Texas pulled off a two-for-one deal on Thursday morning when they received verbal pledges from Kirk and Collin Johnson. The Johnson brothers are from Valley Christian High School (San Jose, CA) and are the sons of former UT All American and NFL All-Pro safety Johnnie Johnson. The pair of legacies received offers when they attended a junior day in February and have had the Longhorns out in front throughout their recruitment. When they arrived in Austin to visit during spring game weekend, they wasted no time and gave their commitments to Charlie Strong. This gives Texas nine commitments in the current class, and their first for the 2016 class.
— Twitter API (@twitterapi) November 7, 2011
Kirk Johnson (2015) is a big bodied running back who gives the ‘Horns their second running back commitment this week, just two days after North Shore High School’s Tristian Houston pledged. With his athletic frame, Kirk could conceivably transition to a role on defense, and It’s unclear whether he will stay at running back at the college level. Collin Johnson (2016) is a wide receiver who could be a national top 100-type player in next year’s class.
The running back pool at Texas is growing shallow with Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron scheduled to conclude their careers this season. Kirk Johnson is a great luxury for the coaching staff because of his athleticism – will he become a factor at running back or will he find a natural fit on defense? His pledge certainly allows the staff to be more selective in the recruitment of other running backs.
Collin Johnson is the first member of what could be a very talented group of 2016 wide receivers that Texas has on the recruiting radar. Even with the connection to a former Longhorn, Collin’s pledge is important as Strong continues to expand recruiting borders and make the Longhorns a force on the national recruiting scene.
Let’s take a look at film for both players…
Kirk Johnson – RB – http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/1624119/kirk-johnson
Film Analysis: Johnson plays in a run heavy Wing-T offense and excels at running on the inside power and G-O plays. His speed is adequate with good burst over short distances. Kirk has very good vision and patient feet, both which allow him to read blocks and find open running lanes. His running style is very north/south and he doesn’t do a lot of juking or moving sideline to sideline.
Kirk shows good technique when blocking – breaking down, getting his hips under him, and then exploding his hands through the defender to pick up blitzes. He also protects the ball well and plays with very good control and technique. There’s not enough film to assess his receiving skills.
Johnson does run a tad high which can lead to more injuries, but he is very tough to bring down in the open field. With good lateral movement, Kirk uses the quickness in his hips to change direction in confined spaces.
His solid frame (6’ 200 lbs.) will allow him to grow into a safety or linebacker. Given his pedigree, it’s safe to assume he knows how to take coaching and understands the work needed to excel at the college level.
Final Verdict: Johnson is a more polished back than Tristian Houston but may have a lower ceiling at the next level. Certainly, Johnson has the talent to tote the rock at Texas. If he doesn’t move to defense, I envision him in a 3rd down role where he’s responsible for short yardage and blitz pickup. The commitments of Johnson and Houston, along with the recruitment of Chris Warren, undoubtedly provide major clues toward what the new coaching staff looks for in running backs.
Collin Johnson – WR – http://www.hudl.com/athlete/o/2018955/#highlights/131270375
Film Analysis: Johnson isn’t featured much in Valley Christian’s run-oriented offense, but when he gets an opportunity he typically comes through with a big play. His great frame (6’5 195 lbs.) allows him plenty of room to grow as he matures. The potential is there for Johnson to grow into a prototypical possession receiver with great physicality.
His top end speed isn’t elite, but he makes consistent plays across the middle of the field and moves well while the ball is in the air. Johnson is a very smooth route runner and he accelerates through his breaks at the right time. He uses his hands to catch the ball and his body to shield off defenders. He also uses his hands effectively at the line of scrimmage, allowing him to beat press coverage.
He is an elite player when the ball is in the air and has great ball skills and leaping ability. This makes him an above average target in the red zone with great body control. As a rising junior, Collin still has two years to grow, before getting stronger in a college weight program. His experience in a run oriented offense has made him an adept and willing run blocker. There’s not a lot of film of him running in the open field so his skills there remain in question.
Final Verdict: Johnson is a potential national top 100 player who could really shine as a chain-mover and red zone receiver. The sophomore is still growing, but all the tools are there for Johnson to be an impact player very early on at Texas. If his top end speed stays the same, it limits his ceiling a bit. Regardless, Johnson easily projects as an all-conference player on the 40 Acres.
