Johnson is a four-star recruit on the 247sports composite, which averages out ratings from each of the major scouting services. Although he is just 5’11 and 165 pounds, Johnson is a noted speedster who runs a reported 4.5 40 time, and is largely considered to be one of the top 30 receivers in the 2014 class, as well as a top 30 recruit in California. Rivals has him as the No. 21 receiver in 2014 and the 13th-best player in California, while ESPN has slotted Johnson 243rd in the ESPN300, 26th in California and 30th among receivers.
Rahshead Johnson recruit scouting report: Explosive receiver
Here’s what you need to know on the Long Beach (Ca.) Cabrillo receiver.
By comparison, 247sports is less bullish on Johnson than either of the other three services, being the only one that sees Johnson as a 3-star player, grading him out at 56th and 44th, respectively. He holds offers from 13 programs in total, including Washington, Washington State, Nebraska, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado, Wisconsin, Nebraska and UCLA.
Derrell Warren, West Coast Recruiting Analyst: At first glance, Johnson doesn’t cut the most imposing figure. However; due to a strong lower half and good overall core strength, his style of play is occasionally more physical than his listed measureables might suggest.
Johnson carries good initial burst. His speed tends to taper off a bit over longer distances. He can threaten a defense vertically due to an explosive outside release. Johnson is a two-way player for his high school team. However, he has largely been recruited to play specifically on the offensive end. At this stage he isn’t asked to run an assortment of routes. Like most high schoolers, that aspect of his game could stand refining. That said, he possesses the body control and natural wiggle to create separation at the top of his routes. At the college level Johnson would likely best function as a slot receiver. He’s very slippery after the catch and unlike a lot of smaller players doesn’t waste a ton of lateral movement attempting to juke defenders in open space. Playing in the defensive backfield is where the physicality shows in Johnson’s game the most. He’s an aggressive wrap tackler with very good balance. He drives through targets upon squaring them up.
Johnson also carries the ability to contribute in the return game. He is more, quick than fast so he probably carries more upside returning punts.
