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Interview with Caleb Johnson: HBU Linebacker

By / / 5 minutes of reading

Interview with Caleb Johnson

 

Houston Baptist Huskies #9 Linebacker

 

Twitter: Caleb Johnson (@caleb2raw) | Twitter

  • Played for Point Loma High School in San Diego, California.
  • As a sophomore, in 2018, ranked 5th in the Southland Conference in tackles per game (9.3) and tied for the league lead in fumble recoveries (4)
  • As a junior, in 2019, ranked 2nd in the Southland Conference and 10th nationally in tackles per game (10.4). Ranked 10th in the conference in sacks (6), TFLs (11½), and 5th in fumble recoveries (2)
  • As a senior, he currently ranks 4th nationally in tackles (49/12.2 per game
  • Finished his career ranked 2nd all-time at HBU with 278 tackles, second with 10.0 sacks, leads the Huskies all-time with seven fumble recoveries, and is tied for sixth with two interceptions

 

 

Who introduced you to the game of football?

  • My dad naturally did, but it was my mom who had decided to put me in sports. 

Why did you choose Houston Baptist University to further your football career?

  • They were one of the few schools that saw my upside, and I’m blessed to have ended up where I am. 

In what way has Covid-19 impacted your everyday life the most?

  • Unfortunately, I contracted Covid-19 myself and it wasn’t the most pleasant experience, but I’m happy to have gotten out of it with more mild symptoms compared to some. I believe Covid-19 has impacted every aspect of my life — ranging from football and the heavily reduced season we played to hindering me from traveling to see my family. The way it has impacted me pales in comparison to others much more vulnerable than I, so I thank God for putting me in the position I’m in. A lot has changed, but it’s nothing that can’t be fixed. 

What has been the biggest difference between playing games in the spring instead of the fall due to Covid-19?

  • I imagine for a lot of the guys it would be the weather and even class schedule changes. 

What’s the one thing you need to improve most about your game?

  • I would say edge rushing. As a linebacker, it isn’t often you get a guy that can play true inside as well as being able to bend off the edge and put OTs in compromising situations. So perfecting my edge rush is something I can always improve. 

What’s the strongest part of your game?

  • I have a high motor. A lot of great players can play linebacker, but not a lot of players can run great to the ball every snap. Besides being an instinctual, natural run-stopper, if all else fails, I’m going to run to the ball no matter where I am. 

What’s your favorite song of all time?

  • Tough. Right now, my answer would be “Shot You Down” by Isaiah Rashad, but tomorrow I could have an entirely different answer. 

What would you do career-wise, if you didn’t play football?

  • I would be a novelist. 

What one game would you recommend someone watch of your play?

  • I’m proud of every game I’ve played. I left it all out there. But I would say to watch Texas Tech or North Texas. 

What one game would you like to replay and why?

  • I would say Texas Tech as well. We should’ve beat them. 

Do you play fantasy football?

  • No

What NFL linebacker do you pattern your game after?

  • I always go with Myles Jack. I always loved the way he attacked second-level blockers and ran to the ball. DeMario Davis is another guy who is a fanatic tackler with a high motor that I love to watch play. 

What’s your favorite defensive play call & why? 

  • Anything that sends me up the A gap. 

Do you believe in soulmates?

  • Yes, but not in a romantic way. I believe a good friend can be a soulmate. 

What opposing player was the toughest for you to cover and why? 

  • My freshman year at HBU we played against UTEP, where Aaron Jones was the running back at the time.

Who is the one opposing player that you want to lay the wood on most? Why?

  • Any pulling guard. There’s nothing better than seeing them about to round the corner just to catch a helmet in their chest. 

Now that you are focusing on turning pro, what are you doing to prepare and where?

  • I’m waking up every morning with a grateful attitude that I get to go train to play a child’s game for a king’s ransom. I spend time training at Atlet Sports in Midlothian, Texas as well as with Coach Trevor Kana at HBU. 

If you had to tell an inspiring HS player what the hardest part of playing college ball is, what would it be and why? 

  • Adjusting to the speed of the game. I would say this because it’s not a matter of skill, so it can be frustrating. It’s only a matter of experience and reps. You have to be willing to take as many reps as possible in order to see the game from a wide-angle. 

If you had to give any pointers, what would they be?  

  • Details matter most and manners and respect will take you farther than you think.

Thanks for reading my article and if you enjoyed it, you can read more of my articles on my author page at IDP Guys. I am a member of the FSWA (Fantasy Sports Writers of America). You can also follow me on social media, on Twitter at @HollywoodTitan, on Facebook on my IDPNation page, on Reddit in the fantasy football IDP sub I’m user KingTitan1 and you can tune in each week and listen to the podcasts, IDP Nation & Devy IDP Grind, that I co-host, on a number of different platforms. Feel free to hit me up with any questions that you have, as I’m always glad to help fellow IDPers. #IDPNation #IDP #IDPDevy

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