Justin Johnson, a dual-threat safety emerging in Los Angeles
Exclusive interview with the Calabasas talent
A strong safety by definition, a free safety in coverage, this is Calabasas Class of 2016 rising star Justin Johnson.
Johnson started out his high school career playing on the varsity team for Crespi High School (Encino). As a freshman and sophomore he did not make the field too often playing behind Class of 2015 USC signee Marvell Tell and the ridiculous Class of 2013 group that included Tyler Foreman (UCLA), Brandon Arnold (Oregon), and Timmy Hayes (Wyoming) but was still a varsity player going through all the practices with the upper classmen seeing how future Division-I players command the field.
Transferring after his sophomore season to Calabasas High School, Johnson found a home on the field under new head coach Casey Clausen (Univ. of Tennessee). The former Volunteers Freshman All-SEC signal caller (2000) and Citrus Bowl MVP (2002) knows a thing or two about how to coach up safeties knowing full well how a quarterback will try to trick defenders in the passing game.
Pairing with Darrius “Vuko” Vukobradovich in the Coyotes secondary the duo helped turn around a struggling Calabasas team into a contender. Johnson had 51 tackles (34 solo and 17 assisted) along with 3.0 tackles for a loss, a pass breakup, a fumble recovery, and one pick.
Fitting that the first-year starter is from the San Fernando Valley because he takes legs out like a pupil from John Kreese’s “Cobra Kai” dojo. Johnson will lay the wood on a ball carrier but instead of going for the big hit like a lot of high school safeties, he plays the field like a true centerfielder, nothing is getting past him chopping the opposition down at the knees right on the spot; “Johnny” couldn’t do it better than Johnson does.
Johnson plays stronger than his 6’0”, 188 pound, frame too, which is a great size for a safety at any level. He can cover off the line and come down in nickel drawing the assignment of covering the other teams’ best receiver more times than not.
In an exclusive interview, Johnson answered some questions about the 2014 season, starting the recruiting process, and getting ready for his senior campaign.
Justin, what was the transition like for you going from Crespi to Calabasas? A new team with a new head coach, how did the season go for the Coyotes?
“We finished 6-6 but started the season strong. I moved to Calabasas over the summer. From the start I was really excited about the amount of talent we had on the team. I knew we were young and had a new coach but my goal was for us to go undefeated.
“Our first three games we were rolling, I think we scored something like 125 or 128 points and only gave up 30 over the first three games (actually 161-64). Looking back it seems like some of the guys started thinking we had won something already.
“Then we lost four straight (Pacifica 41-21, Rio Mesa 38-23, St. Francis 45-7, and Camarillo 44-41). After that we started coming back together as a team. Coach Clausen came back to how we were in the summer making us more of a team. We made it to the second round of the playoffs. The West Torrance game was heartbreaking (52-41).”
How does Calabasas look going into next season?
“Think our team is really stacked. Our team is a lot more mature, older. Next year could be the year for us. I think we’re an up and coming team. The year before we got there that team didn’t have a win. I think something amazing can happen for us next year.”
What do the Coyotes have to do as a team to have a successful season?
“We have the talent, I think we have to keep working hard in the weight room. Last year Simi Valley and Camarillo were bigger than us, we couldn’t stop the run. We have to get bigger, we’re already fast. We have to come together as a team and do more team bonding. If we do that I think we can win a championship.”
What is it like playing for Casey Clausen?
“He’s been great. He’s a good guy to be around. He’s genuine – he’ll tell you the truth. He’s honest with you. On the field he’s a great guy, he’ll show you how to do it. He teaches me what a QB is looking at so I can get better from my position. He’s made me better. I know what the quarterbacks are doing when they fake this way, when they look here they’re trying to throw you off because they’re going there.
“He’s trying to turn Calabasas into a D-I football talent producing program. I know he’ll get us there. I want to come back in 5-10-15 years to see what he’s done and know that I was here early on helping lay the tracks for the school’s success.”
What are your strengths on the field at safety?
“I like to hit. I’m a physical player. I played a lot of nickel last year. At safety I’m a rover type of safety. I don’t miss tackles. I can play free safety because I can roam the field. When I’m closer to the line in nickel, I’m strong at helping stop the run game. I played man against some of the best receivers we played in 2014. I feel that I’m able to play strong safety and free safety at a high level.”
Watching your game film one of the things that stood out was how you chop guys down at the knees. There’s no head high hits, is that by design?
“I learned early on not to use my head. When I was younger and smaller, going against 6’2”, 190 pound, guys I learned to hit down low instead of with my head. Trying to make it to the next level, I want to preserve my body. Going in for the big hits with your head may get you a highlight hit but more times than not you’re going to miss the tackle and the guy is off and running for a touchdown.”
What are your goals for the 2015 football season?
“My main goal is to be a better teammate and to do my job on defense. If you do your job you can play lights out defense. I want to have more interceptions than last year (one). I really just want to become a better all around player and teammate.”
Do you think you’ll see anytime on offense next year?
“I’ve been working with our quarterback for a little while in the offseason. Tristan (Gebbia) has been throwing to me some. We don’t have great height at wide receiver. The coaches might try to use me some on offense next year.”
You’re new to the recruiting scene but playing in a high-profile area, did any colleges start showing interest in you?
“Cal is really the only team that I would say is showing some heavy interest in me right now. I’m going to Cal’s Junior Day next week.”
When the time comes to pick a college what will influence your decision?
“I have family members all over the country. I would like to stay in California but I’m open to schools in Arizona and Washington. I’m really close to my family and would like to be closer to home if I can. I’m a family guy.
“I also want go to a school with my major, Sports Management. Not everyone makes it to the NFL so I want to have that degree in hand when I’m done with football. The University of Washington has an excellent business program.”
Did you go to any college camps last summer?
“No.”
Do you plan on going to any this summer?
“I want to go to as many as I can. I want to see more college campuses. I’m hoping to make camps at USC, UCLA, Washington, Cal, Oregon, and Washington State.”
What are you doing in the offseason to prepare for the camp circuit?
“I’m doing speed training and joined Team 19, Keyshawn Johnson’s 7×7 team. I run hills on Tuesday and Thursday. My biggest thing is to get faster in the offseason.”
What NFL player do you model your game after?
“Growing up I’ve always been a Jets fan. My favorite player is Antonio Cromartie (New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals). I also like watching Darrelle Revis (New England Patriots).
“My strength training coach, Chris Asher, works with Antonio so I get to work out with him when we’re training. It’s crazy to get that chance through Coach Asher. If I can make myself into Cromartie I can play any defensive back position on the field.
“I feel like I’m a lot like Calvin Pryor from Louisville. He’s known for laying the big hit and as a great run defending safety. I adopted a lot of my game from him.”
Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?
“My defensive back coach from Crespi, Coach Mack, has had the biggest influence on me. He recruited me to Crespi. The Crespi coaches put it in me that I could play this game. Coach Mack and Coach Dial made me want to play at the next level.
“Seeing all these guys that I’ve played with sign their letters of intent makes me want to play at the next level.”
What is your favorite part of playing football?
“The Friday Night Lights, there’s nothing that gets better than that. The passion, emotion, and feeling you get running out onto the field when the game starts. The student section is going crazy – you look into the stands and everyone is fired up. The team is in the tunnel holding hands, praying, and then everyone runs out onto the field. You get a sensation in your body you just can’t explain.
“I just love playing for the love of the game.”
Photo credit: Idan vaknin; No. 6 Justin Johnson.