Diamond In The Rough: Jyrin Johnson

In this edition of Diamond in the Rough, I will be highlighting 4-star wide receiver Jyrin Johnson from East Ascension. The first this thing I noticed when talking to him was his freakish physique! He stands 6ft 3inches tall and weighs in at a lean 195lbs. With his frame, he could easily add 20 or 30 pounds, which would likely slide him to the tight end spot. Combine that size with his 4.7 forty, and you have a dangerous vertical threat from the inside. If that isn’t enough, he has a 6’8 wingspan with 11-inch hands! This gives him a catch radius larger than most NFL wide receivers with baseball gloves for hands. For most guys, all these numbers don’t equate to nothing more than numbers. But for Jyrin, it equates to some ridiculous highlights. He literally catches everything! Nothing is ever too high or wide with his reach and soft hands. Even in traffic, Jyrin will find a way to come down with the ball. He’s a tough runner after the catch and has a nice long stride that eats up yardage. From our conversation, he came off as a calm person who gets along with his teammates well. Here are some snippets from our conversation below.

 

 

How did you first get involved with football?

  • When I was six, I got into peewee football. The first time I went out there I really wasn’t trying to play. That all changed when I scored my first touchdown. After that I fell in love with the game.

Why do you still play football?

  • Because I love playing with my team. I love being able to go out there and play for my family. They are a big reason why I love the game.

What has football taught you?

  • It taught me about teamwork, how to be a man, and how to help people get better. It also showed me how to manage multiple responsibilities and apply information that I practiced beforehand on the field.

What are some things you like to do in your spare time?

  • I like to help older people with their chores. Like cut their grass and just help them out.

What do you value as a person?

  • I value you my family and reputation. I strive for people to respect me. I know they respect me because they see me as a leader and a humble/respectable person. I answer everything yes sir no sir. An If anyone needs help, I’m right there ready to help them.

How do you feel when you’re on the field during a game?

  • It’s a feeling like no other. It just me, my opponent and my team. I just do what I got to do to help my team. Like this year our O-line is basically sophomore and freshman. Their young so they’re going to make mistakes. When I line up next to them, I try to encourage them and keep their spirits up.

Favorite NFL Player and Why?

  • Michael Thomas. I like the stuff he does on the field and I relate to him. He isn’t the fastest just like I’m not the fastest, but he has really good hands.

What is the most challenging thing about football?

  • I would have to say making catches in traffic. Having people reaching and grabbing at me while the ball is in the air make its hard, but I feel great when I come down with it.

Who or what inspired you the most in your life?

  • My parents and my brother. My brother played on the offensive line, but he didn’t get any offers because of his size. They used to always say he has the heart to play, but he’s to0 small. Since I have the size, I want to emulate his level of determination. Even though we’re different I want people to see the same kind of heart he has in me as well.

Describe yourself in one word?

  • Humble

How do you prepare for an upcoming game?

  • During practice I pay attention to the game plan, watch film, and say may prayers to help me get through the game. I prepare for my opponent by looking at how they react to certain types of plays. How they move and what their tendencies are.

Anything you want the coaches to know about you?

  • I’ll do whatever it takes to get a win.

What do you plan to major in once you get to college?

  • Criminal Justice. I’ve always wanted to be a cop ever since I was little. I like how they get to help people daily.