across the middle giving up his body for the catch and is a red zone threat with his height, long arms, and jumping abilities.

College coaches spotting his talents beyond the numbers is coming around. Johnson has offers on the table from Henderson State, Cornell College (IA), and Arkansas Baptist with a long list of Division II and Division III schools showing interest: Missouri Baptist, Southern Arkansas, Oklahoma Baptist, Arkansas Baptist, Southeast Missouri State, and Indiana Wesleyan, just to name a few.

In an RNG catch-up interview, I sat down with one of the hidden gems coming out of the Natural State’s 2019 class getting an update on his senior year and recruiting process.

Interview

Jordan, the coaches at Jacksonville used your skills in a different ways. One that I admire about your game is your willingness to go across the middle giving up your body to make the catch. It takes a certain mindset to do that and do it well. What is your mindset out there on the field?

“My mindset is to play hard and do what I can do to give us a chance to win the game.”

How did the coaches use your height, speed, and jumping abilities this season in the red zone?

“I scored my touchdown on a slant on the inside. I called the play to my QB after we worked on it in practice. I knew I could beat the corner. In practice, they used my abilities in a lot of ways – we did everything, fades and jump balls. That is an ability of mine, go up and get the ball.”

Looking back, how did your game improve this season over the end of your junior campaign?

“I gained more confidence working with JJ Meadors from Salt County. We worked on my routes and hands. My routes were crisp this year and catching the ball was easier for me. I would make the best of it in the game. I was making wow catches in practice. I got better at adjusting to the ball in the air to make a play.”

You just touched on one thing, what other aspects of your game are the strengths and what you do best out on the field?

“High pointing the ball, my route running, creating separation on my releases, going across the middle – like you said, and making the hard catches. My blocking is a strength as well. I work on my blocking a lot. My teammates block for me, I have to block for them. I put it in my head to have their back. I take all my anger out on the opponent to the best of my abilities when I block.”

Which game was your best last season?

“The last one against Pine Bluff or against Catholic. That is a hard one. I had three catching against Pine Bluff and three against Catholic.”

With recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?

“Missouri Baptist, UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), UAM (Arkansas-Monticello), Jamestown, Missouri Western, Arkansas Tech, UCA (Central Arkansas), Oklahoma Baptist, and Southern Nazarene.”

Which schools have offered you?

“I have offers from Henderson State, Arkansas Baptist, and Cornell College (IA).”

Have you had a chance to take any visits this fall?

“Yes. I have visited UCA, Henderson State, UAPB, Oklahoma Baptist, Arkansas Baptist, and Arkansas Tech.”

How did the UCA visit go?

“That was a great visit. When I met with the head coach, Coach (Nathan) Brown, he was all smiles. He liked my height and measurables. I had a great time up there.”

And how did Henderson State go?

“That was great as well. I had great time going around the locker room meeting all the guys and talking to my position coach, Coach (Dom) Mirocke. He was telling me how badly they wanted me and the ways they would use me within their offense.”

Do you have any planned visits set?

“I might go to Missouri Baptist, I am taking an official to Henderson State, UAPB, UAM, and possibly take a visit to Southern Nazarene.”

With your offseason here, what goals have you set for yourself to keep pushing your abilities forward?

“I will work on speed, speed, and speed. I will work on my routes and gaining more weight and strength.”

Do you plan to play any other sports for Jacksonville this winter or spring?

“Possibly track. Either way, I will do a lot of speed training with my trainer.”

Last question, for the coaches out there who may read this interview but do not know about you, what type of student-athlete is Jordan Johnson?

“First, I’m a Christian that loves the Lord Jesus. Second, I compete just as hard in the classroom with a 3.36 GPA, as I do on the football field. Third, I’m very unselfish and I love helping others. I plan to major in Nursing so I can help take care of the people that may not be able to care for themselves.

“I’m a complete receiver with a great catch radius, I run great routes, I can create separation with multiple release techniques, I’m good at high pointing the ball, I’m not afraid to sacrifice my body to make the tough catches across the middle, I am a big red zone target that can run great fade, slant, or corner routes to get in the end zone, I’m a great blocker, and I’m a selfless teammate. I work faithfully in the weight room and with my trainer to get stronger, faster, more explosive and to continuously improve my route running, release techniques, and hand placement to catch every ball thrown to me. No one will outwork me.”

Jordan, it was great catching up with you today. Good luck with all your upcoming visits.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Johnson family; Jordan Johnson at Henderson State with Coach Mirocke

Photo credit: Abigail Hooper; No. 3 Jordan Johnson