The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
The Student News Site of The Webb Schools

Webb Canyon Chronicle
Categories:

Student in Focus: Nick Johnson, Football Player

Stephen Li, Staff Writer
May 22, 2019
Nick Johnson (’19) breaks tackle during his high school football game. Graphic Courtesy of MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images.

With two Division I national championships, seventeen conference championships, three PAC-12 championships, fourteen bowl game wins, and more than 200 NFL players, including five NFL Hall of Fame players, Arizona State University (ASU) football has to be one of the most successful programs in the NCAA. Webb student athlete, Nick Johnson (‘19), has committed to ASU to continue his academic and football career.

Two weeks before the college offer deadline, Nick received a phone call from ASU recruiting him to play football for them. Looking back at this long process, Nick said, “For the entire time I just stayed hopeful and humble, [after getting several DII offers] I knew I was capable of doing better, so I just like held out, and I had faith in God that He would make my dream come true [to play DI football].”

After Nick’s dream came true, Nick said, “First of all I want to thank God, nothing will be possible without Him. Second of all, I want to dedicate that to my grandma, she always believed in me, she passed away right before my senior season. Then also my family, they always supported me throughout the process, and without them I couldn’t be able to do what I do today.”

This spring, Nick took some time off to visit ASU’s campus and observe its football program. Nick said, “The campus is huge, and definitely pretty. I loved their football program. Coaches are really nice, they treated me like family. I feel like I’m really happy to be there to continue my education and my football career.”

Imagining a future relationship with his future teammates, Nick said, “It’s really exciting to know that we can travel together, we can workout together, it builds up bonds for a lifetime.”

Besides his new school, his new coaches, and his new teammates, Nick will also play football in a new position at ASU. When asked about the transition from playing high school quarterback to college receiver, Nick said, “I’m just working on it now. I played receiver before I played quarterback, and I just have to get stronger.”

Amahl Thomas, head coach of Webb’s varsity football team, said, “Nick Johnson is arguably the most gifted athlete that I have coached. However, what often gets overlooked, is his toughness! Nick has demonstrated on many occasions how tough of a competitor he is. It is because of his athleticism and his toughness that he has an excellent chance to be very successful at ASU. There will be an adjustment phase for sure as he adapts to the rigors of Division I football, but if he can endure that initial adjustment, he is destined for greatness.”

Nick will depart for Arizona this July. Speaking of the time before he leaves, Nick said, “I just have to grind you know, get bigger, get stronger, and just get ready for the competition in the future.”

So get your popcorn ready, and don’t be surprised if you see Nick Johnson playing in the NFL in a few years.

1
View Story Comments
Print this Story
More to Discover
More in Features
Annalise Centeno (’26) and Ella Berg (’26) peacefully sit on Huntington Beach with the company of Dr Nguyen’s corgi, Ein. Although the weather was foggy, the beach was still filled with other corgis and attendees. “I really enjoyed relaxing on the beach near the ocean, along with the company of so many puppies,” Annalise Centeno (’26) said. The event was a huge success.
Webbies embark on Corgi Beach Day
The College Guidance Office, hidden between the trees of lower campus, with a table and chairs outside providing a quiet place to work, is where students receive advice and support while preparing for and applying to college. “I think it's hard because it's two counselors supporting 100 students,” said Emily Thornton (’25). “I think you can feel really unsupported.” Only having two counselors for so many students might lead to a lack of knowledge for students about the college process.
Does Webb put too much stress on college admissions?
Frequent Cafe 1175 visitor Daniel Xue (’27) purchases a jasmine milk tea and a choco bun after patiently waiting in a long line during X Block. The cafe offers savory and sweet breads, ordered from 85º Bakery every morning, along with a choice of coffees, teas, and refreshments. “One of my favorite items to purchase is the Arizona [tea],” said Daniel. Cafe 1175 offers a variety selections that students enjoy and is looking forward to new additions of foods in the future.
Cafe 1175: A Blend of flavor, community, and connection
In Advanced Studies Anatomy & Physiology, Marc Zambrano (‘26), Isamar Theobald (‘25), Pristine Thomas (‘25), Geniya Parker (‘26), and Berklee Antecol (’25) work on making a muscle microanatomy booklet to help them study. Working on projects like this helps students learn more about the subject. “There is less emphasis on tests and there are more projects,” said Geniya. “It makes learning more fun and engaging, so I end up learning the material better.”
Why is Webb removing AP classes?
Female cat Fuego –– “Fire” in Spanish –– belongs to Susanna Linsley, Director of Experiential Learning. Fuego waves at the camera, welcoming you to hear her story. The name “Fuego” was suggested by Dr. Linsley’s kids, as they liked the idea that it is one of the threats California constantly faces; naming their cat “Fire” symbolizes their kitten is the fierce protector of their realm. Along with her brother Oso, Fuego is the one of the two first kittens adopted by Dr. Linsley and her family. “We knew we wanted two of them because I had two kids,” said Dr. Linsley. “I also think everybody needs company.”
Stories behind the faculty cats
Dorm prefects Chelsea Wei (‘25), Lucy Troendle (‘26), Sophie Lin (‘26), Natalie Au (‘26) and Samantha Wang (‘26) gather moments before starting the Webb haunted house to take a photo dressed as scarers. Scarers participated in the haunted house from 8:30 to 10 p.m. “I enjoyed screaming at people and even though I felt tired, I’m glad I experienced being part of the haunted house,” Natalie said. After hours of preparation, prefects put their planning into action by scaring students in the Old School House.
Discover the process behind Webb Halloween traditions
More in Showcase
In Webbs new innovation wing, new computers line the walls of studio B. With amazingly high GPU and stunning graphics, students' reactions are overwhelmingly positive, “The computers will really benefit the future of Webb, and Webb GPT, it will also help with student development” Says Nora Mu (‘27). The computers in studio B are also not too far off from the ones that are tasked with powering AI. Seeing a actual example of these computers can help us understand how AI is powered.
The environment and AI: stay informed
Left to right, clockwise: Da Nang, a coastal city in central Vietnam; Angel Falls, a waterfall in southeastern Venezuela; Pokrom village in Eastern Region of Ghana; Villagers make jollof rice in Pokrom; Labadi beach, one of Accra's beaches, Ghana; Ms. Suarez and tourists during a boat tour in Canaima National Park, Venezuela; Nha Trang, a coastal resort city in southern Vietnam; Da Nang, Vietnam.
Explore hidden gems this winter break: Venezuela, Ghana, and Vietnam
On this table is Biscoff Crumbles, one of the most iconic drinks that the boba store Nobibi has to offer. It has a strong cinnamon taste blended into the cream. “The unique and sophisticated caramel sweet taste reminds me of cafes in Shanghai, which is my hometown,” Ethan Xi (‘27) said. The taste of boba is a signature Asian taste that brings students with Asian roots a connection to their culture.
Understanding boba culture at Webb
Natalie Au (‘26) portraying Pablo Picasso gives her presentation about Picasso’s life and achievements while Anna Park (‘26) records her as part of the project. Other students performing at the central tables in the library speak as their Spanish-speaking figures as well. “I had the most creative freedom during this project out of all my years [of Spanish] and [got] to bring in my passions from outside of Spanish class,” Natalie said. The project was an intriguing scene for anyone who saw students in their costumes; what happens behind the scenes?
Behind the scenes: Honors Spanish 3 students vivify Spanish-speaking figures
Jaeho Lee (‘28) receives a notification. He goes to a secluded place, opens his phone, and starts deciphering the fourth clue. Having successfully made it to the first three checkpoints, he is now tasked with figuring out the rest of the riddles leading him to the remaining checkpoints. But the clues will only get harder and harder to crack. “Decode the clues or tag as many as possible!” said Kenny (‘25). Soon, the zombies will swarm the checkpoints––Jaeho must think of something quick.
After dark: diving into Webb’s annual Zombie Apocalypse
The numbered phone stand used for Reboot November in South Hutch dorm was an efficient system that helped keep track of participating students. The stand, numbered from 1 to 30, allowed students to place their phones in designated slots, making it easy for dorm prefects to monitor participation. “It’s a simple and effective way to stay organized, even though I didn’t participate, I noticed how the system made it easy for everyone to keep track and to make sure no one missed out on their rewards,” said Jarra Jallow (’25). This process helped maintain order and ensured everyone’s phone was accounted for during the challenge.
Week 3 of Reboot November: can Webb earn a no-school day?
About the Contributor
Stephen Li
Stephen Li, Chief Editor of Media
Stephen Li (‘21) is the Chief Editor of Media this year for the Webb Canyon Chronicle. He only started photography recreationally four years ago, but this skill has helped him contribute to the WCC through improving the quality of photos, an important yet often overlooked aspect of any publication. As the captain of the varsity football team, it’s no surprise that Stephen’s favorite spot on campus is the football field. Because of this passion, one of his many goals is to continue playing football in college, as he wants to increase Asian representation in American sports. This year, Stephen wants to increase the impact the Webb Canyon Chronicle has on the community through gaining more readers, and, as a peer advisor, he wants to continue bringing people together especially in the midst of a pandemic. Stephen’s proven talent for rallying the morale of his teammates and peers is a skill that makes him an irreplaceable member of the WCC team.