A towering defensive back, Wes Johnston Wes Johnston 6'3" | 195 lbs | DB Pope John XXIII | 2026 State NJ has surprisingly sudden movements where ever he is lined up on the field. As a safety, he explodes into the alley to make tackles for loss. Often times we see him extend and lay out to make plays on the ball. Johnston reads the run exceptionally well, getting over the top no problem when at linebacker depth. A good tackler, Johnston can lay a hit, square you up for a classic profile tackler, and will unquestionably run through you when hitting.

 Unfortunately, Wes Johnston Wes Johnston 6'3" | 195 lbs | DB Pope John XXIII | 2026 State NJ had his game cut short due to an early injury. Before he left, he managed to grab two catches for 25 yards and appeared to be the go-to target for quarterback Luke Irwin Luke Irwin 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB Pope John XXIII | 2026 State NJ . Standing at 6’3” and 210 pounds, Wes is a big-bodied receiver who excels at making tough catches in the middle of the field and has solid speed to create separation.

His absence was deeply felt, as the passing game took a noticeable dip after his departure. As Wes recovers and returns to consistent snaps, Luke Irwin Luke Irwin 6'1" | 175 lbs | QB Pope John XXIII | 2026 State NJ ‘s performance will likely see a corresponding boost. His presence on the field could be the key to unlocking Pope John’s offense’s full potential this season.

  Wes Johnston Wes Johnston 6'3" | 195 lbs | DB Pope John XXIII | 2026 State NJ . Standing at 6’3” and weighing 200 pounds, is an all-around athlete from Pope John. When you watch him, his smooth athleticism immediately stands out. He excels on both sides of the ball, playing wide receiver on offense and linebacker on defense. Remarkably, he can handle both roles effectively.

On offense, his smoothness is apparent in every move. His tape shows him winning from both the outside and the slot. He thrives in contested catch situations and can create separation with ease. With Pope John implementing a new up-tempo offense featuring a lot of quick game this season, Wes is set to shine even brighter. This will allow him to demonstrate his skills after the catch, making him a prime candidate for an offensive breakout.

Defensively, he impresses as a linebacker. With his solid 6’3”, 200-pound frame, he attacks from depth and tackles well in space. His reading of the game is sharp, and he excels in coverage, especially in zone situations where his discipline and good zone eyes come into play.

Wes is a player I’ve been advocating for since last season. Currently, he holds three divisional offers from Army, Lafayette, and Monmouth. However, I believe his potential goes far beyond these early offers. He is poised to be a powerful player and will likely rise significantly in our Prep Red Zone New Jersey rankings, moving from the watch list to at least a Top 50 player in his class.

Salute to this young man. As Coach Dominique Gaston continues to sculpt the shape of Pope John, the outstanding play and character of players like Wes Johnston Wes Johnston 6'3" | 195 lbs | DB Pope John XXIII | 2026 State NJ seem like prime examples of type of men he Gaston wishes to build. With two seasons yet to play, Johnston, an outstanding defensive back, is has pledge his commitment to Army.