St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy’s Star Junior Cornerback: Johnny McNeil III

Johnny McNeil III is a 3 Star recruit who plays Cornerback at St. Pius X-St. Matthias Academy. McNeil III is ranked as the 595th best recruit in the class of 2027 and is ranked as a top 60 Cornerback in the class as well. In addition, McNeil III is listed among one of the top recruits in the state of California and is listed as a top 15 Cornerback in the state of California. He holds offers from schools such as Arizona, BYU and Miami.

Who are some role models in your life?
One of my biggest role models is my PawPaw. He’s made mistakes in his past, and because of that, he knows what it looks like when someone messes up their whole life. He keeps me grounded and always helps steer me away from bad decisions—especially during these crucial teenage years.

What artists do you listen to pregame, to get you hyped up?
Most of the day I’ve got Raq Baby, LUCKI, and Chuckyy playing. But when it gets close to game time, I always throw on Pearls by Sade. That’s my reset—it gets my mind right.

What are the strengths of your game?
My height and speed are big advantages. I’ve got the speed to stay with any receiver and the length to disrupt passes and make plays on the ball.

What is your favorite memory of your career?
Winning the Regional Championship last year. The CIF title was special, but that Regional game hit different—it was the first time any team in our school’s history made it to that level in any sport. It meant a lot to me, but even more to Coach D. That bond and that win will stick with me forever.

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with or against?
Best player I’ve played with is my guy Gregory Taylor. He’s only about 5’9″, 165 pounds, but he’s got more heart and athleticism than anyone I’ve seen. The toughest I’ve played against was Shane Rosenthal. He scored on me twice early in the game when I was just 15. I was hard on myself, but I bounced back, made some tackles, and broke up a pass. My mom told me afterward that game would either make me or break me—and it made me.

What’s some advice you’d give to an aspiring D1 athlete?
When times get hard, work harder. My coach always says, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do.” If you push through adversity and stay consistent, you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Definitely Tokyo. I watch a lot of anime, so I’d love to experience that culture in real life.

How old were you when you fell in love with the game?
Honestly, I’ve loved football for as long as I can remember. My family jokes that I came out the womb with a football. I used to watch ESPN with my PawPaw before I could even walk, rocking the little plastic shoulder pads and helmet. Football has always been a part of me.

If you could meet one sports hero, who would it be?
LeBron James, no question. The way he’s dominated across different eras and stayed consistent on and off the court is legendary. Some people say he’s not their GOAT—but they’re lying.

What’s your favorite sports moment as a fan?
The 2016 NBA Finals—watching the Cavs come back from down 3–1 to beat the 73–9 Warriors. That series showed me that no matter how far you’re down, if there’s time on the clock, you’ve still got a chance.