Interview: 3-Star 2022 Texas LB/SS Trevell Johnson Ready to Dish Out More Punishment
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Skull rattling and snot bubbles were on the menu for 6A Texas running backs during the 2019 season when colliding against Martin High School. The Warriors had a namesake at linebacker controlling the box in Trevell Johnson dropping ball carriers upon contact. The 6-1, 200-pound, talent put an end to 99 plays, 46 solo, with 12 tackles for a loss, a sack, nine quarterback hurries, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble and a blocked punt a year ago. At season’s end, Johnson had earned second team All-District honors at linebacker along with three-star recruiting status. The bone jarring hits and versatile presence on the gridiron has prompted nine college football programs nationwide to extend offers. The talents on display for college coaches will expand in 2020 with some snaps at strong safety.
In an RNG first-look, Johnson breaks down his game, offseason workouts, and growing recruiting process in a Q&A conversation.
Interview
Trevell, your game on the field is different, in a positive way, than others. You line up as a linebacker but there is more of a rover/strong safety feel to what you bring to the game with excellent blitzing abilities. How would you describe your role last year on the field and your overall playing abilities?
Last year, I feel like as the season was going on I was learning and getting better. I know everything this year. Because of that, I am getting more jobs and positions from my coaches. I will be at safety some this season. I am all over the field this year. This year will be different.
When the 2019 season had ended, what did you feel were the strengths to your overall game as a linebacker?
My physicality and my speed. Those two are the main things. The rest, I can’t really explain it. College coaches like the way I fly around and the way I hit people.
Me too. Was there an aspect to your game last season that was overlooked?
No, I don’t think so.
If I can add one, it was how well you were diagnosing plays. Where does that talent come from with you?
The preparation comes the week before watching film and in practice. If you get those tendencies down of your opponent, you have the game. How you much and how well you watch film makes a difference. You have to know your stuff.
Agreed. Let’s look to the 2020 season. You already mentioned playing some safety this year. Where all will we see you on the field?
Right now, I am playing all four linebacker positions this season; Sam, Mike, Rover, and Will. Blitzes will be coming from everywhere this year, on the outside, inside, and on the line.
What style of defense are you guys executing this year?
A 3-4, but we have different formations. It all depends on the team we are playing.
What have you focused on with technique work this summer?
My mobility, I need more flexibility in my hips. I am not breaking to the ball fast enough. Our strength coach does a good job of finding workouts for that.
Keeping with that. What kind of strength and weight lifting program are you executing?
Every day it is different. One day it is a speed focus, the next day is a lift, and then we have a day of recovery. The speed days, those are the days when we are working the tiny muscles.
Where are you seeing the overall improvements in fall camp with your game?
Honestly, I think I have improved overall, especially mentally and physically. Mentally, it is how I take in plays. That also comes with age and maturity.
Turning to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest as you prepare for the 2020 season?
Right now, I can name off a few: Texas, Indiana, Colorado, Oregon, Memphis, Houston, Oklahoma State, Nebraska, Virginia, and Virginia Tech
Very cool. How many offers are you holding?
Nine.
Which program was the last to offer?
The last to offer was Arizona.
Johnson’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Arizona, Baylor, Boston College, Buffalo, Ole Miss, SMU, Texas Tech, and Washington State
Before the dead period began in March, did you get to take any unofficial visits?
I took one to SMU for one of their spring morning practices, they offered me the next day.
That’s a great visit. Did you take any virtual visits this summer?
I did take one with Baylor. That was early on in the spring, back when they had first offered. Once the dead period ends, I want to go to more schools.
Which schools would you like to visit if allowed next week?
I’d probably visit Oregon, Texas, and Baylor. Those are three for right now.
Back to football. The Warriors get to kick off the season on Friday, Sept. 25, against Ryan. How pumped is everyone to get the 2020 season going?
That is a big game right out the gate. I think they made it to the 5A state championship game last year. They have multiple good players on both sides of the ball. That is a big game for us, on both sides of the ball.
How is the team looking in camp?
We are looking great to be honest. Our offense and defense look great. We are getting solid practices in every day. It is like a game every day in practice. We have a young defense, but we will be fine. The younger ones have to buy in and we will have a great season.
Outside of the season opener, what other top games are on the schedule for the Warriors this season?
Hebron and Arlington. Arlington is a rival. Hebron, the last two years have been battles.
What goals have you set for the upcoming season?
I want a state championship. That is my goal for our team. I want a state championship.
Trevell, it was great covering all of this ground with you today. Wishing you and the team great success until we talk again.
Thank you.
Photo credit: Johnson family; Trevell Johnson