SoCal sleeper DB making plays
Cornerback Darien Johnson (5-9, 175, 4.5) from La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat is one of the reasons that his team has started out the season at a perfect 6-0. Johnson's Bishop Amat football team has beaten traditional SoCal powerhouses, Compton (Calif.) Dominguez and Ventura (Calif.) Saint Bonaventure.
As a huge underdog against Saint Bonaventure, Johnson's standout performance opened up some eyes.
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"Against Saint Bonaventure, I had a kickoff return for a touchdown and I had an interception for a touchdown during regulation," Johnson said. "In overtime, I caught a 25 yard pass so we beat them by a point in overtime."
Obviously Johnson is one of those players who makes big plays, in big games and when the pressure is at its peak.
So far in six games, Johnson has 12 receptions for 236 yards and two touchdowns. He averages 19.7 yards per catch. He has over 800 all-purpose yards and that includes three kick returns for scores and two punt returns for touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball, Johnson has 21 tackles, three interceptions, one that he returned 70 yards to the house and two fumble recoveries.
When you start to garner the reputation as a playmaker, the recruiting trail starts to heat up.
"I have heard from Washington, UNLV, and Fresno State," Johnson said. "A lot of colleges have talked to my coach. Coach keeps bring up Boise State, Cal…Cal coaches came to my game on Friday Night against Diamond Ranch. Oregon State and Nevada are also showing a lot of interest.
"I'm really interested in Boise State, Oregon State and Washington," Johnson said. "Those three schools would definitely want to go to.
"All three schools have talked to my coaches," Johnson said. "My coaches are real close to some of the coaches at those schools."
A lot of schools are waiting to Johnson in action as a senior. He has already sent some tapes out to colleges and interesting enough those are the schools that are beginning to pick up their interest in Johnson.
"My coach as a tape of my first six games," Johnson said. "He sent the tape out to Boise State, Oregon State and Nevada. I've sent my tape to Arizona and I am planning on sending out more after make more copies.
Johnson earned all-area as a junior after racking up 43 tackles, five pass deflections and three interceptions.
Keep an eye on Johnson as the season progresses.