Arkansas Newcomer Profile: Ahkhari Johnson
Coming off a disappointing season that saw Arkansas finish with a 4-8 (1-7 SEC) overall record, head coach Sam Pittman and the rest of the Razorbacks' coaching staff set out to make considerable changes to the roster through the 2024 high school recruiting class.
With 18 commitments and 17 signees, Pittman hopes that the scholarship newcomers will help in the effort to turn around the program in the wake of the new 12-team College Football Playoff structure.
HawgBeat will profile each of the new freshmen from the 30th nationally ranked recruiting class to help fans familiarize themselves with the fresh faces on the roster ahead of spring practice and the 2024 season.
To start things off, we will look at three-star athlete Ahkhari Johnson out of Texarkana, Texas.
Ranked as the 80th overall player in the state of Texas and 18th at his position, Johnson received offers from programs like Arizona State, Duke, Kansas State, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Stanford, TCU, Texas Tech, Vanderbilt and others before ultimately committing to the Razorbacks on June 14, 2023.
Standing at 5-foot-11, 179-pounds, Johnson played on both sides of the football for Pleasant Grove High School but will likely see most of his playing time at defensive back in Fayetteville.
A shifty speedster with great acceleration and open-field awareness, Johnson has an incredibly high ceiling in the secondary once he learns college coverages and schemes. His dangerous play-making ability could also thrive in special teams action either as a kick or punt return man.
The Texarkana native is already familiar with fellow Razorback defensive end Landon Jackson after spending one season together in high school. Following his official visit to Arkansas last year, Johnson also spoke on his relationship with the Hogs' coaching staff.
"(Deron Wilson) and Coach (Marcus) Woodson," Johnson said. "They are both really cool dudes. I talk to them a lot. We've got to build a relationship and it's all good."
During his senior season, Johnson completed 135 passes for 1,274 yards and 32 touchdowns at the quarterback position. He also ran 126 times for 857 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Johnson will likely join a defensive back room led by returnees Jaylon Braxton, Lorando Johnson, Hudson Clark and transfers Doneiko Slaughter, Marquise Robinson and Miguel Mitchell.
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