Johnson Taking Different Route to UK Than His Football-First Family

While playing high school sports in central Kentucky, there was never any doubt that Jasper Johnson would play on the college level, possibly even in the pros. The question was, would he be playing football, where he was a standout quarterback and safety, or basketball, where he was an outstanding guard.

Johnson comes from a self-proclaimed football-first family. His father Dennis and uncle Derrick played at UK and Dennis played in the NFL. Jasper’s grandfather, Alvis, had a Hall of Fame career as a high school football coach. Despite those ties to the gridiron, along with many others, Jasper’s father and grandfather pushed him to take a different route. However, Jasper fondly remembers his days on the gridiron.

“I always loved the game of football,” he said. “I feel like it helped me a lot in basketball as well. I always loved football. But I have a goal of playing in the NBA and having a long career in basketball.”

Johnson noted that UK head coach Mark Pope will even bring up football at times when the two are watching film.

“In football, I played two positions where I had to use my mind a lot, safety and quarterback,” Johnson said. “That always helped me with my decision making. Coach Pope always references that when we’re watching film, it’s like being a QB on your reads. That’s kind of like our offense.”

Johnson admitted that he was able to see a large number of Kentucky games last season, allowing him to see how Pope constructed his roster.

“I watched almost every game, if not every one,” Johnson said. “Their chemistry was a big part of them being able to make a run.”

Now that he has arrived on campus, Johnson is getting into the groove of practices, as well as getting to know his teammates better.

“It’s been really good,” Johnson said. “It’s a lot to learn but it’s been a good experience so far.”

Johnson is living with fellow freshman Malachi Moreno, someone he has known for a very long time.

“I’ve known Malachi since middle school,” Johnson said. “Having that friendship and connection with him has been a very good thing.”

Johnson knows that he needs to make some adjustments in order to reach his goal.

“Definitely trying to get adjusted to the physical side of it,” he said. “I know defense is going to be a big part of my growth this season. I have a goal of trying to get drafted into the NBA, be one and done, but there’s a lot that goes into that. Just trying to learn and grow every day, mentally and physically.”

Johnson likes what he has experienced from the UK offense so far.

“It’s a flow offense,” Johnson said. “Not really too many things he’s telling you to do, it’s just a flow. Read and react.”

And Johnson is drawing even more confidence from the UK coaching staff, especially when it comes to shooting.

“I feel like I’m always confident in my game,” Johnson said. “Coach Pope and the staff have been telling me to shoot consistently. So, my first couple of practices, I’ve been shooting a lot.”

Johnson gave up football to focus on basketball, something that is working out well for him. He’s continuing the family tradition of playing at Kentucky, he’s just doing it in a different sport.