Interview: 3-Star 2020 CB Khari Johnson Previews Arkansas Official with Recruiting Update
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Perseverance in any sport is a metaphor for life, and Class of 2020 cornerback/athlete Khari Johnson has shown his tenacity and indefatigability on and off the field. After playing the 2018 season with Catholic Memorial, Johnson took his skills to Suffield Academy helping the Boston area squad to a 9-0 record. The three-star talent lent his talents and 4.48 speed to the Tigers offense pulling in 29 passes for 578 yards with five scores and toted the rock 10 times for 55 yards with another touchdown going up on the board. The 6-0, 185-pound, athlete shinned brightest at corner where he stopped 36 plays while picking off five and taking one back to the house with 11 passes broken up, and forced two fumbles.
In mid-November, Johnson had four offers but now college programs are finding him with 11 offers in-hand. He has taken an official to Akron and officially visits the Arkansas Razorbacks this weekend. To catch up on his whirlwind of activity on the field, Johnson and I sat down for another visit.
*Click link for Nov. 20, 2019, RNG interview with Khari Johnson
Interview
Khari, since we spoke last the recruiting trail has truly heated up for you.
“Yes, sir.”
How many offers are you holding now?
“Right now, I am holding 11 offers.”
Johnson’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Akron, Arkansas State, Colgate, Fordham, Howard, Navy, Rhode Island, Richmond, and Wofford
At which position are you receiving the majority of your offers?
“The majority are at corner.”
What are college coaches telling you they like about your skills on the field?
“They are saying they like my aggression, how fluid I move, and almost every single coach says I have phenomenal ball skills.”
In early November, you had taken unofficial visits to Pitt and Arkansas. Have you taken any visits since then?
“I took on official to Akron.”
Fantastic. How did the official with Akron go?
“The visit was great. My family and I liked it. It was a well-used official visit.”
What caught your eye about the Akron program during the visit?
“The coaches were really-really nice. They spoke highly of me and what they want to do with the future of the program; I liked that.”
Khari Johnson at Arkansas (2019)
With 11 offers, what upcoming official and/or unofficial visits might you take?
“I am taking an official to Arkansas this weekend. Right now, we are trying to decide as a family where we may go next. After this weekend, I am looking at possibly visiting Georgia, Arizona, or Old Dominion.”
What has you excited about visiting Arkansas this weekend?
“The last time I was there it was for an unofficial, but I was still excited. This time, I can only imagine what they have planned. I am super excited. I am excited to meet the new staff; I have been talking to Coach (Sam) Cater (CB) for a while now. It will be great to meet him face to face.”
As you take your official, what are some of the things you want to learn about the Razorbacks’ program?
“I want to know the staff’s goal for the team in the coming years and which style of defense they will run – that is pretty much it.”
As the opportunities open up, what is forming into the ideal fit for you at the collegiate level?
“The ideal fit is a team and organization that is prideful, works hard, competes at a high level, and offers academic support – it is not easy being a student-athlete. What my parents have to say is also very important to me.”
Have you started thinking about a commitment date?
“No, not yet.”
When not dealing with homework and recruiting decisions, what have you been working on this offseason to keep sharpening your skills?
“I am making sure my ball skills are sharp. I am continuously working on speed and agility drills, and going hard in the weight room. I want to put on 10 pounds of muscle before I come in for college. I will be running track again this spring.”
Khari, great catching up with you before your official to Arkansas. Wishing you a successful visit.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Johnson family; Khari Johnson at Akron and Arkansas