It’s hard to miss Laitham Johnson on the football field. He’s the big kid mauling quarterbacks when on defense and laying out opposing defensive ends and linebackers when he’s on offense.
Johnson, a 6-foot-5, 240-pound left tackle and defensive end for the Durango High School football team, has been a force during the team’s opening two weeks. It’s come as no surprise to the coaching staff after watching him come into his own during offseason workouts, and it has college recruiters taking notice.
He had 11 tackles – seven solo – in the team’s 33-7 win Week 1 against Class 3A No. 10 Lutheran, and he added to that total while haunting the Aztec quarterback with sacks a quarterback hurries in the team’s 54-14 win at home Week 2.
“He’s taking a lot of pressure off a lot of the other kids because he’s making so many plays all over the field,” DHS head coach David Vogt said. “He’s so dominant on both sides of the ball, making big hits and big plays on both sides.”
Johnson, son of Brad and Nancy Johnson, gained 40 pounds between his junior and senior year. Vogt said his maturity has grown as quick as his stature.
He has been instrumental in the Demons’ offense, too, helping pave the way to two consecutive 100-yard rushing performances for senior running back Lawrence Mayberry. Running toward Johnson’s side of the field resulted in Mayberry gaining at least seven yards per carry in the first quarter Friday.
“That gets me really excited because I know I’ve done my job great if he’s able to get big yards,” Johnson said.
But what gets Johnson even more excited than a big pancake block is making sure the other team’s offense doesn’t match the Demons by getting sacks or tackles for a loss.
“Everybody gets pumped about that. Not everyone sees a pancake block, but when you make a tackle for a loss, everyone takes notice,” he said.
Johnson has been able to wear down opponents. It was evident last Friday, when the Aztec quarterback had to rush his throws in fear of being brought down by Johnson and his pals on the defensive line. It continued to show when the Durango offense couldn’t be stopped.
Proving he’s more than just a big guy, Johnson takes pride in not slowing down in the fourth quarter.
“Late in the game, guys are getting tired, but I’m just getting going,” he said. “It helps us gain a lot of yards.”
With college scouts already taking notice, Johnson is determined to maintain a high level of play all season. The Demons are 2-0 with a big home matchup Friday against Piedra Vista of Farmington, and he will get a chance to showcase himself during the league season when Durango visits two-time defending Class 4A state champion Pine Creek in Colorado Springs.
Vogt isn’t sure what position Johnson will play at the next level, saying he has the ability to play defense or offense if asked. But he knows he has the frame to be a Division I caliber player.
And that’s Johnson’s goal.
“I’m doing my best to give my full effort every game,” he said. “I’ve been talking to a couple of colleges, and I want to keep putting myself out there so if teams do watch my film, they’ll be impressed with the effort I give.”
jlivingston@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
Who is your favorite athlete?: J.J. Watt
What is your favorite summer activity?: Hanging out and relaxing with my friends.
Who’s your favorite superhero?: The Flash
What is your favorite childhood story?: I liked the Percy Jackson stories when I was in third grade.
What teacher has had the greatest impact on you?: Coach David Vogt has really had a big impact on me as a teacher on the football field.
You are going out on a date, where do you go?: Depends on the girl and what she likes. Movies aren’t a bad place to go.
What’s the worst place you’ve had to travel for a game?: In basketball when we have the boys and girls junior varsity and varsity for both and we go to Grand Junction. It’s crammed.
Do you have any Hidden talents?: Sports is my main thing. I’m pretty good at school. Math and science are strong subjects for me.
Where is a place you haven’t visited but most want to?: Ireland or Norway, somewhere up there.
What’s your favorite hike to do in this area?: The Colorado Trail. It’s real nice up there with the creek and everything.
