Interview with Airline Louisiana FS Xavier Johnson

Written by Charlie Beuttel 

Airline High School in Bossier City, Louisiana has struggled the last couple of years to win games. Between 2013 and 2014 the Vikings won a total of nine games. However this year there are high expectations around the Airline football team.  The core group of seniors that are stepping into leadership roles this year have been playing together since their freshman year.

One of Airline’s seniors blossoming into a star is free safety Xavier Johnson.

The 6’1”, 173 pound, recruit didn’t start until the third game of the 2014 season but still managed make an impact on the football field. Johnson used his tremendous speed to make 56 tackles, grab two interceptions, and block two field goals.

The Class of 2016 recruit has attended several camps this year and already caught the eye of two in-state schools, Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana Tech. Johnson has visited both of those schools and plans on visiting Southern Miss and Mississippi State this summer.

In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Xavier to talk about his high school career at Airline and his recruiting process going into his senior season.

 

Xavier, first off, what are your thoughts on the 2014 season?

“At the beginning I thought we would do good but we weren’t as good as I thought.  Hopefully we will make it up this season. 4-7 is not good.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2014?

“It was my first year starting at free safety. I didn’t start till the third game. I became better and better. My coaches told me to relax and just play the game.”

What was your most memorable moment from last year?

“Blocking field goals because they have to double team me because they are know I am coming. Hopefully I get more this year.”

Did you receive any individual honors?

“First-Team All-District.”

What camps have you attended?

“Louisiana-Lafayette, Baylor, Louisiana Tech, and Northwestern State.”

Will you attend any more camps this summer?

“Ole Miss Camp on July 16.”

Have you received any interest from any schools?

“Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana Tech.”

Have you gone on any college visits?

“Louisiana Tech and Louisiana-Lafayette but I plan on visiting Southern Miss and Mississippi State. I liked Louisiana-Lafayette’s facilities. Louisiana Tech had an emphasis on education.”

What kind of feedback have you received from the coaches at these schools?

“I have the height and speed but I just need to get bigger.”

What are you working on the most this offseason?

“Getting bigger and stronger.”

What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?

“4.50 At the camp at Louisiana-Lafayette.”

Looking ahead to the 2015 schedule what game are you most looking forward to on the schedule?

“The Byrd and Evangel games. Evangel is moving to 5A this year and they are looking good. Byrd, because it’s always a good game and it’s my last year playing them.”

How does Airline look going into the season?

“We look good. We have a lot of under classmen getting the job done. We work hard at practice and in the weight room.”

Do you have any goals going into 2015?

“Getting All-State.”

What motivates you to give 100 percent effort out there on the football field?

“My teammates and coaches especially my DB coach, Coach Brian Taylor.”

 

Photo credit: Xavier Johnson

Photo credit: Russell Hedges of the Bossier Press Tribune