Interview: Big 2019 Arkansas WR Jordan Johnson Talks Determination Becoming NCAA Qualifier
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The flip side to being a dynamic high school football player is the work put into the books in and out of the classroom. While earning the grades may not always be the hard part, sometimes getting a qualifying score on a standardized test like the ACT or the SAT can be tougher than winning a state championship on the gridiron. Proving his character and will to succeed, Class of 2019 Jacksonville receiver Jordan Johnson has not let obstacles stop him from going after his dreams. First overcoming being a skilled and athletic receiver in a run-heavy offense, the 6-3, 185-pound, target has worked to rightly justify being a collegiate talent.
With a 3.43 cumulative GPA, the one hang-up for Johnson was a 16 on the ACT – this scared away college coaches believing in his abilities. While many may have given up or opted for the junior college route without trying, Johnson dedicated himself to properly preparing for the ACT working twice a week with a tutor over a three-month duration receiving the outcome desired, a 22 on the all-important college admission exam.
In an RNG exclusive interview, with the test score in-hand, I sat down for a catch-up interview with the newly academically NCAA qualified recruit.
*Click link for Nov. 29, 2018, RNG interview with Jordan Johnson
Interview
Jordan, last time we spoke we talked about your skills high-pointing the ball, your separation, hands, route running, and pulling down the hard to catch passes. What do you feel separates you from other 2019 receivers beyond the mentioned traits?
“My work ethic. I show it too. I put in hard work with my trainer JJ Meadors. All I do is work. I want to be great and I want to go to the NFL. I take no days off. It starts at home and in high school, working out on the field doing sprints, lifting, and grinding every day. Over time, your body will transform into something next level. Greatness is right there for me, I know it.”
How have you constructed your offseason workouts?
“This year I am working to add 10 to 15 pounds to my frame. I am working on getting my legs stronger, better defining my body, and getting stronger overall. My other focus has been on speed, hands, and route running. My route running is the main thing. Not all NFL guys are fast, but if they can put their foot in the ground and changed direction getting that separation they have a job. Agility and speed, I am always working on speed and agility.”
When we last spoke you were carrying a 3.36 GPA and had not received a score on the ACT yet, are there any updates with your grades and test scores?
“I have a 3.43 GPA and I scored a 22 on the ACT.”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
What was your process scoring a 22 on the ACT?
“I was at a 16 on the ACT. For three months I went to a learning center in Little Rock every Tuesday and Saturday morning spending two to three hours preparing for the ACT. I went from a 16 to a 22… For anyone with a low score, turn to hard work and repetition, God will make a way.”
The challenge of not having your score in on time for National Signing Day, I am sure, has been difficult for you. How has the setback motivated you or shaped your love for football?
“It made me think, do I want to continue playing football? I do. This is my dream. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about college football and playing in the NFL. Getting that 22, God sent me a message not to quit. I kept trying to get over the 16, but couldn’t. I worked hard and I came through with a 22. I know God is telling me something. Whatever team I go to, they are getting a hard worker, a team player, and someone who never quits.”
Do you have a message for coaches out there about who Jordan Johnson is and why you love football so much?
“I am a player who will give his all. I give 100 percent to the game on and off the field. Every coach wants to know about the player off the field – I don’t party and I don’t go out. I watch football all the time and stay to myself. I learn plays and figure out how to beat defenses. I love football and I am a team player.”
Jordan, congratulations, again, on scoring a 22 on the ACT and keeping with it. I am very happy for you and what you have accomplished.
“Thank you.”
**Click link for Jordan Johnson’s Hudl reel
Photo credit: David Scolli and the Johnson family; Jordan Johnson