Interview: 2023 Dual-Threat Justin Johnson Picked Apart 6A Georgia Defenses
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
A true dual-threat who understands the game can put defenses in a bind on every snap. Drop back, and he’ll move the chains with his legs. Bring the heat, and he’ll drop it over the top. The 2020 season was a sampling of what great things are to come for Class of 2023 Justin Johnson as he continues to pick apart 6A Georgia teams with his arm, legs, and knowledge of the game.
Pushing through a tough 1-9 season with Central Gwinnett High School, Johnson never gave up nor backed down from the challenge of the schedule. The 6-0, 170-pound, playmaker spun it for 2,282 yards with 15 touchdowns completing 63 percent of his passes while scorching the box for 373 yards off 61 totes with two more scores posted on the board.
The overall talents brought first team All-County and honorable mention All-State honors along with a slew of college coaches showing interest. His offseason is packed with 7v7, camps, and baseball games pushing his athletic and competitive talents forward.
In an RNG first-round interview, Johnson runs down the list of questions about his sophomore campaign while taking us into his offseason program.
Interview
Justin, I want to start off a little differently with you today. I am sure you get to hear all the time about how athletic you are, but maybe not enough spotlight goes to your arm strength. Not only do you have a strong arm but you can deliver it just about any way possible. How have you developed not only your arm strength but also that ability to make different angle and/or off-platform throws?
It has been from working on my technique 24-7, going to my trainer, and focusing on getting out of my pocket. In our offense, I have to use my ability and skillset to get the ball out. I will do anything to help my team out and win games.
Another key to your game that jumps out at me is your dedication to reading the defense and going down your progressions. This is big to me considering your wheels. Walk me through your weekly game preparation so you can deliver the rock to your guys come Friday night.
My weekly game prep, practice and after practice I get with my receivers. Then I go over what we are going to run in the game and we practice it. My coach and I make a game script. We go over what the defense runs to see what we can do best against them. I then go with my receivers over that script and we go out and execute it 100 percent.
What were some of the routes your receivers were running in 2020?
A lot of hitches, comebacks, seams, whip routes, and digs. We opened up the route tree this year.
Given all that you can do, how were defenses lining up against you guys?
I played against some of the best teams in Georgia. They were doing everything from a Cover 1 look rolling to Cover 3. I have seen everything. There is nothing new to me with defenses. Everything they showed me I executed against. That is where the film part comes in.
In which game did you turn in your best personal performance?
I’d say the South Forsyth, the fourth game of the season. I had three touchdowns throwing and one rushing. In that game, I had 419 yards in the air and 97 rushing. I had over 500 all-purpose yards in that game. Another one was the Shiloh game. I threw for five touchdowns in that game.
Building upon your strengths, what are you working on with your fundamentals this winter?
My footwork. I know when I go to college, I will have to stay in the pocket more. I am also working on my three- and five-step drops, getting the ball out quicker and with more velocity. This offseason I am also working on getting stronger. You can’t go wrong getting stronger.
How are you pushing your understanding of the game forward this offseason?
I play 7v7. We have a tournament at IMG on Saturday and Sunday. Last week we were in South Carolina at Myrtle Beach; I lit it up there. The week before we were in Michigan. I went to Texas and Florida too, and now I am going back to Florida.
Do you play any other varsity sports?
Yes, sir. I have a baseball game in three hours.
Which positions do you play?
Left field and I pitch some.
Are there any football camps on your agenda coming up?
There are no college camps taking people right now. This offseason I will go to some local camps with some big scouts there. I lit it up down in Valdosta at a camp and I am going back to that camp in Atlanta. I will be ready to ball again.
Last question. After the season you turned in which schools are showing recruiting interest?
Arkansas State, Kansas, Mississippi State, Georgia Tech, and Arkansas. There are a lot more but I can’t think of all of them. My coach is telling me there are schools asking about me. He tells me to be patient and that my time is coming. I don’t worry about it. It will come if I do my part.
Agreed. Justin, it was great covering ground with you today. Wishing you success with your 7v7 season, football camps, and baseball game today.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Cone Photos and Johnson family; Justin Johnson