Samuel Johnson '21 Recruiting Profile

My name is Sam Johnson. I am a 5’8”, 150-pound linebacker. I love football because of the physicality. The feeling of hitting or getting hit is exhilarating, and every step I take on the field is a step closer to the next level. As a freshman, I was 4’11” and 90 pounds, and I was the starting nose guard on my JV team. I led the team in tackles. In my sophomore year, I was starting D-End on JV, and yet again, I led the team in tackles. My junior year was my best year, not because I got lucky, but because I prepared like crazy. I watched hours of film on the other teams. I would use Hudl, Dartfish, anything that could help me and my team get the upper hand. I ended up breaking my leg in the third game and was out for the rest of the season, but in just those three games I had around 25 tackles, an interception, and two forced fumbles. During my sophomore and junior years, I was awarded the Don of the Year Award, which is presented by the coaching staff for integrity and sportsmanship on and off the field. In my junior year, I was awarded an Honorable Mention as an All-Conference Linebacker after only playing two and a half games.

I first started playing sports when I was five. I played ice hockey for eight years. In middle school, I did some wrestling, track and field and my passion for football started as I joined my middle school football team. My parents have always been huge advocates for athletics and staying healthy. I was influenced by my dad a lot because he was on the Paralympic team for Wheelchair Basketball. I never wanted to be the son of a great athlete and not be a great athlete as well, so I push myself. I take pride in my preparation so that I can work for my teammates and help us succeed as a team. Always being driven to show up for my team and coaches keeps me motivated. One thing I learned about myself through sports is that when I’m playing, I am hypercritical. I love to review film of myself over and over again from spring ball to see what I could do to get to the ball faster. I am small for my position, so I had to learn to be smart and analytical where I lacked in size. I became a more technical player and learned to create my advantage.

I am on track to graduate high school with a 3.4 unweighted GPA, and when I get to college, I want to get a degree in engineering.