Jimmie
Johnson

The Wildcats have arguably the deepest starting pitching rotation in Class 5A this year and Coach McClure decided to give the ball to the Southeastern Louisiana signee for opening night.  The demeaner and poise that Johnson displayed screamed, "I'm in control of this game", and that is exactly what he did.  Johnson sat 84-87 mph, topping out at 88 mph with his fastball and he was able to maintain that velocity throughout the contest.  He was able to land a late fading changeup to both right-handed hitters and left-handed hitters, as well as a "11-5" shaped 70-72 mph curveball and 76-78 mph slider.  Johnson took a no-hitter into the 7th inning before giving up his first hit in the 7th, which was the only one.  

Jimmie Johnson: RHP/3B, (2022) Central, LA. 5-foot-11, 170-pound athletic frame. At the plate, the right-handed hitter's best exit velocity was 80 mph. Begins in a balanced stance with a wrapping load, then uses a small leg kick before his swing. Displayed quick bat speed and a level swing plane, he ended his swing with level finish. In the infield, his best throw was registered at 84 mph; has a fluid exchange, smooth footwork and consistent hands. Had a quick arm action and a high ¾ slot. He clocked a time of 7.68 in the 60-yard dash. On the mound, he has a high ¾ angle with quick arm speed. He is a feel type pitcher. Has a tall balance point and in line shoulders. Has an athletic finish and lands square. Slider (71-75 mph) had depth when it was located down by the hitter’s knees. Sat with his fastball at 83-85 mph and topped out at 85 mph; has tailing action and around the zone command. Shows control low in the zone and sinking action on his curveball (66-68).

Wiry 5-foot-11, 155-pound frame, athletic build, room to add strength. Athletic, clean delivery, fluid rhythm, level shoulders, in-line direction, lands square and athletic. Long arm action into a high-3/4 slot, solid arm speed with little effort. Strike thrower, competitive kid, attacks the zone with a quality two-pitch mix. Pitches 82-83 mph with his fastball, shows advanced command, moves it in-and-out at will, shows good finish with life. Breaking ball has the makings of an out-pitch, 11/5 shape with tight rotation, depth, and sharp, late break at 67-70 mph. Decent feel for a changeup with near fastball arm speed and fade action at 68-69 mph. Right-handed hitter that hits from balanced, stacked setup, slightly bent over at waist. Simple load with short stride, maintains balance throughout the swing. Line-drive approach, flashes solid rhythm, level path through the zone with solid bat speed, posted 81 mph exit velocity. Corner infield profile, solid defender with average hands and actions. Clean exchanges with solid footwork, flashes solid instincts and feel to play infield. Medium arm action into high-3/4 release with accuracy and carry on throws across, posted 85 mph positional velocity. Also posted 7.59-second 60-yard dash.

Wiry 5-foot-11, 155-pound frame, athletic build, room to add strength. Athletic, clean delivery, fluid rhythm, level shoulders, in-line direction, lands square and athletic. Long arm action into a high-3/4 slot, solid arm speed with little effort. Strike thrower, competitive kid, attacks the zone with a quality two-pitch mix. Pitches 82-83 mph with his fastball, shows advanced command, moves it in-and-out at will, shows good finish with life. Breaking ball has the makings of an out-pitch, 11/5 shape with tight rotation, depth, and sharp, late break at 66-68 mph. Decent feel for a changeup with near fastball arm speed and fade action at 66-69 mph. Right-handed hitter that hits from balanced, stacked setup, slightly bent over at waist. Simple load with short stride, maintains balance throughout the swing. Line-drive approach, flashes solid rhythm, level path through the zone with solid bat speed, posted 81 mph exit velocity. Corner infield profile, solid defender with average hands and actions. Clean exchanges with solid footwork, flashes solid instincts and feel to play infield. Medium arm action into high-3/4 release with accuracy and carry on throws across, posted 83 mph positional velocity. Also posted 7.41-second 60-yard dash.

Wiry 5-foot-11, 155-pound frame, athletic build, room to add strength. Athletic, clean delivery, fluid rhythm, level shoulders, in-line direction, lands square and athletic. Long arm action into a high-3/4 slot, solid arm speed with little effort. Strike thrower, competitive kid, attacks the zone with a quality two-pitch mix. Pitches 80-84 mph with his fastball, shows advanced command, moves it in-and-out at will, shows good finish with life. Breaking ball has the makings of an out-pitch, 11/5 shape with tight rotation, depth, and sharp, late break at 68-73 mph.