Versatile ATH Stephen Johnson says 5 schools are standing out

HAYWARD, Calif. -- Despite playing quarterback in high school, San Leandro (Calif.) athlete Stephen Johnson went out to the Oakland Nike Football Training Camp with the intentions of honing his skills as a defensive back.

Prior to the event, Johnson spoke with SB Nation Recruiting about his recruitment and working out on defense.

"Based off the majority of my offers being at defensive back, I thought I would come out and compete at defensive back," Johnson said.

Other than at 7on7 tournaments and a recent Rivals Camp, the consensus three-star prospect hasn't had many opportunities to work out on the defensive side of the ball.

"This is my first time coming out to a camp and doing defensive back drills and stuff like that," he said.

Johnson said that he feels comfortable getting physical in press coverage, but wanted to take the opportunity to work on his backpedal from a distance and improve his off coverage.

As far as his recruitment is concerned, he listed four schools that are standing out to him so far -- UCLA, Oregon, Arizona State, Cal, and Duke.

UCLA is one of the schools recruiting him on the offensive side of the ball, saying that they like his speed at slot receiver. Several factors have helped the Bruins remain in his recruitment.

"I like the coaching staff because they have a professional type of staff and the area," Johnson said. "The academics are something that I like as well."

Oregon, on the other hand, is recruiting him as a defensive back. The 5'11, 180-pounder hasn't yet made it out to Eugene, but will do so for the first time this summer.

"I like everything about Oregon -- their offense, the uniforms, and the coaches as well."

Arizona State is another school Johnson hasn't had a chance to see in person. Some research about the Sun Devils is also in his plans.

"I know some things about them, but I don't know a lot, so it's my goal to get to know them better."

There are some ties to the program, as Johnson said that several of his friends signed with the Sun Devils in the 2014 class.

Also has a couple of friends who signed in the 2013 with the Sun Devils and he believes that Todd Graham has the program on the right track. Johnson admitted that their presence could influence his recruitment since having friends in the program would help his comfort level.

The other school that will receive a visit this summer is Duke, which he has not yet visited either.

Since Johnson hasn't had many opportunities to take the visits he wants, his official visits in the fall will be extremely important for the schools recruiting him. And since he wants to decide early during his senior season, those official visits will have to happen quickly

When he does make a decision, academics, the coaching staff, weather, and the depth chart will all play big roles in his choice.