Interview: 3-Star 2019 Arkansas APB Samy Johnson Further Proving Next Level Talents

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The system of college football recruiting, coupled with offers, along with various website rankings can be truly confusing at times. What makes one person a four-star over a three- and what all a recruit has to do for next level offers to come pouring forward does not always add up. A case of the confounding along the recruiting trail can be seen with Class of 2019 all-purpose back Samy Johnson. The Catholic High School standout has done everything possible with the pigskin in his hands out of the backfield yet is still one of the more widely overlooked players in the nation; yes, nation.

As a sophomore, Johnson made a case for himself as one of the best among his peer group rushing 211 times for 1,944 yards with 20 touchdowns against 7A Arkansas competition. Showcasing his all-purpose abilities, he also pulled in six passes for 175 yards with three additional scores posted and took four kicks back for 138 yards netting a 96-yard return in the process. With teams keying on him, in 2017 Johnson was a workhorse again for the Rockets rushing for 1,293 yards with 13 touchdowns in 10 games played through a 4-6 season.

The 5-11, 186-pound, back is once again the focal point of Catholic High’s offense helping carry the squad to a 4-3 record thus far with 898 yards off 172 totes with 10 trips into the end zone on the ground. The all-around play-making continues with nine passes snagged for 115 yards with two touchdowns and 153 kick return yards on eight attempts.

Through Johnson’s career, he has earned Sophomore of the Year by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and is a two-time All-State selection, with a third on the way. The work in the classroom is there for Johnson and he has verified his on the field speed running a 4.5 40-yard dash at both Ole Miss and Arkansas football camps. Despite all of his on the field productivity, Johnson remains a three-star recruit with just five offers: Arkansas State, Idaho, Texas State, Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and Central Arkansas. Easy to recognize that if Johnson was on a different team in a different state his recruitment would be through the roof along with a different recruiting ranking, but here we are.

In an RNG mid-season catch-up interview, I sat down with the immensely talented 2019 tailback to see how his senior season has gone to date while receiving a recruiting briefing.

*Click link for June 16, 2018, RNG interview with Samy Johnson

Interview

Samy, you are a workhorse all-purpose back for Catholic High. In which ways are the coaches getting the ball into your hands this season?

“When I am not running the ball, I am running some fade and bubble routes.”

If you will, tell me all the ways in which your game has improved this season?

“My game has improved a lot as a blocker. The weight that I gained and technique I have developed, I am picking them up linemen and linebackers better. As a runner, over the summer I worked on my breakaway speed, hitting the hole and going full-speed. That part of my game has improved a lot as well. As a receiver, I worked on a lot of catching. I am always focused on having the ball in my hands before I do anything.”

The Rockets have played some very tough teams this season, which game has been the toughest for you personally?

“The Bryant game was probably the toughest. They have very good size on defense and they have a lot of athletes at all levels of their defense.”

How did that contest make you a better player and a better leader on the team?

“Playing against Bryant helped me learn there are things to improve upon.”

Which game this season has been your best and why do you consider that to be your best game?

“The Cabot game has been the best so far. That game, that was a physical game. Cabot challenged us physically and mentally, and we responded.”

You guys get Fort Smith Southside (3-4) next, what challenges are you expecting from their defense?

“We are expecting a lot of blitzes from their linebackers and defensive linemen. We will spread them out a little bit more and make plays.”

Turning to recruiting. Last time we spoke teams like Arkansas, Ole Miss, Memphis, Princeton, Yale, and Virginia Tech were showing interest. Which new schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Western Kentucky, North Texas, and North Dakota are the new schools showing interest.”

When college coaches are talking to you about your skillset, what are they telling you they like?

“They are telling me they like the effort that I give. They like that I am a strong runner and that I do not go down easily.”

Have you taken any visits over the past couple of months?

“Yes, sir. I have taken an unofficial to Arkansas State for their first game of the season (vs. Southeast Missouri State).”

How did the visit go?

“It went really well. They have a very nice atmosphere up there. It was beautiful up there.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“I have none planned yet. I am waiting until after the season before I take any more visits.”

Makes sense. Last question. There were so many great college football games on Saturday, which games did you get to watch and what all stood out to you?

“I watched the Arkansas verses Ole Miss game and the LSU verses Georgia game. The LSU game, the atmosphere of the game – what a great environment. You could tell it was loud. They crowd, that got them rolling. LSU is a great team.”

Samy, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Samy Johnson soars for a pass

Photo credit: Johnson family; Samy Johnson at Arkansas State