Interview: 3-Star 2019 Arkansas ATH Ryan Johnson Taking Game to Another Level

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

For those in the know, there has never been any doubts about the collegiate possibilities for Class of Arkansas 2019 talent Ryan Johnson; the question has been where to line up the 6-6, 200-pound, all-around athlete. The question may not be solved until he steps foot on a collegiate campus, but his senior season is starting to heat up further proving his next level potential, but, in a good way, not making it any easier for coaches to pin him to one spot on the field.

Beyond his size and speed, Johnson started drawing attention during his junior season after coming up with 66 tackles, 25 solo, with three passes defended and two fumble recoveries for Prescott High School. With Johnson applying his trade, the Curley Wolves went 10-2 a year ago. The Curley Wolves are off to a hot start in 2018 posting a 3-0 record crushing the opposition along the way. MaxPreps ranks Prescott No. 5 in the Natural State in the 3A classification. With Johnson playing quarterback and a walk-down safety role, the Curley Wolves have not needed the starters to play beyond the first half with the closest margin of victory being 28 points against Mena (42-14).

With Johnson holding an offer from Purdue and numerous colleges throughout the region showing interest, I sat down for a quick one-on-one interview with the three-star recruit for an update on his season and recruiting.

*Click link for July 2, 2018, RNG interview with Ryan Johnson

Interview

Ryan, the Curley Wolves have opened the season taking no prisoners averaging 43 points per game while the defense has stuffed the competition to just nine points per game, what is working so well for you guys this early in the season?

“What is working for us on offense is our spread game. We have great receivers and we are starting to air it out. Our running backs are big and strong, and our offensive line is incredible. On defense, our defensive line is strong and big. Our four linebackers worked hard in the weight room over the offseason, it is showing on the field. No team can run on us. We have not given up many passing yards thanks to our secondary; we look really good this year.”

How has your season started in the pocket, what all are you doing well?

“As the season started, I was getting out of the pocket too much. I was not used to staying in the pocket. This last game I stayed in the pocket throwing two 50-yard touchdowns. We aired it out. Once I was comfortable in the pocket, our passing attack has taken off.”

As a quarterback, where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your overall game?

“My overall game is improving. Our coaches had Clint Stoerner (Razorbacks) come out to talk to us. He talked to us about footwork and open rotes. My short game has gotten a lot better. I have been about 100 percent on 15 yards and in routes and I am getting the ball out quick.”

Are you playing on defense at all this year?

“Yes. I am playing defense. I am playing at safety and walking down to linebacker sometimes.”

Where are you seeing the improvement in your game on defense?

“I have gotten better at man defense; that is good for me now. I am coming hard downhill. I am better at filling the alley and stuffing the run.”

You guys just bounced Hope 46-13, how did the game go for you?

“It went really well. I ran for 200 yards and had 10 tackles; that was pretty good for a half. We are going to keep working on throwing the ball and seeing what we can do.”

You guys get Fouke on Friday, what kind of challenge does their defense present for you and the offense?

“We are changing our game plan around for this game. We have not gone against a 5-2 yet. There will be more linemen coming at me. I have to stay in the pocket and step up; that will be a challenge for me.”

What goals have you set for your senior year?

“My team goals are to win a conference championship and state. My personal goal is to get 3A Player of the Year on offense.”

How are college coaches responding to your season thus far?

“I am getting some feedback, things like ‘keep doing good work, do what you do, and keep improving’.”

Which schools are showing interest in you but have not offered yet?

“Arkansas, Arkansas Tech, Arkansas State, Memphis, Georgia Tech, and Kentucky.”

Which position are most schools recruiting you to play at the next level?

“It is half and half, half on defense and the other on offense.”

Are they giving you a position or just kind of leaving it hanging depending on what happens once you get there?

“Yeah – more we will see how it goes once you get here.”

Have you taken any unofficial or official visits yet?

“Yes, sir. I took an official to Purdue over the summer.”

How did that go?

“It was a good visit. I loved it. It is a nice school.”

Do you have any planned visits upcoming?

“The coaches from Arkansas want me to come up for a game visit; I will go to one soon.”

For those that may not know you well, what type of student-athlete is Ryan Johnson?

“I make sure I am on top of my grades. I am a fun guy to be around and I am a good leader. I try to keep guys motivated, keep them going hard in practice. I keep my coaches happy because I am always happy. I feel my energy brings the team up.”

What is one aspect of your game you feel gets overlooked?

“My pocket passing will get overlooked. Most people see me as a dual-threat because I can run the ball well. But, I have been working on my pocket passing.”

Ryan, thanks for your time today and good luck on Friday against Fouke.

“Thank you.”

 

Photo credit: Johnson family; Ryan Johnson at Arkansas State