Sleeper safety gets Pac 10 looks
Safety/wide receiver Marlon Johnson (6-0, 185, 4.5) from Inglewood, Calif., is a versatile athlete who brings a lot to the table.
"Marlon starts as a safety and wide receiver for us, but he pretty much plays wherever we need him," Inglewood coach Charles Mincy said. "He's even our backup quarterback and our backup running back. He may even start at corner this fall.
Advertisement
While primarily playing safety his junior season, Johnson accounted for 65 tackles and had three interceptions.
"San Diego State and Oregon have been recruiting him pretty hard," Mincy said. "His father, Michael Johnson, played football for Oregon so has athletic bloodlines.
"Cal is also showing some interest. Arizona State and Oregon State came by the school to check him out this past spring. Montana is showing interest, too.
"The thing that stands out is obviously his versatility," Mincy said. "He's a team leader who is motivated and a self starter. He's a vocal leader for us.
"Marlon's leadership is appreciated by the coaches because he can communicate what needs to be done to the players if we're not there," Mincy said. "The reason why he starts on both sides of the ball is he pretty much invaluable as far as we are concerned.
Johnson also participates in track. His events are the 400, 200, and 100. He's also a solid student.