2017 RB Ryan Johnson recaps Arizona State visit

Things have a funny way of working themselves out, just ask Orchard Lake (Mich.) St. Mary's junior running back, Ryan Johnson. He left for Arizona three weeks ago just to train with his speed coach in Phoenix, and garnered some interest from Arizona State. The recruiting process has been rather slow for the 5-9, 165-pounder, but his speed at the Sun Devils Maroon and Gold camp was enough for them to put Johnson on their radar for the class of 2017.

"At first, I originally didn't plan to camp there," Johnson said of camping at Arizona State. "I came out to Arizona to train over my break, and somebody from Arizona State saw me training, and took me up to the football faculty to meet the coaches, and they told me to come to the camp."

Johnson, obviously wanting to gain more exposure, took advantage of the great opportunity, attending the camp on Sunday, and came away as one of the top overall performers at the camp, and the eye of Arizona State coaches. With Johnson's skill set, a school like Arizona State, or most schools in the Pac-12, would be a perfect for him, with the type of offenses they run, so getting his name out on there on the West Coast was important.

"I did good at the camp," Johnson said. "I ran my first 40-yard-dash at a 4.43, and my first shuttle at a 4.42. They (ASU coaches) were really impressed by my speed, and how quick I was.

"They told me if I lived in Arizona, they would have offered me. But it's still possible that they will, and I think they will."

Arizona State coaches evidently want to see more from Johnson, especially some in-game action. Too bad Johnson play in Arizona, or the situation would have been ideal for him. Johnson certainly plans to keep in touch with the Sun Devils, and has also gained interest from a couple of other schools, including Duke, and Michigan State, and hopes to hear more from other Pac-12 schools now.

"Duke loved my film," Johnson said. "I've been talking to them lately, and I want to go visit there. Michigan State has been keeping up with me, and I talked to them back during the last few weeks of school when they cam up to St. Mary's."

Johnson's talent is undeniable, rushing for over 800 yards and nine touchdowns in 2014. He has speed to burn, is elusive, and can be that home-hitter out of the backfield for anyone. Still Johnson is overlooked at St. Mary's, even with all the Division I talent they have in their class of 2017, which includes Johnson, Joshua Ross, Kahlee Hamler, Richard Bowens III, and Dwayne Chapman. All of those players have multiple D-I offers, including some from Big Ten schools. But Johnson doesn't let the success of his peers alter their relationship, or his mindset. He has faith that his time will come sooner than later, and uses the situation as fuel to his fire.

"I'm happy for all of my classmates, and my teammates," said Johnson. "They have been getting offers, and I love seeing those guys get to play on the next level. Hopefully I can get me some offers soon.

"Being hungry, the more I see my classmates get offers, it makes me more hungrier, and make me want to grind harder than everybody else."

Johnson also gets overlooked, because St. Mary's uses a number of ball carriers during the season, and not just one primary back. It works for them as a team, but individually, players like Johnson, who want to gain exposure on the recruiting side of things, don't get as many carries, and have to make the most of the opportunities they are given. But you won't here Johnson complain about that. He can make an impact at other positions on the offensive side of the ball with his speed, and plans to play a major role for OLSM this season, as they defend their Division 3 state title.

"I plan on having a bigger role on the team than I did last year," said Johnson. "I plan on helping my team from the slot and running back position, and becoming a huge threat on kick-off return. Playing different positions is key for me to gaining exposure, especially playing wide-out and slot, but when I'm at running back, I'm still going to have a lot of long runs. My goals are to have more than 1,000 yards, and more than 10 touchdowns."

2014 Highlights: