Jason Johnson, RHP, Dublin Jerome, 2013

Dublin Jerome’s Jason Johnson had a roller coaster ride over the past 9 months.

In July, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound right-handed pitcher stood out as one of the top performers at PBR Ohio’s Top Prospect Showcase. The long and lanky prospect threw an 83-86 mph fastball with plenty of life and movement while showing command of slider and split finger fastball.

In August, Johnson stared as one of the top pitcher’s for Team Ohio at the Midwest Futures Games in Chicago as he caught the attention of many collegiate programs.

However, when fall hit, the talented junior came down a virus that put him on the sidelines. During this time, he lost nearly 20 pounds.

Now, with several months of off-season training behind him, the big righty is ready to start the 2012 spring season.

On February 18^th, Johnson attended the second Pre-Season Underclass Showcase in Dayton.

Looking back on his performance, he says, “I felt I performed well. I had nice movement on my fastball and was throwing hard for early in the season. I definitely was not throwing at full strength but already showing improvement from last year.” 

Later, he goes on to say, “I have been working on some new pitches and they looked good. I threw my new curve ball very well.”

His scouting report from the event notes:

6-foot-3, 200-pound prospect with tall, lanky frame. Uses a low ¾ to ¾ arm slot with long, loose arm action. Shows four effective pitches. His fastball sits 82-84 mph with late run. Curveball shows slurvy type action with 11/5 late break as it registers 68-72 mph. Changeup is thrown near fastball arm speed and sits at 76 mph with arm side run. Split-finger sits at 75 mph and shows good diving action down in the zone. Definite D1 follow (we have seen him in the mid to upper 80’s).

With plenty of work ahead of him, Johnson says, “I need to improve on my velocity … During the summer, I hit 87 mph and would like to keep moving up.”

In order to improve his arm strength and overall body strength, Johnson has been following a long toss program and training three times a week with trainer Mike Durant, former OSU standout and MLB player.

Since last summer, Johnson has been busy navigating through the recruiting process.

“I have taken some unofficial visits already to University of Kansas and University of Toledo. I have been in contact with many coaches and I am planning visits to Michigan State, Georgia Tech, Wright State, and Indiana University.”

This spring, the expectations are high for Johnson and Dublin Jerome.

With a small senior class led by Dayton signee Aaron Huesman, Jerome will be counting on talented juniors such as Johnson, Masashi Sakamoto, Kyle Lento, Tom Coon, and William Thomas.

Johnson notes, “Our team has been playing together since we were in middle school. Some of us have played together longer. We are good teammates and friends.”

Still, he says, “The key to our success this year will be communication and playing good team defense.”

Jerome’s non-conference schedule could be one of the toughest in the state this year with games scheduled against Cleveland St. Ignatius, Cleveland St. Edwards, Strongsville, Cincinnati Moeller, and Olentangy Orange.

This summer, Johnson will be playing for the 17U Ohio Elite (Winter). He will be participating in the Top Prospect Games in June at Prasco Park.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JASON JOHNSON'S SCOUTING REPORT AND VIDEO