2020 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Caleb Johnson, LB, Houston Baptist University
Student-Athlete Profile:
- Caleb Johnson
- Houston Baptist University
- LB
- 6’2”
- 220lbs.
- Hometown: San Diego, CA
- Twitter: @caleb2raw
2018 Statistics:
- GP: 11
- Total Tackles: 102
- TFL: 13.0
- Sacks: 3.0
- FF: 1
- FR: 4
As an athlete, what is your motivation?
My motivation as an athlete is to serve as a positive example that my younger brothers can mirror. From my work ethic to preparation, attitude, and handling adversity, I expect myself to step up in order to show those who look up to me how it’s done.
What defines success for you?
Success for me is giving 100 percent in everything that I do, finishing on empty. Whether I’m met with my desired outcome or not, as long as I can look myself in the mirror and say that I gave it my all then that would define success for me.
What would your teammates say about the type of teammate you are?
I think that they would say I’m encouraging above all else. I’ll never yell at anyone on my team for any reason because I respect each and every one of them. Even if they mess up, even if they forget their assignment or miss a tackle, the only words I’ll say to them are words of encouragement. I have their back in everything that we face, and I want them to know that. As long as we get better with every opportunity, that’s all that matters.
What are some of your personal “rules” that you never break?
- Never disrespect my coaches.
- Always be on time.
- Do good things.
- Make good choices.
Who is the toughest player you’ve competed against during your collegiate career?
That one is a toss-up between Justin Pratt at McNeese State and Billy McCrary at Abilene Christian. I’ve faced a lot of running backs at both the FCS and FBS levels and Pratt was the hardest I’ve had to get down, but McCrary might have been the hardest to get my hands on with his speed.
Who is the best player in the NFL?
Aaron Donald.
What is your team of choice on Madden, why?
Honestly, I might be one of the few football players in the country that doesn’t play video games.
Failure is inevitable in life. How do you handle situations that don’t go in your favor?
I root my identity in Christ, and with this, it gives me the freedom and ability to bounce back because I know that no matter what I will always find love and success in Him.
Is there a current/former NFL player that you model your game after?
Kiko Alonso and Myles Jack. I love Alonso’s versatility and athleticism. With Jack I really love the way he can shock linemen with his explosion and gain separation with his hands.
Knowing what you do now, what would you go back and tell yourself as a High-School Freshman?
Everything matters! It might not matter now or in five years, but you’re developing habits during this stage in life that you will carry with you for the rest of your years. Make them all constructive starting now.
What is your go-to restaurant near campus?
Lotus Seafood, easy. I need that.
If your life was a book, what would its title be?
“The Molding of a Man.”
What song or artist do you like but rarely admit to liking?
Live Like You Were Dying by Tim McGraw.
If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, living or deceased, who would it be and why?
Alexander the Great. I want to know exactly what he was thinking, as a 19 year old kid, when he became the king of Macedonia. I want to hear from him what he may have discovered, what he believed, and how after he conquered a land he got them to follow him.
Forty-years from now, what do you want to be remembered for?
Kindness. I want to be remembered for always being kind to everybody.
In 15 words or less, why should an NFL team invest in you?
I don’t know how to quit. No matter how hard it gets, I never quit.
