Interview: 3-Star 2022 Alabama QB Khalib Johnson Talks Playoffs and Kansas Offer

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

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Clay-Chalkville is one of those schools Alabama 6A teams do not want to face during the regular season, and that goes double in the postseason. The Cougars have been on point all year running out to a 11-1 record behind first-year starting quarterback Khalib Johnson. The team is averaging 45 points per game this season notching a 63-0 win over Southside and a 42-0 win against Homewood to open action in the playoffs. With their 6-2, 200-pound, three-star leader in the pocket, the Cougars have a big test on Friday traveling to Mountain Brook for the right to proceed into the semifinal round.

In an RNG update interview, Johnson covers ground on the team’s playoff run and his new offer from the Kansas Jayhawks.

*Click link for Sept. 2020 RNG interview with Khalib Johnson

Interview

Khalib, the Cougars are rolling with a 10-1 record getting a second playoff victory on Friday with a 42-0 win over Homewood. The team put up a lot of points, how did Friday’s playoff game go for you?

It went great for me. There is still room to get better, I missed a couple of throws I can make. It is back to the drawing board for Round 3.

In the two playoff games played, even with both being lopsided scores, are you seeing anything different, defensively or otherwise, than what you saw during the regular season?

Defensively, they are always going to try to give you different looks. They watched the regular season film on us, but our coach has done a great job preparing us for those looks.

Do you know or have an idea of your two-game playoff stats?

In the first round I had three touchdowns, two running and one passing. I threw for about 200 yards in that one. Last Friday I had one passing and one rushing, and I threw for 216 yards.

Nice. One of my staple interview questions is coming. I always want to know how you guys are seeing improvements in your game. We spoke after the Jasper game; you’ve had a lot of snaps since then. Where are you seeing those gains in all that you do on the field?

I am becoming a better leader; I didn’t get the chance last year. This year I am taking control of the offense and becoming a better leader. I am learning the game more as I go. I just have to keep getting better.

What are your pregame rituals?

I pray before the game, a lot. Before a game I get by myself and meditate. I don’t listen to music on the bus during away games. My teammates always ask why I don’t listen to music.

Makes sense to better prepare yourself mentally for what is coming.

Yes, sir.

Mountain Brook (9-1) is up next. What kind of game will the No. 9 ranked team in-state bring to the field against you guys?

They are a very good football team. They are smart and they know how to get into windows. If we do our job, we will be fine.

Let’s get into recruiting. You have an offer from Columbia and picked up another one this past week coming from Kansas. Congratulations.

Thank you.

How did the Kansas coaching staff notify you of the offer?

They started with social media on Twitter. They liked my film. I started getting mail from them and since then they’ve been talking to me. Their offensive coordinator called two weeks ago on a Monday telling me I got the offer.

Nice. Being your first Power 5 offer, what was that moment like for you?

It was a blessing. It was a humbling experience knowing you put the work in, trusting the process and knowing it will come. Receiving the offer, it was a really good feeling.

Which other schools are showing interest?

Auburn, Mississippi State, Virginia Tech, and Kentucky have contacted me.

When visits start happening again next year, which schools might you go see?

All the schools that I just named. I’d like to visit them first along with Kansas.

Khalib, congratulations on the success you are having this season. Wishing you and the Cougars success the rest of the way in the playoffs.

Thank you.

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Photo credit: Johnson family; Khalib Johnson