Interview: New Pairing for 2017 WR Mateen Johnson with QB Cameron Rising makes for a Lethal Combo

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Few receivers will be able to look back on their high school career able to brag about the collection of talent played with or against like Mateen Johnson will one day. Johnson was with a loaded Calabasas High School in 2015 but transferred in the off-season to another loaded program, Newbury Park.

The amount of skill position talent Calabasas High School has had on the roster over the past couple of seasons has been an embarrassment of talent riches. The 2017 class is highlighted by five-star cornerback/wide receiver Darnay Holmes (uncommitted) and four-star receiver Keyshawn Johnson Jr. (Nebraska) with two-way Class of 2018 four-star talent Brendan Radley-Hiles adding his skills at receiver and corner. All the offense goes through another four-star recruit, quarterback Tristan Gebbia (Nebraska).

Newbury Park is no stranger to recruiting rankings with star players either. The 2018 class is led by three-star athlete/running back/safety Josh Madison with Oklahoma Sooners quarterback commit Cameron Rising spinning the ball around the yard. The 2017 class has three-star recruit Chris Brooks at running back and Marques Evans, another three-star prospect, splitting duties between corner and wide receiver.

Even with the depth of talent at Calabasas, Johnson was able to force his way onto the field on both sides of the ball as a junior. On offense he came up with six receptions for 75 yard with two touchdowns and on defense, at corner, he had 31 tackles, 24 solo, with at least one pass defended. The 6-1, 185 pound, rising star will now get a chance to truly showcase his skill set with the Panthers leading to an all-in season making him an under the radar prospect poised for a breakout season with Rising targeting him throughout the year.

When college coaches come around on Johnson, they will see a player with the size and skill set ready to play at the next level. Johnson has great hands, rounds nice routes, and has great concentration on passes coming his way especially with defenders draped around him.

In a Recruiting News Guru stylized interview, I sat down with Johnson to cover his time with Calabasas and his transfer to Newbury Park and received an update on his off-season workouts leading into his senior season.

*Interview conducted on Friday Aug. 26. Newbury Park won their first game later that day beating Pacifica 65-44

**Mateen’s brother, Justin Johnson, is a Class of 2016 walk-on at Arizona.

Interview

Mateen, you transferred in the off-season to Newbury Park, how has that transition gone for you on and off the field?

“The transfer has gone really well. I feel like the coaches and the team have put me under their wing and made me feel like part of the family.”

For a receiver, developing that relationship with the quarterback is really important. How has the new relationship between you and Rising gone so far?

“Cameron Rising and I have known each other for a while. We are like brothers. The transfer has made us like brothers and has brought us even closer together. I can’t wait to see us on the field together to see what all we can do.”

When you take the field for the Panthers this season, what skill set will you bring to the game as a receiver?

“I think what I bring to the field is great hands, great route running, and my separation on routes that allows me to get open. Hopefully my skill set will help our team win this year.”

What about as a cornerback?

“At cornerback, I feel like since I play receiver I know what is happening. I can read the field a lot easier than most other defensive backs. I can press coverage well because of my long arms. I’m good against the run, I’m a strong hitter. I make a lot of contact hitting a receiver or running back.”

Have you set any goals for yourself for the season?

“I’d like to average two or more touchdowns per game and 200 yards receiving per game.”

Have you told Cameron this yet?

(Laughs) “Actually, I have expressed this to him. He believes in our connection and abilities too. We believe it is totally capable of happening. We just have to do it. When we put our two abilities together I think we can be really special this year.”

What all did you work on this off-season to prepare for you senior year?

“I played a lot of 7v7. 7v7 is all about route running, getting separation, and going up for the ball. I worked a lot on my grip off first contact with the ball so I can catch everything clean this year.”

Did you go to any college camps this year?

“I went to the Washington State camp at Calabasas.”

How did that camp go?

“It was pretty good. It was a great experience seeing how other receivers work and going against different DBs. Winning the one-on-ones showed all the work I have been doing is paying off.”

Which schools are showing interest in you right now?

“I’ve talked to San Jose State, Colorado State, and University of Colorado. I’m not fully out there yet. I feel like this will be the season for me.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet and if so, do you have a score you would like to share?

“I got a 1240 on the SAT.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Math.”

Mateen, good luck with your senior season this year and thanks for your time today.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: twitter.com; Mateen Johnson at a Rivals camp.

Photo credit: acorncapture.com; No. 19 Mateen Johnson at a Calabasas practice (2015).