An Interview with Drake Johnson
Andrew did an interview with incoming running back Drake Johnson, who talks about his track exploits, how heavy he is, and if he would be interested in playing any other positions.
You can also post questions that you would like Andrew to ask his next interview subject, Devin Funchess.
I'm excited about this kid and Dymonte Thomas in the coming years. They seem to keep relatively low key and produce.
Thanks magnus and thanks to Andrew for asking the questions that most of us wanted answered - speed, position possibilities and the like.
I'm just the messenger, but yeah, Andrew does a great job with these interviews.
His speed is incredible for a kid his size. Did he indicate whether the 4.36-4.38 forty was timed during track or football season? The 10.7 100 meters was during track season obviously (IIRC, Denard ran a 10.44 in hs). I'm just curious what speed he'll be able to keep if he gets up to the 220 playing weight Coach Jackson wants. Really good interview. I'm impressed that he wants to attend medical school. Seems like another quality person and football player.
I've passed along the question to Andrew, who doesn't comment here at MGoBlog. I'll let you know when he gets back to me.
EDIT: Andrew says that he assumes the track times were recorded during both football season and track season, since his track coach and his football coach have both timed him in the forty. He also said that his time is consistently within that range, so it doesn't sound like the sports season really affects him. Basically, he's always fast.
April 10th, 2012 at 11:27 AM ^
Always fast is always good! Thanks for getting the info. Can't wait to see him play. Well, I can wait to see him play because that means plenty of talent ahead of him. Can't wait to see him play in a year or two!!
Especially given that he says he catches the ball well.
I kind of doubt they'll entrust the kickoff return job to a true freshman . . . and if they do, my guess would be that Dennis Norfleet would have dibs. After all, Norfleet was recruited almost exclusively as a return guy.
Whether in the backfield or as receiver, I hope he finds his way onto the field frequently. You can't teach that kind of elite speed.
IIRC, didn't have have some problems fumbling the ball once he got into some more serious competition? Definitely excited for the kid to do well, but the coaches may want to work on his ball security before putting him out on the field consistently. Seems like a good candidate for a redshirt year - plus maybe then he could get one of those years of medical school out of it.
April 10th, 2012 at 10:03 AM ^
I have been saying since I watched his tape that this kid could contribute immediately, and really push for time in 2013. Given that Rawls and Hayes have developed to complement Fitz and Smith, it would be great if we could redshirt him, but I wouldn't be disappointed if he was on the field.
I really think this kid is a RB, and that's where he'll stay. He fits the Hoke/Borges model and has the tools to be a great player, IMO.
April 10th, 2012 at 10:46 AM ^
If our OL can spring him past the first level he is going to be a force to be reckoned with running full speed in the secondary. Sub 4.4 speed @220lbs is a DB's worst nightmare.
In that sense Drake really reminds me of Ty Isaac's film, in that once they clear the line the defense is in big trouble. Now I am not saying Drake will be a better back than Ty (or vice versa); all I know is that both have the potential to be terrors playing behind our future O-line.
April 10th, 2012 at 10:49 AM ^
Thanks for the interview! I look forward to the one with Devin . . . speed and smarts could really be a lethal combination. Does anyone know if he likes to hit people? Doesn't sound like he really enjoyed his time on the defensive side of the ball.
April 10th, 2012 at 11:10 AM ^
I think Funchess will have a much larger role this season than expected... he seems like he could be a very versatile player...
April 10th, 2012 at 11:12 AM ^
HOw big was david harris coming out of HS? David Harris was a big fast RB who plays at 250 for the jets now. what are the odds this kid turns into the next david harris and leaves guys like joe bolden on the bench or transferring? that speed is insane at his size and he could get up to 235 lbs., no?
April 10th, 2012 at 11:35 AM ^
He was 240.
April 10th, 2012 at 11:37 AM ^
I dream of the day that opposing kickers have to decide between Dennis and Drake.
April 10th, 2012 at 11:44 AM ^
A high school running back who's that fast and that big is rare. You don't find many high school runners who are 206 lbs. during football season, let alone after their body gets whittled down from concentrating on track.
220 runnin 4.4s would be impressive as hell... That is interesting that Tom Slade was his step father. Slade and Bo were very close, he became Bo's dentist after his career at Michigan.