Max Johnson is a silky smooth southpaw from Watkinsville, Georgia. Piloting Oconee County High School, the now junior's recruitment is obviously set to take off. Johnson is the son of former NFL quarterback Brad Johnson. Listed at 6'3 1/2" and 214 pounds, Johnson already obtains the prototypical frame to play at the next level and beyond. Let's take a look at a future riser in this week's edition of QB offer breakdown.
Max Johnson HUDL
Footwork/Rhythm: Johnson's footwork is superb at this level. He has great tempo in his drop backs and remains tall after delivery. Does not over stride and has great command of his front foot. Will occasionally throw flat footed but seems instinctual when it's predicated on the rhythm of the play. In terms of rhythm, it is outstanding for me. Ball is out on time consistently. Receivers are still in their breaks as the ball is being delivered. Johnson's understanding of footwork and rhythm show a higher level understanding of the game.
Accuracy/Arm Strength/Mechanics: Great ball placement. Johnson delivers the ball in tight windows where only his receiver can catch them. Good feel and touch on deep balls down field. Would not classify Johnson as a power thrower at this moment. Upper extended range on film is around 55 yards. Note a little drop off at the tail end of throws but it is offset by his impeccable timing within his offense. Very confident thrower. Will throw deep outs repeatedly with conviction. Good repeatable deliverer of the football that will elongate ever so slightly on some deeper throws. Good release point and uses his height effectively to create leverage.
Mobility: Johnson would classify as a traditional pro style quarterback. He is asked to roll out heavily in his play action pro style offense and does so effortlessly. Will get his body in the direction of the target. Although Johnson is not a home run threat to run, he is very slick and adept at extending plays within the pocket. He utilizes a subtle side step or simply steps up in the pocket to create time for himself. Johnson can also extend the play horizontally and finds the escape route when the pressure mounts.
Roman Rank: I wish other high school quarterbacks would play with the rhythm for the game that Johnson possesses. Dad obviously has coached him up and it is very evident on film. When Johnson hits his back step in his drop he knows exactly where that ball is going. If the first read isn't there, he progresses, resets and fires with authority. His sophomore film is some of the finer film in that regard.
Other notables was when Johnson called an audible to his field side receivers yet delivered a stop to opposite side of the field. You ask me and I think that was a fine example of gamesmanship and manipulating a defense. Johnson will look off defenders, he will open up with his shoulders square thus keeping the safety in the middle of the field. So much refinement in Johnson's game that I am excited to see how he progresses this year.
Ultimately it's not all rainbows and butterflies. Max Preps lists a 10 TD and 10 INT total last year and the negative 4 yards for rushing in a career could use bolstering. But these stats are part of the picture just not "the whole picture." Mark Richt offered his nephew when he was still in the eight grade. Uncle Mark obviously sees something in the young man that goes far beyond nefarious nepotism. The lefty has skills. InSight will definitely check back in this year to follow up on Johnson. Rank: 4 Star
Max Johnson HUDL
Footwork/Rhythm: Johnson's footwork is superb at this level. He has great tempo in his drop backs and remains tall after delivery. Does not over stride and has great command of his front foot. Will occasionally throw flat footed but seems instinctual when it's predicated on the rhythm of the play. In terms of rhythm, it is outstanding for me. Ball is out on time consistently. Receivers are still in their breaks as the ball is being delivered. Johnson's understanding of footwork and rhythm show a higher level understanding of the game.
Accuracy/Arm Strength/Mechanics: Great ball placement. Johnson delivers the ball in tight windows where only his receiver can catch them. Good feel and touch on deep balls down field. Would not classify Johnson as a power thrower at this moment. Upper extended range on film is around 55 yards. Note a little drop off at the tail end of throws but it is offset by his impeccable timing within his offense. Very confident thrower. Will throw deep outs repeatedly with conviction. Good repeatable deliverer of the football that will elongate ever so slightly on some deeper throws. Good release point and uses his height effectively to create leverage.
Mobility: Johnson would classify as a traditional pro style quarterback. He is asked to roll out heavily in his play action pro style offense and does so effortlessly. Will get his body in the direction of the target. Although Johnson is not a home run threat to run, he is very slick and adept at extending plays within the pocket. He utilizes a subtle side step or simply steps up in the pocket to create time for himself. Johnson can also extend the play horizontally and finds the escape route when the pressure mounts.
Roman Rank: I wish other high school quarterbacks would play with the rhythm for the game that Johnson possesses. Dad obviously has coached him up and it is very evident on film. When Johnson hits his back step in his drop he knows exactly where that ball is going. If the first read isn't there, he progresses, resets and fires with authority. His sophomore film is some of the finer film in that regard.
Other notables was when Johnson called an audible to his field side receivers yet delivered a stop to opposite side of the field. You ask me and I think that was a fine example of gamesmanship and manipulating a defense. Johnson will look off defenders, he will open up with his shoulders square thus keeping the safety in the middle of the field. So much refinement in Johnson's game that I am excited to see how he progresses this year.
Ultimately it's not all rainbows and butterflies. Max Preps lists a 10 TD and 10 INT total last year and the negative 4 yards for rushing in a career could use bolstering. But these stats are part of the picture just not "the whole picture." Mark Richt offered his nephew when he was still in the eight grade. Uncle Mark obviously sees something in the young man that goes far beyond nefarious nepotism. The lefty has skills. InSight will definitely check back in this year to follow up on Johnson. Rank: 4 Star
Fair enough. I did throw a "low 4 star" in there for Howell. And I was close to not ranking Max all together. Figured he was a sophomore and I should rank him after this year...(Plus I had a sneaky suspicion that someone was going to notice the recent 4 star trend-and I was right.)
