Interview: College Scouts are Missing Out on Impressive 1,200-Yard 2022 Arkansas RB Casey Johnson III
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Everything next level offensive coordinators look for in a running back is on the roster at Benton High School. The Panthers utilized all the skills of Casey Johnson III during the 2020 season watching him rush for 1,240 yards while covering 353 yards in the passing attack amassing 18 total touchdowns. The 6-0, 197-pound, back is a true all-purpose back who can run downhill for the tough yards in between the tackles, has the speed for outside zone plays, and the hands to open up the offense on passing downs. And the game speed, more 6A Arkansas defenders know him by the back of his jersey than the front.
The game film on Johnson is making the rounds to college programs with interest coming in from Kansas State, SMU, and Colorado among others.
In an RNG first-look interview, Johnson made a visit to the Clubhouse taking us inside his playbook and offseason workouts.
Interview
Casey, I love your running style. You hit the line of scrimmage full speed and waste no time leaving defenders in the dust. How do you describe your talents and abilities as a running back?
As an aggressive running back. I run heavy and low. I am a train and I love to run it.
What offensive scheme were the Panthers running in 2020?
A Spread, with a lot of downhill plays.
In which ways was the offensive coordinator getting the ball into your hands?
There were designing downhill plays for me and getting me the ball on inside and outside zone plays, sweeps, and some balls out of the backfield. This year I will be catching the ball more. On Mondays and Wednesdays I do extra work as a receiving back. I am trying to learn everything to become a better player. This is going to be a very good season.
Beyond your explosive speed through the line and second level, what do you feel are some of the other strengths to your game?
Hitting the hole hard. Over the past season I was working on catching the ball; as mentioned I will catch the ball very well this year. I’ve been working on bubbles, slants, and working my butt off on my footwork and getting north and south. My vision is a strength. I am seeing the linebacker. If he is bubbling out, he’s in Cover 2. Then I know I have to be aggressive to beat the linebacker for a big play.
We will see you more as a receiving threat in 2021, what other roles are you taking on?
For big games I will go help on defense and I will try to play special teams. I am down to do whatever it takes to win.
This offseason, what have you been doing to push your strength and power forward?
I have been stretching a lot, doing cleans, bench press, and squatting a lot. I am working on my technique and form when running. My burst is something I have been working on, getting north and south. I am running the hills over the weekends too.
You just touched on this, but going deeper. How have you increased your speed and burst?
My coach, Coach Ray, has been helping me with track. I have been going every day working on my speed. I keep pushing myself every day.
What other sports are you competing in for Benton?
Track.
Which events?
The 100, 200, 4×1, 4×2, and some long jump.
Wow. That’s a lot of events. Back to football, are there any camps you may attend this spring or summer?
I might be going to a USA camp and some camps in Arkansas.
What about college camps?
Henderson, OBU (Ouachita Baptist), and ACU (Abilene Christian) have invited me to camps.
Casey, thank you for your time today. Wishing you continued success this offseason with track and the upcoming camps.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Johnson family; Casey Johnson III