Interview with Versatile 2020 Long Beach Poly OLB Johnathan Scott
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
How one finishes on the gridiron says a lot, and how Johnathan Scott finished out his high school career with Long Beach Poly spoke volumes. The outside linebacker was more of a jack-of-all-trades in the box for the Jackrabbits sealing the edge, rushing the quarterback, and dropping back into coverage. The 6-0, 215-pound, defender ended the season with a stat line of 35 tackles, 25 solo, with 16.5 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two QB hurries, a pick, a pass defended, and jarred loose a fumble in stats posted through 11 of the team’s 12 games played. Scott’s versatility on the field is attracting a crowd of interest coming from UNLV, USC, Yale, Colorado State, and Wyoming with a visit in October to USC and an upcoming unofficial visit planned to Arizona.
Upon the completion of Poly’s 8-4 season with a second-round run into the Division I California playoffs, I got a few minutes in with the Southern California recruit to learn more about his play on the field.
Interview
Johnathan, you had a very productive season in the box with the Jackrabbits. You were stuffing the run, rushing the passer, and dropping back into coverage. What roles were you playing for the Poly defense this season?
“This year my role with Poly was at outside linebacker, but more as a defensive end and sometimes at defensive tackle.”
Given all that you did, how did you prepare for each game during the week?
“I watched film to how they block and how they run their plays. I would learn their schemes and learn what they like to do as well as learn their techniques.”
Leading up to game time, what did you do to get your mind prepared for kickoff?
“I would pray to God to be injury free and be thankful for the blessing to play football. I would listen to music, get my mind right, and do push-ups.”
The Jackrabbits had 12 games this season, and against some great competition. Of them all, which was your best game performance wise?
“My best game was against Rancho Cucamonga and Cabrillo.”
What did you do well in those games to make them your best?
“Rushing the QB and using my speed to go past the lineman. I was just doing my job.”
At which position do you see yourself at the next level or which is your favorite to play?
“I see myself playing outside linebacker at the next level. I can use my speed, I have that first step to get past the linemen, and I can use my strength.”
What do you feel are the strengths to your overall game?
“My strengths – I can cover. I can cover man-to-man and in a zone. I can play left to right and I can pursue the ball. My tackling is a strength. We did tackle drills every day in practice which helped me. My first step is a strength; linebackers love coming downhill.”
With the offseason here, what workouts are you going to do to stay sharp?
“I am running track this season. That will help keep up my stamina and help me get faster.”
Which events might you run?
“The 100, 200, and maybe the 4×1.”
Johnathan, congratulations on a successful senior season and good luck with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: twitter.com/Scott family; No. 58 Johnathan Scott and Johnathan Scott at USC