Malachi Johnston
Malachi Johnston
About Malachi
Expert Analysis
Michael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Santa Barbara interior offensive lineman Malachi Johnston Malachi Johnston 6'3" | 265 lbs | OL Santa Barbara | 2026 State CA announced his commitment to Cal Poly on August 18.
He also had offers from Colgate, Cornell, Nevada and Portland State. Johnston is the 11th player from California in Cal Poly’s 2026 recruiting class and the third offensive linemen.
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Read EvaluationPaul Gregorian | Prep Redzone Scout
Recent Offers: Colgate
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Read EvaluationPaul Gregorian | Prep Redzone Scout
Johnston is one of the more underrated prospects in Southern California, and has the ideal size, movement abilities and athleticism for the center position in college. He creates immediate vertical push, is extremely explosive off the ball with a violent punch and finish abilities downfield. He shows he can combo to the second level and takes the proper angles to flowing linebackers and is even able to pull when needed. In pass protection, he has patient hands and stays within his frame and shows he can make the proper checks in pass protection and pick up stunts and twists with ease. He currently hold offers from Cal Poly, Nevada and Portland State and is another kid that should see other schools come in late.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
I saw Johnston at the All-22 camp as well and he looked a little bit stronger on Sunday even though it’s only been a month and a half. His initial punch is strong and he never gives up too much ground against power rushers. He has a nice wide base but doesn’t lean too much and moves his feet well.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Johnston won a lot of his 1-on-1 reps due to his good sets. He did well against the power rushers despite his lighter weight due to his aggressiveness with his initial punch.
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Read EvaluationZack Reyes | Prep Redzone Scout
Johnston’s a rising 2026 OL prospect that produced a strong sophomore season playing multiple spots for Santa Barbara. He has legit pass-protector ability as a LT with patient feet to stay in front, quick/effective hands, and the size/strength to anchor at 6’3”/265. He shows his physicality in the run game exploding off the ball with great pad level/leverage, fits into his blocks well, is mobile in space, and generates powerful leg drive through the POA. Johnston’s an underrated recruit that should see plenty of D-I interest once coaches see the physical and technical skillsets he offers.
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