Interview: Offseason 7v7 Paying Off for 2023 Oaks Christian DB Johnny Thompson Jr
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For skill players, playing 7v7 ball during football’s offseason is key to improving upon one’s game. Taking on top players from a given area, region, or across the country in a 7v7 tournament allows a player to test their abilities seeing what they do well and what they need to improve upon. One player who made the most of his offseason playing 7v7 ball with Formula 4 Speed was Class of 2023 defensive back Johnny Thompson Jr. The 5-11, 187-pound, defender has parlayed those reps to a starting job with Oaks Christian playing nickel and corner. The talent on the field is helping draw a next level crowd with Columbia, Cal, Virginia Tech, USC, UNLV, and Washington State following his progress.
Interview
Johnny, the 2020 season this spring is a big one for you taking on top California varsity competition. Three games in, how is the season going for you so far?
The season is going great. My offseason workouts are paying forward. I am seeing the progression from last year playing against D-I players. It is great getting that competition against them getting me ready for college.
In the Lions’ secondary, looks like you are playing some nickel with an eye on shading quarterbacks and keeping running backs contained if they break outside. Where all are you lining up and what are your responsibilities within the defense?
(Laughs) Yeah. My responsibilities are to force everything inside. They just moved me to corner. I will have more action with receivers the rest of the season. I am grateful to see the field.
What are some of the coverages the Lions secondary has been executing this season?
We do all types. We switch it up to our opponents.
Adjusting to everything that is happening, what are some of the things you’ve learned about the game this season?
Patient is key. You can’t bite on things; you have to wait for things come to you. When the ball is in play, go attack the ball and rally to it. Consistency is key and you cannot give up on a play. I have learned to chase the play down until the whistle blows.
With your technique, where are you showing the improvements?
With my eye coordination, speed, and my aggressiveness.
How did you prepare over the offseason?
Over the offseason I was preparing knowing there were two older corners ahead of me. I prepared as a defensive back doing backpedals and breaking drills while working on my strength and conditioning, Balance is key as a defensive back. You have to keep your stance and balance.
Did you play 7v7 this winter?
Yes, I played 7v7 with Formula 4 Speed out of the valley.
How did playing 7v7 with Formula 4 Speed help prepare you for the top varsity action you are seeing this season?
Formula, they are a great program. Playing for them, you go against great teams. I was learning more coverages and getting more experience.
Who do the Lions get next?
This week, on Saturday, we play Upland at home. It should be a good game.
What kind of matchup are you looking at?
A run heavy game. I think they will think we cannot stop the run based on the Sierra Canyon game. We were not ready for that one. I think they will try to pound the ball. We are 100 percent ready for that.
For the remainder of the 2020 season, what goals do you want to accomplish?
For our last two games, one game was cancelled, I want three picks. That would be amazing.
When the season ends, are there any camps you may go compete at this summer?
Recently, I was invited to camps at Columbia, Liberty, Penn, and Le Verne. I appreciate Columbia’s coaches for reaching out inviting me to their camp.
Johnny, thanks for your time today. Wishing you and the Lions success the rest of the way.
Thank you, sir.
Photo credit: Thompson family; Johnny Thompson Jr.