By Payton Moody
Jaytee Johnson is a sophomore football talent from Mustang High School whose dedication, admiration for teammates, and ambitious plans beyond high school drive his journey on and off the field.
When asked about his favorite coach, Johnson didn’t hesitate to mention his dad and Coach Pogi. “They both have a big impact on my life by making sure I work hard every day,” he said.
Teammates often form an essential support system, and for Johnson, Keegan Bass stands out. “He always tried to help me out in practice last year when I was a freshman,” Johnson shares.
Johnson’s favorite teacher, Coach Palmer, played a significant role in shaping his character. “He taught me toughness because he won the ultimate battle of beating cancer,” he said. Coach Palmer’s resilience and strength have had a profound impact on Johnson’s approach to challenges.
This off-season, Johnson’s preparation has been thorough. “Besides morning lifts and 7-on-7, I’ve worked with my QB Trajan after practices,” he explains.
Football imparts life lessons, and Johnson acknowledges this impact. “The coaches do a great job teaching us to be character leaders,” he said. This coaching has influenced his daily life, encouraging him to be respectful to teachers and principals, fostering positive relationships.
With his sights set on the season, Johnson’s goals reflect his dedication. “First, I want to win a state championship,” he affirms. His belief in the team’s potential and skills fuels this ambition. Individually, he aims for impressive statistics of “700-800 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 40 catches,” aspiring for a stellar sophomore season.
A highly anticipated matchup for Johnson is against Jenks. “We lost to them in the playoffs back-to-back,” he recalls. The drive to overcome past challenges and emerge victorious fuels his anticipation.
As he looks beyond high school, Johnson’s dreams are clear. “Going D1 is the ultimate goal for me,” he states. Inspired by his unique journey and fueled by his own aspirations, Johnson envisions a future where he carves his path in the realm of collegiate football.
