Meet Lincoln Linebacker Tate Johnston Class Of 2025
So, in a way to better understand the use of Deep Dish Football for Illinois recruits and the whole entire IHSA Football scene. Decided to do player profiles of players who you might not know or you might know, but you should respect them for their roles on their respective teams. This is one of the many reasons why Deep Dish Football is respected in the IHSA. Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell
Tate Johnston Lincoln Linebacker Class Of 2025 6'0 180
Tate Johnson how has your offseason been so far? The off-season has been wonderful to me. I stopped playing basketball to focus on getting stronger in the winter and I saw major improvement in those areas. Not only physically have I improved but mentally I know what I need to do to become the player that I am capable of being. How do you feel you performed your sophomore season last fall? From starting as a Freshman in my second season as the starting linebacker I feel as if I really improved on reading the offense way better. I felt like I would be in on almost every play and if I was not making the tackle I was lining my defensive lineman up to best fit where I thought the play was going for our teams success. I really found my home at the linebacking spot in my sophomore year yet only playing 6 games I racked up 80+ tackles just looking forward to staying healthy this upcoming season for myself and the team.
What does football mean to you?
Football means everything to me. I grew up in a time where kindergarteners could play tackle football and not have to play flag so that really sets the stage of how long this sport has been my love. When thinking about football it’s not just about the big hits, pancake blocks, and interceptions. Those are all individual accolades that can get you to the next level. But to me it’s more than that I love creating that environment where you are going out there on a Friday to protect that field which I call home with my brothers. Determination is what the game is all about and learning about and studying guys like Ray Lewis and Brian Cushing have really paved a way for my career in this sport.
What should college coaches know about you?
The coaches should always remember that I’m the hardest worker on the field. Not only In practice but in the game I am tough and play with a lot of grit. If they ask to me to play a role that is no problem. One other thing is that the grades will never be an issue I am always working hard in the class room to make sure I never fall behind.
What part of your game have you been working on in the offseason?
I have been working on getting bigger and faster. I’m an explosive player but I could be better in certain aspects of physical play. I have also worked on trying to be a smarter player. Watching film on NFL type of guys trying to really bring up my football IQ.
What are your goals for the upcoming season? The biggest goal in my head is to finally get to the playoffs. There hasn’t been a team since the mid 80’s that has achieved that. That’s my biggest team goal, but my biggest self goal is to try and break the record for tackles in a season at my high school. I was on good track last year averaging about 15+ a game but injury kept me from getting to my goal.
Remember Deep Dish Football Is Just Not About Recruiting
But About The Love Of The Game Of IHSA Football
RESPECT THE GAME
