As BYU looks to add depth to their defensive backfield, they made a late recruiting push to get defensive backs that were fast and athletic. They certainly found that in Evan Johnson, a blazing fast four-year three-sport letterman from California.
Johnson announced his commitment and signed with BYU on national signing day (February 2, 2022), as reported on Twitter:
Committed! #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/xQgvr46e7C
— Evan Johnson (@__Evxn) February 2, 2022
Johnson is a 6-foot-1 175-pound wide receiver and cornerback that prepped at Stevenson High School (Pebble Beach, California), where as a senior he played in six games and had 34 receptions for 737 yards (21.7 avg) and 14 touchdowns, rushed 13 times for 106 yards, and completed a 23-yard touchdown pass. On special teams he had a 21 yard kickoff return and two punt returns for 35 yards. On defense he had 13 tackles (MaxPreps). Johnson was team MVP and named to the All-county first-team.
Johnson missed his junior season due to COVID restrictions in California, but as a sophomore (2019-20) he played in seven games and had 20 receptions for 446 yards (22.3 avg.) and eight touchdowns, rushed three times for 61 yards, and had a 90 yard kickoff return. He was team MVP and an All-County selection. As a freshman (2018-19) he played four games and had five carries for 38 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 93 yards and a score.
Johnson plays on the Stevenson basketball team, where he’s currently averaging 12.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game as a senior. He was named to the All-League first-team his sophomore and freshman seasons.
In track Stevenson was the Central Coast section champion in the 100- and 200-meter events as a junior, breaking the Stevenson school 100-meter records five times (his best is a 10.84). His 200-meter time is a blazing 22.10.
Johnson lettered in football, basketball, and track every year of high school.
Johnson is rated 3-stars by 247Sports (81) and holds scholarship offers from Fresno State and San Diego State. He had recruiting interest from Arizona State, Boston College, Colorado, Vanderbilt, and San Jose State. Johnson’s dad Ron was a receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles for five years and played three years in the CFL.
I caught up with Johnson to ask him about his recruiting.
BYU Insider: Why did you choose BYU?
Johnson: It made me feel at home and the coaches welcomed me with open arms.
BYU Insider: What other schools were showing you love in the recruiting process?
Johnson: San Diego, Fresno State, and a few smaller schools.
BYU Insider: What are some of your favorites?
Johnson: I don’t really watch a lot of movies but I love listening to music like Lil Baby, Gunna, and a lot of rappers that are in our generation. I like Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
BYU Insider: What is one of your greatest accomplishments in sports?
Johnson: Probably last year making it to the California track and field state championship for the 100m.
BYU Insider: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Johnson: “Just to keep going”—especially in the whole recruiting process
BYU Insider: Who is a current player that you seek to emulate on the field?
Johnson: Definitely Tyreek Hill
