Interview: 2020 CB/WR Khari Johnson is One of New England’s Top Overlooked Talents

Contribute Now

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

An extra year of development has propelled Class of 2020 athlete Khari Johnson into a position as one of the nation’s top overlooked talents. After a senior season with Massachusetts Catholic Memorial in 2018, Johnson is in a post-grad year with Suffield Academy dominating the competition. The Tigers posted a 9-0 run this season, and a lot of that had to do with Johnson’s play on the field.

During the Tigers’ perfect run, they counted on their 6-0, 185-pound, speedster as a play-maker on both sides of the ball. On offense, he led the team in receptions, yards, and tied for tops in receiving scores with a slash line of 29 rec./578 yards/5 touchdowns; he even carried the rock for an additional 55 yards with a trip into the end zone. He perhaps shinned brightest on defense at corner coming up with 36 stops, 28 solo, 11 passes broken up, five interceptions including a pick-six, had a tackle for a loss, and forced two fumbles.

Watching tape on Johnson, the 4.48-4.5-flat speed is noticeable instantly along with his 39-inch vertical. Four teams have caught on to what he can bring to their collegiate roster dropping offers: Howard, Navy, Rhode Island, and Wofford.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with Johnson seeking to learn more about one of New England’s finest who is flying under the recruiting radar for now covering his recruiting process which includes visits to Pitt and Arkansas.

Interview

Khari, you are leading a very balanced and efficient passing attack with team-highs in receptions (269, yards (578), and tied for touchdowns (5). What have you been doing on offense this season allowing the big production?

“I am allowing myself to flow and gel in the offense. I am being more patient and precise in my routes and moving with explosiveness.”

Watching game reel on you, there is no question that you are athletic and that you can scoot. How fast are you?

“I do have jets. My best 40-yard dash time is a 4.48 to 4.5 flat. Those are my two confirmed times from the summer.”

Lining up on the outside in the Tigers offense, how has your game improved as a receiver this season?

“Catching balls from Tyler (Van Dyke) has been a pleasure. The coaches at Suffield have elevated my skills. I have been working on the finest things as a receiver which is helping me as a DB. As a DB, I can anticipate the receivers moves better because I am running those same routes.”

On defense, how has the season gone playing corner?

“The season has been amazing playing corner. Every road game we have had this season, I have had an interception. I love going into our opponent’s house and being the villain. Playing corner in our system allows us to press and to be physical. I love going one-on-one with their best receivers.”

Where are you showing the biggest improvements in your game on that side of the ball?

“My patience as a corner has gotten a lot better. I am not jumping routes too quickly. I am allowing them to develop and baiting their quarterback.”

There is an instinct for the game you have on the field that shows through, especially on defense. Is that experience, great preparation, or is there something else I am missing?

“I am very big on film. I love to watch receivers and quarterbacks looking for their tendencies. For me, once I am on the field everything goes away, I play free. I guess I just have a knack.”

Of all the positions played, which is your favorite to play?

“My favorite is cornerback. There is nothing better than being able to cover the other team’s best player/athlete and stopping him. There is nothing better than that.”

Which game this season has been your best?

“The Deerfield game was my best. I have three touchdowns, five pass breakups, and six solo tackles. That game was in 90-degree heat too.”

That is a great game. Switch to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?

“FIU, Arkansas, Pitt, Tennessee, UConn, Georgia Tech, Central Michigan, Akron, and Illinois.”

How many offers do you have?

“I have four offers.”

Have you visited any schools this fall?

“Yes. I have been on unofficial visits to Pitt twice and I have been to Arkansas. Arkansas asked me to come back on an official in December.”

Nice. With the Pitt visit, how did that go?

“It was great. Coach (Archie) Collins, their defensive backs coach, has showed a lot of love. When I was there, their defensive staff introduced themselves to me. I liked the atmosphere in the locker room. It was a great experience both times at Pitt.”

And the Arkansas visit, how did that go?

“It went really well. Coach (Ron) Cooper (DB) had coached at LSU and coached the Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu. He said he knows real DB talent and that I have it. I was honored. They showed a lot of love and respect to my game. I also spoke to their head coach (Chad Morris).”

You mentioned Arkansas asking you to come back in December, which trips might you take coming up?

“Arkansas, definitely, and possibly Pitt and Tennessee.”

Looking at the entire recruiting process, what is the ideal fit for you?

“The ideal fit for me is a place that is accepting and builds young men on and off the field. The ideal place is a competitive place where the players compete in practice every day.”

Now that the offseason is here, what will be the focus of your workouts?

“On the weekends I go back home and work out with my track coach; he won an Olympic award with Trinidad. I will focus on strength and conditioning as well. I cannot wait.”

Are you going to compete in any other sports this winter or spring?

“This spring I will compete in track and field.”

Which events?

“The 50, 200, and 4×100 relay.”

Khari, it was great getting time in with you today. Good luck with your recruiting process and with the upcoming visits you may take.

“Thank you.”

Contribute Now

Photo credit: Johnson family; Khari Johnson at Arkansas