Mississippi: Interview with Class of 2017 Lewisburg High School OL Seth Johnson

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

When the 2017 recruiting class inks their letters of intent one lucky class will be picking up a grinder in the trenches with Lewisburg offensive lineman Seth Johnson.

The 6’4”, 300 pound, guard/tackle is a nasty blocker who loves to knock the opposition on their can and then smother said defender into the ground as a reminder of what will happen when the ball is snapped again in about 30 seconds. Johnson excels at running blocking lining up primarily at left tackle for the Lewisburg Patriots but also plays some at right guard, a spot where he more than likely projects for college recruiters.

The Patriots are a scrappy team that have played better than their 2-7 record would indicate. Lewisburg has lost five games decided by less than one score. Senior quarterback Jake Harville is a dual-threat with fellow senior running back Ben Hoffman being a load out of the backfield. The anchors along the offensive line, and sometimes defensive line, have been Seth Johnson and right tackle Preston Haynes.

Johnson is a two-year starter receiving recruiting recognition from regional schools and Division-II schools laying the ground work for the Division-I schools to see who they should be offering. Programs like Missouri Baptist, Belhaven College, Southeast Missouri, Central Arkansas, Itawamba C.C., and University of St. Francis are all showing interest. Another offseason of hitting one-day college camps picking up technique and recruiting attention along the way should make Johnson a faster riser on recruiting boards.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Seth to go over his junior season, how his offseason has translated onto the field in 2015, and of course received a recruiting news update.

Interview

Seth, what did you work on in the offseason to improve upon for your junior year?

“We lifted all summer and I worked as hard as I could at getting stronger and improving my agility. I attended a lot of football camps to work on my technique. I know that is one thing coaches look for when they watch highlight tapes, technique. I think it helps a lot having good technique in high school football. I also got a personal trainer to help me get into better shape for the season. I just worked out a lot.”

You mentioned attending college camps, which camps did you attend?

“Memphis, Belhaven, Tennessee State, Mississippi State, some exposure camps, and one lineman camp that focused on technique.”

What were some of the things you worked on to improve with your technique?

“My hand placement, shooting inside, my kick step, my post-step and coming back inside, kicking back, and getting to the second level.”

Do you see an improvement with your technique over your sophomore year?

“Yes, sir. I can tell watching film that I got a lot better from last year.”

What are your strengths on the field?

“I’d say I’m better at pass blocking. I love to run block, that’s fun, pancakes is where it’s at. I’m good at getting to the second level and my hand placement is better. I try to make sure I finish my blocks. I can make quick decisions when the ball is snapped picking up a defender.”

You mentioned pancake blocks, the calling card of all offensive linemen. How many pancake blocks do you have this year?

“I don’t know. I’d say 25-30, maybe a few more. I’m not really sure.”

I know the playoffs are out of reach for you guys this year but you still have three games left on the schedule against New Hope, Saltillo, and West Point. Of the three games are you excited to play any of those teams?

“I’m excited for all of them. They’re all good teams and are great competitors. Of the three I’m more excited to play West Point. That’s the last game of the season and they have some really good athletes.”

The Patriots have a 1,100 yard rusher with 12 touchdowns scored in Ben Hoffman. He’s a bruiser coming out of the backfield. What is it like blocking for him?

“It’s great. He is one of the hardest working people I know. I know if I block for him he’s going to give the effort to get the most out of the carry.”

It is inevitable that your running back will slam into the back of you at some point in the season. Has Ben slammed into you yet?

“Once or twice. It hurts a little bit. He’s tough.”

Which schools are recruiting you right now?

“I have a few schools talking to me – Missouri Baptist, University of St. Francis. Itawamba, and Belhaven. They all like me like my film want to stay in contact.”

I know it is a long way off but are you already thinking about which one-day college camps you might go to in the offseason?

“I’m planning on going to Mississippi State. I like their coaches. I’ve learn a lot from them. I’m also looking at going to Southeast Missouri, UCA (Central Arkansas), Belhaven, and Itawamba.”

Have you had an experience in your life that motivates you on the field?

“My teammates and the brother-ship we have. The seniors, I have a bunch of friends that are seniors. I want to play hard for them. On the field, just the game of football. I love it. I’ve been playing since flag football as a little kid.”

Seth, good luck with the final three games of the season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; Seth Johnson (right) with Preston Haynes at UCA.

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