Mississippi 2017 OL Seth Johnson Talks Commitment to Austin Peay State

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

During the 2015 season, Seth Johnson was one of the offensive leaders for Lewisburg High School teaming with then- senior offensive lineman Preston Haynes to help blow open holes for 1,000-yard rushers in running back Ben Hoffman and quarterback Jake Harville while helping Harville stay upright connecting with his receivers on 15 touchdown passes. All the tough play in the trenches for Johnson helped bring a lot of next level attention towards the Class of 2017 recruit.

Throughout the offseason, Johnson’s recruitment continued to heat up pushing his offer total to 15. Teams far and wide were interested in the Olive Branch (MS) talent seeing schools like Army, Troy, Jackson State, Northeastern State, St. Francis, Central Arkansas, Louisiana-Lafayette, Southeast Missouri State, Southern Miss, and Louisiana-Monroe showing various levels of interest with some extending scholarship offers.

The 2016 season offers a lot of intrigue for the 6’4”, 315 pound, tackle/guard with Matt Gehrke taking over for former head coach Butch Veazey ushering in a new era of football for the Patriots. While fans of Lewisburg have high hopes for the future, Johnson’s future appears to be set after thinking over all his options committing to Austin Peay State on July 8.

When Austin Peay State swooped into Mississippi to steal the underrated talent, Johnson made his commitment public on Twitter posting:

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Johnson after his commitment to see how the Governors landed the Mississippi talent.

Interview

Seth, what influenced you to commit to Austin Peay?

“I really believe in the coaches at Austin Peay; that was what influenced me the most to commit there. It feels like family there with the staff and I have full trust with them especially the O-line coach, Coach (Joshua) Eargle.”

How did the commitment take place and who did you commit to?

“My dad and I have talked and discussed my commitment over the past couple of weeks since the camp I went at Austin Peay. After we talked with the O-line coach, I called him and I told him over a phone call that Austin Peay is where I want to be for the next couple of years. That’s when I committed to Austin Peay State in Clarksville (TN).”

What was the reaction of the coaches?

“When I called Coach Eargle and Coach (Will) Healy (head coach), they were both super excited. They were probably happier than me on the commitment. They showed so much love to me in the recruiting process. I felt like a weight was lifted on my shoulders after a verbally committed. Now I can focus on senior year and lead my team.”

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

“There is so much relief knowing I have a home for the next couple of years and somewhere that feels like home.”

Which position is Austin Peay recruiting you to play in their offense?

“They are recruiting me as an offensive guard.”

Do you still plan to take your visits during your senior season? If so, do you have an idea where else you may take official visits?

“I do plan to take a couple of visits after my senior season. Beside Austin Peay, I’m not sure where to yet.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“I do plan to start help recruiting other players to Austin Peay. I want the best players playing with me there.”

How are you going to pitch the other players to join you?

“I will pitch to other players by explaining that they will be playing for the best coaching staff you can ask for. Austin Peay is on the rise and wouldn’t you want to be a part of something big. There is a bigger picture there. I promise this program is changing.”

Do you have any players you would like to target already?

“Not sure, about other players as of right now but I know a couple of players that I would love to have play next to me.”

Switching gears here, how is the offseason going for you so far?

“The offseason has been great. I’ve been doing a lot of conditioning and hard lifting. I’m always working on football technique skills.”

Have you maxed out in any of the primary football lifts this offseason? If so, what have you maxed out at so far?

“I maxed out at 575 pounds on squat and 315 on bench.”

How does the team look heading into the 2016 season?

“We are a young team but there is so much potential that awaits us. With a couple of weeks of practice, it will be a different Lewisburg football team!”

How are you getting ready for your senior year?

“I’m just trying to be in the best shape I can possible be in for myself but mostly my team. I am being a more vocal lead for the team. I’m a three-year starter and a senior on the O-line, I feel like I have a lot of responsibility in leading and teaching the younger players.”

Seth, again, congratulations on your commitment to Austin Peay and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Johnson family; Seth Johnson at Austin Peay.

Photo credit: Johnson Family; No. 54 Seth Johnson in action.