SoCal OL is downright mean and nasty
One of the things that you like to see in an offensive lineman is a nasty streak that keeps a player beating down on the opposition all game long. One offensive lineman who fits that description is the hard charging on the recruiting trail, Jordan Johnson (6-6, 310, 5.3) from Corona (Calif.) Santiago.
Johnson was always such a bully on the gridiron, but he had an epiphany prior to his junior season and it has made all the difference.
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"I was brought up to the varsity as a freshman," Johnson said. "When they do that, they work you hard and kick your butt every day.
"It didn't really hit me until my junior year, that I had to play mean every down, all game long or it wouldn't work out," Johnson said. "To be a successful offensive lineman, you have to play mean in my eyes.
What makes Johnson's growth as a football player so amazing is the first time he ever played the game was as freshman. Believe it or not, his senior season for Santiago will only be his fourth year playing football so stating the obvious, Johnson has a very high ceiling.
Johnson can use some improvement with his lateral movement and overall quickness, but that attitude is something that is very hard to teach. Once he gets his hands on the opposition it is over for the defender.
As a junior, Johnson earned first-team all-league from his offensive tackle position. In the weight room his current bench is 325, squats 450, and his power clean is 275.
Johnson has plans for improvement this offseason and will attend some camps.
"I'm planning on going to the NIKE Camp in Los Angeles and then the UCLA camp in the summer," Johnson said. "If I can make it up to Oregon, I would like to attend their camp as well.
On the recruiting trail, Johnson is getting recruiting attention from USC, Washington State, UCLA, Oregon, UConn, Florida and San Diego State.
Johnson recently took in San Diego State's junior day.
"I liked the campus and the school," Johnson said. "I liked the area that the school was in and I really like San Diego State's offensive line coach Jonathan Himebauch, he's pretty cool.
What is Johnson looking for in a college?
"I would like to stay fairly close to home so location will be a big deal to me," Johnson said. "Then I will look at the football program and academics will also be a factor.
"Right now I'm favoring UCLA," Johnson said. "That my teammate Anthony Dye is going there would not be the deciding factor, but it does play a roll."