Baseball Has Always Been Favorite Sport For Lakota West’s Johnson
January 8, 2025
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Baseball Has Always Been Favorite Sport For Lakota West’s Johnson
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Braydon Johnson C / OF / Lakota West, OH / 2026Rankings StateRank: 38 / POS: 2
LIBERTY TOWNSHIP - The dream to play one sport is being hindered by his outstanding abilities in another. That is how Braydon Johnson views his college recruitment. “Baseball has always been my goal,” the Lakota West junior related. “I’ve always wanted to play college baseball somewhere. But sophomore year I started varsity in football and coaches started offering. I began to think I had to play football, but now I realize I can pick either.” His talent on the gridiron as a first team Greater Miami Conference running back can not be dismissed. Indiana, Wisconsin, Pitt, Miami of Ohio, Toledo, Akron, West Virginia and Eastern Michigan have all had talks with the 5-11 209-pounder. Akron is the lone school to date that has shown interest in Johnson in both football and baseball. “I grew up playing baseball,” Johnson reflected. “I didn’t play football until middle school. Baseball was always my favorite sport and still is my favorite. I love baseball, but I also like football a lot. With football I sometimes have a love-hate relationship. It can end in a heartbeat, but I love playing it.” In addition to Akron, the second-rated 2026 catcher in Ohio has had baseball discussions with George Mason, VMI and Cincinnati, where he took his lone visit to date. “Every school I’ve talked to said they saw me at the Future Games,” Johnson related. “Prep Baseball has been a huge factor in all of my recruitment, getting my stuff out there and always being positive.” Still, with two sports to consider it is not an easy process. “It’s been tougher than I thought,” Johnson said of his recruitment in baseball. “For me it’s stressful. Sometimes I feel I’m not getting anywhere. I feel my football could be getting me overlooked because they think I’m going toward football. What I want is to do what’s best for me. I’m looking to do both.” In addition to weighing the plus and minuses of each school, the financial package will certainly have an impact on what Johnson decides. Visits for baseball are ahead at both VMI and Akron. “I’m looking for a place with a good finance degree, something that’s not super far, and obviously has a good baseball team,” the 16-year-old explained. “I like older coaches, that’s the way I was brought up with baseball, and would prefer a bigger conference. I’d also like a nice college town.” The 38th-ranked junior in the state is working hard to be the best he can be behind the plate. “Since the Future Games I’ve gotten a lot better with my blocking and receiving which is what I needed to do,” Johnson said. “I’ve been doing three or four bullpens every week working on my footwork. I have a catching coach working with me to get the ball up. I’m also working hard on my ABs.” Kyle Weldon, Prep Baseball Ohio Director of Scouting, believes Johnson has a ton of promise when it comes to playing at the next level. “Braydon is a multi-sport standout with obvious physicality,” Weldon noted. “He’s a big target to throw to behind the plate with plenty of arm strength to keep runners in check. He is also an imposing hitter in the box who can impact games with one swing.” Johnson looks forward to making an impression wherever he ends up. “I’m ready to work hard and also have fun,” Johnson said. “I’m a good teammate who is always cheering everybody on, giving advice if it’s wanted. I like to work hard and like to be coached hard.” All traits college coaches desire, be it on the ball diamond or the gridiron. “I’m looking to get into deeper relationships with schools,” Johnson explained. “I’m also going to go to some camps, I think that will help me.” When a decision could be made is still in doubt. “The football and baseball timeframes are extremely different,” Johnson concluded. “With baseball, I’d like to commit by the end of this school year.” |
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