Ten minutes with Showcase MVP – Howie Johnson

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With my focus on the line of scrimmage last Saturday at the Spring Showcase, many players had impressive moments. The coaches and clinicians made great decisions about who they picked as positional MVPs. One of the two guys I thought were slam-dunk decisions was Forest Lake defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='592117' first='Howie' last='Johnson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I thought the day went smoothly," Johnson said. "It was very organized from drill to drill. I liked the individual position groups to work on some fundamentals and get extra coaching. I especially liked the one-on-ones we did at the end. When we all came together in the middle (for one-on-ones), that was my favorite part of the camp."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I liked getting to talk to the coaches and getting some drills to do," Johnson continued. "The energy was good – the atmosphere was great. I loved it all."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson had a few specific goals for the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I wanted to get better testing and improve my pass-rushing skills. I also wanted some extra coaching and to get my name out there."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In my opinion, Johnson had the d-line MVP locked up earlier, but the Rangers' lineman sealed the deal late in the day.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"When we all came to the center (at the end of the showcase), I had all eyes on me, and I didn't crack under the pressure. I ended up winning almost all my reps when we all came together. I think that was one of the reasons why I was voted MVP."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After the football season, Johnson has been looking toward next fall immediately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"This winter, I have been lifting with our high school program. I have done speed training and some technique work with Line of Scrimmage. I have also gone to other Prepredzone camps. In the spring, I have been lifting, and I am in track. I have been throwing shot put and disc for three years now."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson has prioritized improving his pass-rush skills and overall athleticism.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I am working on executing my pass rush moves and being able to read an offensive tackle and how he sets," Johnson told prepredzone.com. I am also working on my hands and footwork so I can get lighter on my toes and heavier with my hands. I am also working on eating healthier and making better decisions—trying to be a better human."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Forest Lake's defense plays a base 3-4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I can play both sides," Johnson explained. "I can play nose if we need. In certain packages, I played a little outside linebacker. Most of the time, I played left end."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After watching him perform without pads, his strengths with pads were not a surprise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"One of my strengths is the ability to hustle to the ball and make plays downfield. I have a high, relentless motor. I think I have the ability to flip everyone's attitude on the defense. I am a leader and set the standard. I can get guys to put in extra work on the defense."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday, those strengths were quickly evident.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Showcase numbers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>40-yard dash – 5.06</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shuttle – 4.5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Broad jump 9'9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>L drill – 7.28</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->