#15 Mark Johnson
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Grade: 12 |
Captain – Mark Johnson (6-1, 175) is a two-time letterman who is in his third varsity season in 2003. Mark has been a consistent and productive force in the secondary, as a receiver and on all special teams units for the Eagles, and is enjoying an outstanding senior campaign.
In 2003: Mark is 2nd on the team with 14 receptions for 134 yards. Caught two passes for 16 yards and recorded five tackles at Mater Dei in Week 10. Johnson caught three passes and intercepted another vs. Loyola in Week 9. Mark collected a season-high six tackles and caught one pass against Servite in Week 8. Did not play in Weeks 5 and 6 and saw spot duty at St. John Bosco in Week 7 due to an elbow injury, but is back at full strength. In Week 4 Johnson caught one pass and collected three tackles vs. Fountain Valley. Mark caught one pass for seven yards, picked up five tackles and forced a fumble against Long Beach Jordan in Week 3. Johnson caught three passes for 30 yards at Redlands and caught three passes for 61 yards including a 45-yard catch and run that set up the Eagles first touchdown against St. Paul.
In 2002: An extremely versatile player capable of multiple roles in all facets of the game, he enjoyed a breakout year in 2002 by finishing fourth on the team with 67 tackles and tied for the team lead with three forced fumbles. Also caught 11 passes for 203 yards and two touchdowns and played on every special teams unit. Was named Santa Margarita’s Most Improved Offensive Player at the annual Eagle Football Awards Banquet. Mark’s versatility allowed him the ability to fill multiple roles and his stellar play at cornerback was a primary reason the Eagle secondary allowed only 57 pass completions (in 11 games) and no touchdown passes on the year. Was named Player of the Game twice in 2002 for his efforts in the El Modena and Esperanza games. Enjoyed an outstanding game in the season opener against El Modena when he collected a team and career-high 11 tackles and most importantly recovered a fumble with 1:17 left in the game to help preserve a 17-10 victory. Registered six tackles and caught one pass vs. Dorsey in Week 3. Caught a season-long 48 yard pass at Fountain Valley in Week 4 to set up the go ahead touchdown. Also picked up four tackles in that game. Collected eight tackles at Trabuco Hills in Week 5 and followed that up with seven tackles and a forced fumble against St. John Bosco one week later. Johnson had nine tackles at Servite in Week 7, and led the team with three receptions at Loyola in Week 8. Collected eight tackles in an important 19-0 win over archrival Mater Dei. Caught three passes for a career-high 68 yards including a 31-yard touchdown in Week 10 against Bishop Amat. Earned Player of the Game honors in the first round of the CIF Playoffs by catching a 17-yard touchdown pass and recording three tackles at Esperanza.
In 2001: Mark split playing time between the varsity and JV teams. His contributions on both sides of the ball on the varsity level earned him his first varsity letter, while his efforts on the JV team helped that team post an impressive 9-1 record.
Misc: As a freshman in 2000 he was named Defensive Back of the Year and the Academic Eagle Award winner. Runs the 40 in 4.50. Posted a 4.05 pro-agility time and 34” vertical jump in off-season testing. An extremely quick and agile player, Mark earned a starting role on offense and defense in 2002 by virtue of his strong off-season performance in the spring and summer of 2002. Johnson is an honor roll student with a 3.61 GPA, and a member of the Speed Eagle, Power Eagle and 800-Pound Clubs. Power Cleaned an impressing 240 pounds this past off-season. Mark’s hobbies include golf, history and sports trivia.
