2024 Mississippi State signee Ricky Johnson prepping for the next step
2024 Mississippi State signee Ricky Johnson capped off an impressive prep career at Houston County (Ga.) High School with 65 catches for 1,213 yards and 16 touchdowns in his senior season. These days, the On3 three-star receiver is getting prepared for the next level.
The former Stanford commit signed with Mississippi State back in December and will enroll in June. So Johnson is putting his focus on making sure he is ready for those first offseason workouts with his new Bulldog teammates.
“I’m not doing any other sports this spring and I am mostly focused on football,” Johnson said. “I am working out and getting on the field training every day. I am working on everything – athleticism, speed, catching, jumping. Anything that can make me better as an overall player.”
That has also been the message delivered to Johnson from head coach Jeff Lebby and his offensive staff. With Lebby’s offense making its debut this fall, receivers must be prepped for a lot of changes.
“The coaches have just been telling me to stay in shape,” remarked the 6-foot-1 and 185-pound Johnson. “They told me that running is going to be a key thing for the offense. So they want me to stay in good shape so I am prepared for that and prepared for the summer workouts, too.”
After being committed to Stanford for several months, Johnson flipped his commitment to the Bulldogs on the first day of the December signing period. One factor behind that choice was his relationship with Mississippi State receivers coach Chad Bumphis.
“It’s been good with Coach Bump and we talked this week,” Johnson added. “We talked about a few things and he is just ready for me to get started. And I am ready to get there so I can work with the coaches and get in the offense.”
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While Johnson’s mindset is strictly on Mississippi State, he admits that the final stages of his recruiting process created a lot of stress for him. Now that his future is in Starkville, Johnson is grateful to have all of that December stress in his past.
“I am very glad,” recalled Johnson. “It was one of the most stressful times in my life and it was a challenging time. But I got over it and felt like I needed it. I know God has a plan for me and I am glad it is over with. I am ready to get to work.”
Speaking of work and his first season in the SEC, Johnson holds high expectations for himself as a true freshman. But in order to reach those goals, he also realizes a lot of hard work will be required.
“Sure I want to start but I know that is something I have to earn and it is not given,” Johnson mentioned. “It takes hard work and I am trying to prepare myself for that, on and off the field.”
