Taylor Johnson
Taylor Johnson
About Taylor
Expert Analysis
Michael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Johnson had 201 tackles, 17.5 for a loss, 6.5 sacks, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in just 11 games for Cajon this season. He is signed with USC.
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Read EvaluationMatt Moreno | Prep Redzone Scout
Johnson burst onto the radar with college programs in the spring, but his elite level of production is nothing new. The USC commit led the Southern Section in tackles as a junior, and he is on track to end his high school career with another stellar season. Johnson is averaging 19.8 tackles per game through his first four appearances and has totaled 79 tackles this season. Aggressive play highlights his attributes, but he can also play sideline to sideline and make plays in space.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Cajon linebacker Taylor Johnson Taylor Johnson 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB Cajon | 2026 State CA announced his commitment to USC on Tuesday.
Johnson led the Southern Section in tackles per game (14.5) and had 174 tackles with four sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
He chose USC over other schools that offered him including West Virginia, Washington State and Cal among others. Johnson is the 17th player from California in USC’s 2026 recruiting class and one of two linebackers.
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Read EvaluationMichael Huntley | Prep Redzone Scout
Johnson had 174 tackles with four sacks for Cajon last season.
He’s a versatile defender that you never have to take off the field. Johnson is speedy off the edge and closes to the ball quickly.
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Read EvaluationJordan Reyes | Prep Redzone Scout
Johnson is an active defender and one of the state’s leaders in tackles with 133 in nine games averaging almost 15 a game. Can be a three down LB possessing a complete skillset as a run stopper, pass rusher, and can drop back in coverage. Plays violent and aggressive accelerating through contact to drive opponents to the ground with force. Flashes good lateral agility and speed to accelerate in the short area and close space on the ball. Strong eye discipline to diagnose the play and trigger to the ball carrier. Can beat blockers with his speed to avoid contact or his strength to take on and shed when filling the gap as a run stopper. Like his ability to rush the passer by bending off the edge and forcing the QB to escape the pocket. Ranked in the top 200 overall and is the #16 LB prospect in the 2026 PRZ state rankings.
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Read EvaluationJordan Reyes | Prep Redzone Scout
Johnson is a violent and attacking defender that plays fast and downhill. At 6’1” 185 lbs. he moves well and shows good all-around speed to redirect and pursue. Really like his short area acceleration to break on the ball and close space in a hurry. He plays well with his eyes to read and react while possessing a quick trigger once he reads run/pass. His ability to make quick decisive reads allows him to fill gaps and makes plays as they are developing at or behind the LOS. Uses his speed well to slip blocks and weave his way through traffic on the way to the ball carrier. He’s an aggressive tackler that delivers strong contact with good leverage at the POA. Finished the regular season with 70 total tackles, 10 TFL, and three sacks. He’s a two-way athlete that picked up his first offer from Oregon State last June. Look for his recruiting stock to rise as we head into the off season.
1 Offer: Oregon State
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