Max Johnson Max Johnson 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH Hazard | 2023 State KY continued his fantastic play on the defensive side of the ball from the 2021 season. In both the 2021 season and 2022 season, he tied for 2nd statewide in total interceptions with 8 for each season. Like many top-tier defensive backs, the best trait to have been to be able to mirror the movements of a receiver to lock on them no matter what. Not only does Max Johnson Max Johnson 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH Hazard | 2023 State KY do that perfectly as he is also a receiver, but his athleticism allows him to outplay the opposing receiver and come up with easy interceptions. Along with that, Max is excellent at accurately reading the intentions of the quarterback when they are out of the pocket, especially when on the run. Max positions himself perfectly every time to snatch the ball and come out with a turnover. With his athleticism & overall defensive IQ, it is a recipe for disaster for any passing game the opposing offense will strategize. At this time, I am unsure what Max will decide to do for his college career as he is receiving interest in football but also getting actively recruited in baseball.

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Max Johnson Max Johnson 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH Hazard | 2023 State KY is another player that has had a breakout senior season. On offense, he is Hazard’s leading rusher with 146 carries for 1,291 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is a strong runner that can break through tackles but also has the speed to run straight through a defense without defenders having a chance to get to him. Johnson is also a reliable pass catcher as he is second on the team in receiving with 21 catches for 330 yards and six touchdowns. He has also been very impressive on defense at free safety, accounting for 69 total tackles and finishing the regular season tied for the most interceptions in 1A with seven. Johnson does a great job of covering ground quickly when the ball is in the air and attacking the ball at its highest point to come away with an interception. He also comes downhill and fills the lane to provide support against the run, showing that he is a very reliable open field tackler. It remains to be seen if Johnson will play football or baseball at the next level but he definitely has the talent to play football in college if he chooses to pursue that route.

Max Johnson Max Johnson 6'0" | 170 lbs | ATH Hazard | 2023 State KY has been a do-it-all type of player for Hazard this season as he has been one of their top weapons on offense and best defensive back on defense. While I could’ve put him on either side of the ball for this All-State team, I really liked what I saw from him on defense. Johnson finished the season tied with Webb at the top of the 1A interceptions list with seven along with 69 total tackles. He lines up at free safety and does a great job of sitting back in zone coverage and reading route combinations. When the ball is in the air, he shows the ability to cover a lot of ground quickly and make plays on the ball at its highest point. Johnson also does a good job of filling the lane to provide support against the run and on screen passes to make tackles in the open field. Max is also a talented baseball player so it remains to be seen what he will decide to do after college but he has received interest from football programs and has the talent to play at the next level if he decides to pursue it.