Mizzou landed its first out-of-state commit last week in 2020 running back Dominique Johnson. Johnson is 6'0", 225 pounds and he is from Crowley, Texas. Johnson ran for 1,100 yds and 15 touchdowns as a junior.
I was able to get in touch with Dominique and ask him some questions about his recruitment and he talked about why he chose Mizzou and what stuck out about his visit.
I asked Johnson why he felt Missouri was a good choice as he committed shortly after he wrapped up his visit.
"It was a great feeling from the time I got there until the time I left. The coaches and players were very welcoming and treated me like one of their own. The city was also nice as well as the people I met there. It was good to see the city takes pride in their football team. Everywhere I went the players knew [them] and that was surprising to me and they treated me like family and it was just like home".
Johnson also explained how he got to tour the new facilities under construction and that they were very impressive.
"The coaches took me on a tour inside of it and of course it isn't finished yet but the stuff that is done looks amazing and they kind of gave me a feel where everything would be so by the time it gets done I know it's going to look great and I can't wait until I get there".
Mizzou has a knack for finding good under-the-radar running backs that end up producing and that doesn't look to end with Johnson and so I asked him if he felt he could see himself following in some of the same steps as Larry Rountree and Damarea Crockett who had little to no P5 offers just like Johnson and ended up being 1,000 yard rushers.
"Yes I also had no P5 offers before Mizzou so I'm grateful that they even gave me a chance . The SEC is by far the best conference in college football and with the help of Mizzou, I know I can be just as successful as past running backs that have played on that stage".
I also asked Johnson what his relationship with running backs coach Cornell Ford is and how he feels Mizzou can get the best out of him.
"My relationship with coach Ford is great. He's one of those old school coaches who's going to tell you how it is straight up and I respect that from any coach. The other coaches are nice too and I got to meet all of them from both sides of the ball and I know they all want the best out of their players. They are going to be honest with you and it's not always going to be what you want to hear but they're doing it because they want to see players succeed".
Johnson also highlighted what he does well as a player and what he'll be bringing to Mizzou.
"I'm a big back that's very elusive and I have great footwork. I can move like a little back and that's rare for my size but I can also get downhill and just dominate a defense. I can also move out to wide receiver and catch out of the backfield because my hands are great".
It is safe to say Mizzou got a great back in Johnson who is determined to make the most of his opportuinity. Missouri definitely knows what they're doing when it comes to finding talent at the running back position and that's why you should be excited to see Johnson play who has tremendous size. Johnson continues Missouri's Texas recruiting pipeline that has served them well for decades.
Check out Johnson's highlights on hudl.com: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/9730767/5b99a9a668994212c8ed86c0
Comments