La Puente (Calif.) Bishop Amat cornerback Darien Johnson got plenty of opportunities to defend last year, playing opposite UCLA signee Sheldon Price. With more schools avoiding Price, Johnson became a target, and he was just fine with that.
“I got tested a lot more, early on, because they wouldn’t throw at Sheldon, so it was good for me,” said Johnson. “As the season went on, they threw at me less too.”
Now Johnson is hoping to carry that into his senior year.
“Recruiting is getting much better, I wasn’t getting as much looks early. But then I got MVP for the DBs at a camp camps and schools like Oregon were recruiting me real tough. I’m also hearing from Colorado, Washington, Utah, Arizona, Arizona State and New Mexico State. UCLA came to the school last year when Coach (DeWayne) Walker was there but now he’s at New Mexico State,” said Johnson.
Johnson said he’s wide open at this point on who he’s most interested in.
“Oregon was planning on offering me and Washington was really talking about me but we’ll see. I like Oregon, Washington, Arizona State, Utah and Colorado and then Arizona and Colorado State. I’d commit early if its one of my top schools but if not, I’d like to see how it goes.”
At 5-9, 175, Johnson said corner is where he’s destined for on defense, but wouldn’t be opposed to the slot or running back.
“This year I will definitely play on both sides of the ball,” said Johnson.
Johnson has some key factors in his decision.
“My education, wherever I go, I want to get a top education,” said Johnson. “The second thing is the environment, how it’s going to affect me, if it’s far from home, and how I’m going to fit in with the coaches. Also if there is a chance for early playing time. My mom wants me close to home but my dad and grandpa and uncle, want me to get out of California, because there are too many distractions. But they want me on the West Coast.”
Johnson is planning on camping at the Scout.com Combine next month and did the Nike Camp and Badger/Scout 7on7 camps already.
Academically, he has a 3.2 GPA and took the SAT this month.
As a 2008 junior, he had 43 tackles and three interceptions.