Why wrestling is at foundation of Wisconsin football recruit Dillan Johnson’s success

Wisconsin football recruit Dillan Johnson, a defensive lineman from Joliet Catholic Academy near Chicago, tackles a ball carrier during the 2023 season.

MADISON – Dillan Johnson found a perfect marriage between football and wrestling.

“There is a different mentality you need for wrestling and that translates well to football,” the Wisconsin football recruit said. “Just the overall conditioning and just learning to move your body, it translates real well to being on the D-line and learning how to navigate pressure and make sure you’re moving the right way when you’re passing rushing.”

The 6-foot-2, 284-pound defensive tackle from Joliet Catholic Academy just outside of Chicago is the rare Division I prospect who is a more highly regarded competitor in his “other” sport.

The senior is considered a four-star football prospect, according to 247sports, and a three-star recruit by Rivals, ESPN and On3. On the mat, Johnson is the No. 1 ranked high school heavyweight in the country by FloWrestling and No. 2 by Sports Illustrated.

Will he try compete in both sports at UW?

“I’m still trying to figure it all out,” he said.

There is a lot to consider. The football-wrestling double is rare because of the overlap of seasons and physical demands of each sport. What Johnson is certain of at this point is that wrestling has made him a better football player.

In addition to aforementioned physical benefits, Johnson says the sport fosters a level of concentration.

“You have to stay focused on what you can control, your breathing, your technique,” he said. “You’re really not letting anything get to you which helps. In football if a team is down, you stay focused on what you can do. If a team is doing good, you still stay focused on what you’ve got to do, which helps you block out stuff that can get in your…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/why-wrestling-foundation-wisconsin-football-103041162.html

Author : Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Publish date : 2024-03-13 10:30:41

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