Interview: 2020 Texas DT Ta’Shoyn Johnson Proving His Worth as a Next Level Talent
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
One does not have to go far in the Lone Star State to bump into a high school football player with serious collegiate potential. With so much talent across the state, and within every classification, for a player to stand out among the crowd, their game must rise to the next level. During Ta’Shoyn Johnson’s sophomore season, through the ebb and flow of the season with Killeen High School, he found his way to set himself apart from the rest.
The Kangaroos posted a 4-6 season in 2017 against 6A competition seeing the rise of their defensive tackle/nose guard along the way. Johnson worked his trade throughout the year holding his own against college recruited seniors, rarely, if ever, giving ground while throwing offensive linemen around like rag dolls stopping the play in his assigned gap. The amassed stat line was 60 total stops, 12 tackles for a loss, two sacks, and one forced fumble earning All-District Honorable Mention.
Even though Johnson is younger than most, the importance of developing his craft and working hard in the weight room is at as senior’s level. The grind to get better has been accepted and welcomed with open arms. The sky is the limit for the 6-1, 280-pound, defender with multiple opportunities to showcase his abilities at college camps this summer.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Johnson for a quick one-on-one covering his sophomore campaign, offseason workouts, and planned college camp circuit.
Interview
Ta’Shoyn, you were a one-man wrecking crew playing nose guard and defensive tackle last season. Going into your sophomore year, did you expect to have that type of season?
“No, sir. Actually, I started off badly last season. I lost my spot in second game, but then started doing well again, especially in district.”
Was there an offensive lineman that challenged you last season, if so, how did that challenge help push your game forward?
“Yes, sir. My teammate, Kenny. He’s, 6-8, 300 pounds. At every practice we would butt heads. He made me better.”
Of all the games played last season, which was your best?
“The Copperas Cove game was my best. I utilized my hands a lot in that game. I showed how well rounded a player I am.”
You shed blocks really well, what are some of the other strengths of your game?
“I have nice hand-placement, I am quick on my feet, I have a high football IQ, I pick up on plays quickly, and I use my technique. I am a faster learner.”
What are you working on this offseason?
“I am working on my hands, my moves, and being a leader on the team.”
Have you maxed out in the weight room this offseason?
“Yes, sir. My bench is 275, my squat is 470, and my power clean is 285.”
Nice. Have you been to any camps this offseason?
“I went to the Next Level Top 100 camp.”
How did that camp go for you?
“It was an eye opener. I was facing new opponents, guys with different skill sets. The camp showed me there are things I need to work on to keep improving.”
Do you have any college camps on the schedule yet?
“I am planning on attending camps at Texas Tech, Texas State, Texas A&M, Texas, North Texas, and maybe LSU.”
Busy man. When the lights go on for the Kangaroos to play, what gets you hyped?
“The energy out there. The energy from my team and the crowd, I get absorbed into it.”
Are you a talker in the trenches?
“Here and there, but not too much. I let my play do the talking.”
What is the funniest thing an opposing player has said to you during a game?
“One guy was asking me what I was going to eat after the game.”
What goals have you set for yourself before the 2018 season begins?
“I want to improve my pass rush, get my weight up to 285-290, and get my bench press up to 315.”
What goals have you set for yourself before the 2018 season?
“I’m looking forward to 10 sacks and opening some eyes.”
Ta’Shoyn, thanks for your time today and good luck with all the upcoming camps.
“Thank you.”
*Click link to see Ta’Shoyn Johnson’s 2017 Hudl reel
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Photo credit: Killeen High School; Ta’Shoyn Johnson off the snap
Photo credit: Twitter.com; No. 96 Ta’Shoyn Johnson pre-snap