Interview: Gary Johnson Commitment to Alabama One Part of Long Success Story Coming

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Everyone loves a great success story. Thousands of books have been written on how to be successful, which typically always sell really well, and year after year Hollywood pumps out some sort of success story be it personal triumph or a group of individuals overcoming the odds to accomplish the previously unimaginable. Far too soon to put a cap on Gary Johnson’s personal success story but the opening chapters are a great read with a very promising middle and a set-up to an exciting ending.

When the 2015 recruiting class had inked their national letters of intent, Johnson, a two-way and two-sport star for Douglas High School, sat alone without a letter to fax to a Division-I or Division-II program. Undaunted, Johnson signed with Dodge City Community College setting the wheels in motion for a silver screen football recruiting rags to riches story.

Johnson took the Kansas Junior College ranks by storm during his freshman season racking up 133 tackles with 13.5 tackles for a loss, 8.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and four interceptions including a pick-six dropping running back from his skill set focusing on linebacker. The 6’1”, 215 pound, rising star went from no offers in February 2015 to 16 offers by March 2016 in a blink of a hard hitting eye. The teams to extend offers to the former Alabama high school football star includes Georgia, Louisiana Tech, UAB, Central Florida, Arkansas State, Iowa State, Memphis, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and Baylor.

As the improbable script plays out, one of Johnson’s offers came from not only one of the top schools in his home state but one of the best programs in the nation – Alabama. On Feb. 19, the Crimson Tide extended an offer and on March 20 Johnson had verbally committed to Alabama.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Johnson before his spring break ending flight from Alabama back to Kansas to cover his freshman season and his commitment to the Crimson Tide.

Interview

Gary, first, congratulations on your commitment to Alabama.

“Thank you.”

What influenced you to commit when you did?

“I was thinking about it and had been thinking about it for a while. I knew I was going home for spring break and was going to be at home with my parents. When I committed, they had no idea. They had an idea I wanted to commit to Alabama, but they did not know for sure or when. I sat them down before I left and surprised them a little bit.”

What were your parents reactions when you told them you were committing to Alabama?

“They were excited but they’re Auburn fans. They want what was best for me. I guess they will end up being Alabama fans.”

Who did you commit to on the Alabama staff and how did that play out?

“I spoke with Coach (Billy) Napier (wide receivers) and Coach (Nick) Saban (head coach). I called them on Sunday at 5:00. I called them and talked to them a little bit about how I felt about Alabama. I told them I’m willing to commit to Alabama and play the rest of my college career there.”

What was the reaction of Coach Napier and Coach Saban?

“They were pretty excited. They said they had big plans for me and they think I can play a huge role on their defense. They compared me to C.J. Mosley (Baltimore Ravens). That makes me a whole lot happier. Makes me feel good being compared to a NFL guy.”

Is there a sense of relief, that to some extent, your recruiting process is over?

“Not at all. I’m still going to play like I have no offers and like I have not committed. Nothing is promised. I could take a visit to another program and like it there. You never know. I’m still hungry and I want to put in the work to get better. When people watch me, they say he’s playing like he’s not committed.”

You mentioned taking other visits, do you still plan to take your official visits during the season?

“Yes sir. I plan to take all five of my official visits.”

Do you have any ideas which schools you will officially visit yet?

“Right now I only have three, Alabama, Baylor, and Ole Miss.”

Let’s talk a little bit about your success on the field in 2015. Did you have any idea you were headed towards a 133 tackle kind of season?

“I mean, I did not think that I would have that many tackles or that big of a season but I had that kind of mindset. I wanted to show everyone that I’m one of those guys that can play at the next level in the SEC, Big Ten, or Big 12. I’m out there with a chip on my shoulder.”

Is it an exciting feeling for you to come as far as you have in this last year?

“It is. Not too many people can say they went from zero to 16 offers. To have an offer from Alabama, Baylor, and Georgia, people dream about schools like that. To pick one of those schools to play for is a blessing.”

Gary, thanks for your time today. Good luck with your 2016 season, we’ll be watching.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: al.com; No. 1 Gary Johnson.